Offset flexo printing? What's the difference? How to make better decisions?
Offset flexo printing? What's the difference?
How to make better decisions:
While both techniques work well for wet inks and printing plates, the two methods differ in process and various other factors. Technically, offset printing is a printing technique in which the ink image is transferred from the plate to the blanket and then to the printed substrate. The Advanced Flexo Printer flexo printing ink from the plate directly to the substrate.
Flexo and offset printing are common, but they perform different tasks. It is important to understand the role they play and to have a clear understanding of both types of printing processes Flexo Printing Solutions. The type of press to be used depends on the final product and quality required, as well as the quantity and substrate Flexo Exposure Machine.
First, one of the biggest differences between the two printing processes is the type of plate they use:
Flexible printing, using flexible plate for rotating printing process. These plates are made of photopolymer compounds and are flexible enough to wrap around the printing drum. The embossed image on the printing plate is fixed by a laser image setter, and no polymer in the image area is washed off in the processing unit and dissolved in a solvent or aqueous solution. Ink is transferred from the ink slot to the flexo plate by rotating "mesh" rollers. Each color to be printed requires a separate printing station and flexible plate. The image is then printed directly to the substrate. The printing plate is very durable, if stored properly, can be reused many times, and ultimately needs to be replaced.
For offset printing, ink is transferred to the printing plate through a series of rollers. This can be a flat or rotating process-depending on the type of offset press. The plate is usually made of aluminum. Then transfer the complete wet image (monochromatic or multicolor) to the blanket before drying, and then transfer it to the substrate.
Difference 2: Ink
Secondly, the ink process varies greatly:
Flexographic printing can use many types of inks, and offset usually consists of four mixtures: cyan, magenta, yellow and key (black). Each color has a specific printing station. Any spot color is a combination of printing colors. The ink can be water-based or UV-curable.
The flexo printing process uses a number of spot color printing stations, which can be pre-mixed to provide, or can be mixed in-house to choose from. Flexo printing inks can also be waterborne or UV-curable. Solvent-based inks can also be used. UV ink enables higher operating speeds and can be left in the press at the end of the day without emptying and cleaning each print station. Water-based inks need to be removed from the press when not in use - to prevent the ink drying on the rollers and in the ink pan.
Difference 3: Types Of Materials To Print On
Third, the main difference between the two processes is the printing surface substrate. Offset printing can only be carried out on the plane, while flexo printing can be used on almost any flexible surface.
Offset presses must print on flat, smooth materials such as paper, metal, cardboard, cellophane and vinyl. Very suitable for printing newspapers, books, magazines, stationery, posters, brochures and so on. Flexographic printing is used for absorbent and materials such as cellophane, foil, paperboard, fabric, plastic, metal, etc. Mainly used for packaging; Envelopes, Retail bags, Wallpaper, Paper, Newspaper, Sweet wrapping paper, label paper, etc.
Usually, to print on both sides of the substrate, a second pass is required. Similarly, any die-cutting, slitting, folding, indentation, composite, etc., as a second off-line process. Flexographic printing enables high-speed production, and many presses integrate multiple conversion options into the press for one-way operation.
Offset vs. Flexo printing:When to use which technology? 
Time and manpower:
Offset printing requires these processes to be performed on separate machines after completion of printing, which requires additional time and manpower.
Flexographic printing is ideal for high-speed production and overall quality. It is highly efficient in many ways and is generally suitable for most large print tasks. In the label printing field, most businesses prefer flexo printing because it doesn't require extra work and cost.
Flexibility and productivity advantages:
Flexo is superior to offset printing in many cases because of its flexibility and productivity advantages. Flexo printing is a solid long-term investment and is adaptable enough to accommodate and integrate a variety of online processes, including new digital technologies.
When looking for a printing solution, look for a solution that looks to the future and invests in future printing technologies. A current trend in flexo printing is to combine it with digital printing technology to produce powerful hybrid solutions that outperform most traditional offset presses.
Price:
Offset works well for large print jobs: as the number of labels increases, the price per 1000 labels will fall.
The printing plate required to print an image onto a label is more expensive than the offset version. (On the other hand, you can use them for repeat orders, and in offset you always need to make a new plate, or for repeat work).
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