We were formed in 1981 and have 30 years of previous
experience in manufacturing equipment for the narrow web
label & Packaging print industry, this experience has enabled us to become
market leaders. Printing techniques vary from job to job and
company-to-company, which can often lead to confusion when deciding which is
the best fit for your needs. This blog will break down and explain exactly what
the differences are between 4 popular printing methods; Flexographic, Gravure,
Offset and Inkjet Printing.
Gravure
Printing
In gravure printing, the image is applied to a printing
substrate by use of a metal plate mounted on a cylinder. It uses a
depressed or sunken surface for desired image. The image to be reproduced
is etched into the metal plate, sometimes using a laser. The metal plate
is bathed in ink then wiped clean before application.
Positives of Gravure printing -
- Produces
high quality results rapidly but costs are significantly
higher than using other printing methods.
Offset
Printing
As
suggested in the name, in offset printing, the inked image is offset from a
plate to a rubber blanket, then to printing surface. There are few positives to
offset printing, as it produces an inferior image quality and there is a large amount of
time and high cost associated with producing plates and printing press setup.
InkJet
Printing
Inkjet
is a form of computer printing that creates a digital image by propelling
droplets of ink onto paper. Again, there are few positives to using ink-jet
printing on a large scale as it is often very expensive, clogs easily, has
a slow production speed and long drying time.
Flexographic Printing
Flexographic
printing, or ‘flexo’, is a printing technique which uses a flexible relief
plate, similar to letterpress - a simple inking system and fast drying
inks. Flexographic printing allows the inked surface to conform to many
kinds of substrates, such as, butcher paper newsprint, and chipboard. It's the
most flexible and diverse type of printing process.
Positives of flexo printing -
- Inks have low viscosity and are quick drying
allowing for high speed & volume of production
- Tighter control and repeatability
- Plates withstand millions of impressions
- Wide range of inks
- Ability
to print on wide range of absorbent and non-absorbent substrates
At Focus Label, our Flexographic printing services include our
PlateMate - the most
effective system for mounting all types of flexible photopolymer printing
plates. For more information on any flexographic printing processes, don’t
hesitate to get in contact with us.
