Fleksograafia

Fleksograafia, often called flexo printing, is a modern, high-speed, versatile printing technique. It is primarily used for printing on packaging materials, labels, and other flexible substrates. The process utilizes a flexible relief printing plate, typically made of photopolymer, which carries the ink to the substrate. These plates are mounted on a rotary cylinder that rotates against the substrate.

The key characteristic of flexography is its raised printing image. This raised surface allows for a much shallower ink transfer compared to traditional letterpress printing, making it suitable for a wide range of ink types, including water-based, solvent-based, and UV-curable inks. This adaptability is crucial for printing on various materials like plastic films, paper, cardboard, and foil.

The flexographic printing press consists of multiple units, each responsible for a specific color. An anilox roller, a roller engraved with small cells, transfers a precise amount of ink to the printing plate. A doctor blade then wipes away excess ink from the anilox roller. The inked plate then transfers the image to the substrate as it passes between the plate cylinder and an impression cylinder. The speed and efficiency of flexography make it an economically viable option for large-volume print runs. Its ability to print on diverse and often challenging surfaces has cemented its importance in the packaging and labeling industries.