How does Flexographic Printing Works?

23 9 月 How does Flexographic Printing Works?

Understand the basic printing process of flexographic printing machines from platemaking to the printing process itself. Also, you can explore here the different key components of
flexographic printing presses, as well as their specific functions.

Although a flexographic printing machine is just one of the different types of printers available for your commercial printing needs, there exist thousands of different flexographic printers that you can choose from. One reason behind this is the flexographic printer’s consistently remarkable printing outputs and how the operation costs turn much cheaper as printing outputs are increasing. Hence, lots of businesses are constantly investing since they are having their investment returned!

Aside from that, what we will be emphasizing instead here in this blog is how flexographic printing works—we will identify its key components and their specific functions. Overall, towards the purpose of helping you gain a deeper knowledge of the mechanics of flexographic printing.

With no further ado, let’s keep the wheels rolling!

The Flexographic Printing Process: Platemaking and Printing

We can divide the printing process into two parts—as you have read above, platemaking, and the printing (to the substrate) process.

A. Platemaking Phase

Some flexographic printing experts claim that the most important step when it comes to printing is platemaking. One apparent reason for this claim is that once you’re done with
preparing the plates, the rest of the flexographic printing is then pretty straight forward! Well, almost!

So, what is platemaking about? Well, platemaking includes printing images and text (in mirror image) to the plate. Also, different plates must be created for each color by color-separation programs that will be used in the print run.

There are three different effective methods used to print on plates. This includes metallic plate etching, photo etching, and digital platemaking.

B. Printing Phase

You must carefully align the plates with a double-sided mounting tape and correctly place the printing plates onto the plate cylinder (sleeve)

(for some, with the help of specialist video-assisted mounting machines).

Next, the ink must be transferred to the fountain/metering roller. Depending on the machine purchased, precision is needed to micro-adjust all key pressure points on the printing station.

Pressure between the Rubber roller (now sitting in the fountain) and the anilox roller

Pressure between the inked anilox roller and the plate attached on the plate cylinder

Lastly, the pressure between the inked plate attached on the plate cylinder and the substrate it will be printed on.

Sounds like a lot right? Well with the right kind of investment the above-mentioned steps can be automated thanks to the technology that we have today. (For more information available on that please contact us)

The 6 Key Components of Flexographic Printing Machines

A. Feed and unwind station

This flexographic printing component controls the feeding of the substrate into the press. The feed and unwind station operate through a pre-identified tension.

B. Printing station

This part of the flexographic press guarantees a smooth and stable drive to make it certain that the final printing output is clean, as well as vibration-free.

C. Drying station

Depending on the ink used, the drying station can make use of infrared or UV rays (or a combination of both). Usually, the drying intensity is matched with the printing speed to ensure the same high-quality taking the substrate into account.

D. Chilling rollers

Chilling rollers of flexographic printers control the web temperature to guarantee that the substrate remains stable throughout the printing process.

E. Die-cutting and converting

In line with printing, this additional component of flexographic presses is responsible for cutting, creasing, foiling, stamping, and even embossing the final printing output.

F. Outfeed and rewind

This component ensures that the tension in the press is sustained properly as the substrate moves out from the machine. Outfeed and rewind make use of tension control sensors.

With that, we are hoping that we were able to provide you the must-have understanding of how flexographic printing works.

Also, for any flexographic printing machine needs, you can always visit and explore this website. Feel free to send us a mail if you want to do business with us. Lead Yuan is always here to serve all your flexographic printing needs!