FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING PROCESS

The flexographic printing process is a high pressure process using flexible printing plates.

The printed image information is transferred as an imprint onto a rubber or photopolymer plate. These printing plates are glued to a sleeve. The tube with the mounted printing form is then pulled over an air cylinder. As an alternative to the individual plates, for instance for continuous art works, lasered rubber or polymer sleeves can be used.

An anilox roll (surface is usually made of ceramic) contains laser-engraved cells. The cells geometry and the number (relative to a cm²) determine the amount of ink that the anilox roll delivers to the plate cylinder.

The anilox roll is supplied with ink via a chambered doctor blade system. Ink is retained between two doctor blades.

Kodak's new Flexcel NX imaging technology, used at Heyne & Penke, offers significantly higher quality and performance than traditional digital processes.

This new system combines high-resolution imaging with optimized dot structure and DigiCap NX screening to achieve substantially improved ink transfer efficiency.

This allows printing fine details as highlights, smooth colour gradients and all available tones. The one-to-one image reproduction and the flat plateau dots ensure that not a single design detail is lost from the beginning to the end of the printing process.

Our latest flexo printing machine features eight colours plus two stations for special varnishes and reverse prints. As the format cylinders are driven gearless, likewise in gravure printing, any cut-off size can be produced.

Various paper and film types with different qualities can be used in this printing process.