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Offset Vs. Flexo Printing? What is the difference?(Difference 1: Plates)

2021-12-09

Offset Vs. Flexo Printing? What is the difference?

How to make better decision:

printing machine

Although both technologies work with wet ink and printing plates, these two methods differ in process and various other factors. Technically, offset printing is printing technique in which the inked image is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then onto the printed substrate. Whereas flexo printing doctor blade flexo transfers ink from a plate directly to the substrate.

Flexo and offset printing Advanced Flexo Printer are both common to be used, but they perform their tasks differently. It is important to understand what roles they perform and have a clear understanding of both types of printing process. The type of press to use depends on the final product and quality required, as well as volumes and substrates.

Difference 1: Plates

Firstly, one of the most different between these two printing processes is the type of plates they use:

Flexo printing , which uses flexible plates for a rotary printing process. The Flexo Printing Solutions plates are made from a photopolymer compound and are flexible enough so that they can be wrapped around a printing cylinder. The relief image on the printing plate is fixed by a laser image setter, and the polymer in the area that holds no image is washed off in the processing unit and dissolved in a solvent or aqueous solution. Ink is transferred from the ink well via a rotating `anilox` roller onto the flexo plate. A separate printing station & flexo plate is required for each colour to be printed. The image is then printed directly onto the substrate. The printing plates are quite durable and if stored correctly, can be re-used several times, before they eventually need to be replaced.

For offset printing, ink is transferred through a series of rollers onto the printing plate. This can be either a flat-bed or rotary process – depending on the type of offset press. The plate is usually made of aluminium. The complete wet image (either single colour or multiple colour) is then transferred onto a `blanket` and in turn onto the substrate, before drying.

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