What Are The Different Types Of Flexographic Printing?

Different types of flexographic printing can be classified in two dimensions: the structure of the printing press and the characteristics of the flexible version, as follows:
1.By Printing Machine Structure
flexographic printing press
Structure: independent printing device stacked up and down, mounted on one or both ends of the main wall panel, or mounted on a frame.
Features:
Available in 1-8 colors (usually 6 colors), it is suitable for packaging materials such as PE, PP bags, cellophane and roll paper.
Flexible structure, easy to install auxiliary equipment (such as glass, die cutting, etc.), suitable for short-run operation and post-printing processing.
Printing pressure is high, and the thickness of the substrate is generally adaptable.
Satellite flexographic printing press (CI flexographic printing)
Structure: Each printing unit is arranged around a common impression cylinder, and printing material is colored around an impression cylinder.
Features:
High-precision overprinting (+ -0.1mm) for PET, BOPP, PVC, etc.
The printing process is stable, and even without a special control devices, paper or film can be accurately overprinted.
High structural rigidity, suitable for long-term large-scale printing, but relatively high equipment costs.
Unit-type flexographic printing machine
Structure: 4-8 independent printing units arranged horizontally, driven by common power shaft.
Features:
High maturity, can print labels, stickers, soft packaging, paper boxes, cups, cartons, etc..
Easy to operate and maintain, support quick order change and post-press processing (such as peeling, hot stamping, pressing).
Printing speed up to 200m/min, suitable for small and medium batch printing.
2. By plate characteristics
according to photosensitive characteristics
Rubber plate: Traditional board, low printability, suitable for simple text and line printing.
Photosensitive resin plate:
Solid photosensitive resin plate: high abrasion resistance, can reproduce fine points, suitable for benzene ether and line plates.
Liquid photosensitive resin plate: Washed with water and additives, eco-friendly, low cost, suitable for text and line printing.
Sewing technology
Traditional floppy board: using negative film imaging, is commonly used in China.
Digital flexographic plates: Using laser ablated black film instead of negatives, shortening plate preparation time and improving dot quality.
Laser-engraved flexographic plates: Laser direct engraving flat or sleeve flexographic plates, suitable for high precision printing.
Based on plate thickness
Thickness (≥3.94mm): Large elastic deformation, close contact with uneven substrate, suitable for corrugated box printing.
Sheet (0.76mm-2.28mm):
1.70mm slab: Maximum usage for milk packaging, carton preprinting, plastic film, etc..
1.14mm slab: used for glazing, direct printing, etc.
By Development Method
Water Resources Development: Eco-friendly representative companies such as Asahi and Tokyo.
Solvent development: Adopts traditional methods on behalf of XSYS, DuPont, and others.
Thermal Development: Efficient, representative companies such as XSYS and DuPont.