Flexographic Printing: The Method of the Future
Today, you can find flexographic printing everywhere, from food packaging to the designs printed on paper towels. The possibilities are endless, which is why Luminite has created this Flexo Resource page, to give you the insider scoop on all things flexo and help you increase efficiency in your printing process.
About Luminite Products Corp.
Luminite has been in the printing industry since the company was founded in 1926 and has gone to great lengths to innovate and improve printing techniques.
In the 1970s, Luminite became the only manufacturer to produce and sell laser-engraved rubber-covered cylinders to improve continuous printing presses. The legacy continued with the 2012 invention of the patented Load-N-Lok air sleeve technology, which brings flexo printing to a whole new level of efficiency.
Luminite has always been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to flexo printing. Now we’re sharing ideas for efficient engineering with you through educational blog posts and digital guides.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/2″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-178829″ isotope_mode=”packery” medias=”67709,67710,67713,67609,67607,67625″ style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”0″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”0″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”2″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″ css=”.vc_custom_1589396832997{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
New to Flexo? Here’s More on the Flexo Printing Process
Flexographic printing differs from other flexible packaging printing methods, and it can be a lot to understand. Check out these articles about the nitty-gritty of the flexo process. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”0″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ style=”dark” back_color=”color-rgdb” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”2″ border_color=”color-lxmt” border_style=”solid” medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1589396809863{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image media=”67825″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”one-one”][vc_column_text]
How Flexographic Printing Works: A Step-By-Step Guide
Flexo might seem like magic, but it is best explained as a carefully choreographed science, yielding a final printed product that is both beautiful and functional.
[/vc_column_text][vc_button size=”btn-xl” wide=”yes” border_width=”0″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fblog.luminite.com%2Fblog%2Fhow-flexographic-printing-works-a-step-by-step-guide|||”]Learn more[/vc_button][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ style=”dark” back_color=”color-rgdb” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ border_color=”color-lxmt” border_style=”solid” medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1589396111525{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image media=”67826″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”one-one”][vc_column_text]Beginner’s Guide to Flexo Printing Ink Transfer
Ink transfer is the basis of successful flexographic printing. It involves the amount of ink being moved through the components of the printing process and ultimately onto the substrate.
[/vc_column_text][vc_button size=”btn-xl” wide=”yes” border_width=”0″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fblog.luminite.com%2Fblog%2Fflexo-printing-ink-transfer|||”]Learn more[/vc_button][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ style=”dark” back_color=”color-rgdb” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ border_color=”color-lxmt” border_style=”solid” medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1589396091616{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image media=”67833″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”one-one”][vc_column_text]Elastomer Sleeves Vs. Photopolymer Plates for Flexo Printing
Not all flexo methods are created equal. Elastomer sleeves are less wasteful and easier to install than photopolymer plates, not to mention they last longer!
[/vc_column_text][vc_button size=”btn-xl” wide=”yes” border_width=”0″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fblog.luminite.com%2Fblog%2Felastomer-sleeves-vs-photopolymer-plates-for-flexo-printing|||”]Learn more[/vc_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-nhtu” overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”0″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397187803{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”2″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397163787{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Here’s How Flexo Compares to Other Printing Methods
Are you more familiar with other printing methods, or working on converting to flexography? We’ve produced valuable guides that compare and contrast flexo vs. other commercial printing methods: [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-nhtu” overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”0″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397485886{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”2″ border_color=”color-nhtu” border_style=”solid” medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397121360{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image media=”67827″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”one-one”][vc_column_text]
Flexo Printing vs. Gravure Printing: Pros and Cons
Flexographic printing and gravure printing are two of the most popular commercial printing techniques for printing on different substrates. But flexo is quicker and cheaper.
[/vc_column_text][vc_button size=”btn-xl” wide=”yes” border_width=”0″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fblog.luminite.com%2Fblog%2Fflexo-printing-vs-gravure-printing|||”]Learn more[/vc_button][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ border_color=”color-nhtu” border_style=”solid” medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397127551{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image media=”67828″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”one-one”][vc_column_text]Flexo vs. Litho Printing
Flexo and litho printing are fairly similar in their capabilities, but flexo is able to print on porous and non-porous materials. Litho is constrained to a few select substrates.
[/vc_column_text][vc_button size=”btn-xl” wide=”yes” border_width=”0″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fblog.luminite.com%2Fblog%2Fflexo-vs-litho-printing|||”]Learn more[/vc_button][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ border_color=”color-nhtu” border_style=”solid” medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397135592{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image media=”67829″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”one-one”][vc_column_text]Flexo vs. Offset Printing: Inks, Maintenance, Cost, Convenience
When it comes to long, consistent print runs, flexo and offset printing are the top contenders. But where offset is limited by the substrate, flexo is incredibly versatile and efficient.
[/vc_column_text][vc_button size=”btn-xl” wide=”yes” border_width=”0″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fblog.luminite.com%2Fblog%2Fflexo-printing-vs-offset-printing|||”]Learn more[/vc_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-xsdn” overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”0″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397272989{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”2″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397279046{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Load-N-Lok: Luminite’s Patented Flexographic Printing Technology
When you’re working in flexo, changing press plates is time-consuming and can slow down your printing operations. Luminite noticed this challenge, and aimed to fix it.
That’s why we created the Load-N-Lok elastomer sleeve. These revolutionary air sleeves cut down on preparation time, increase productivity, and decrease waste. Learn more about the Load-N-Lok system here. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1589485562358{padding-right: 50px !important;padding-left: 50px !important;}”][vc_raw_html]JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjIxMDAlMjUlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGQjFGLVA5RmNpMGMlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmFjY2VsZXJvbWV0ZXIlM0IlMjBhdXRvcGxheSUzQiUyMGVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUzQiUyMGd5cm9zY29wZSUzQiUyMHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-831303″ overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”0″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397621948{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”2″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397163787{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
Assessing Your Flexo Printing Challenges
As much as we’d like to say that flexo is without error, sometimes things happen. But with these resources, you’ll be able to assess flexo printing defects and operation errors to get your presses rolling again, better than ever![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-831303″ overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”0″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397638351{padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”2″ border_color=”color-831303″ border_style=”solid” medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397676142{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image media=”67830″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”one-one”][vc_column_text]
8 Factors Causing Dot Gain in Flexo Printing
Troubleshooting dot gain may take a little time and effort to solve. Let’s put the problem in perspective without wasting too much substrate and press downtime.
[/vc_column_text][vc_button size=”btn-xl” wide=”yes” border_width=”0″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fblog.luminite.com%2Fblog%2Fdot-gain-flexo-printing-defects|||”]Learn more[/vc_button][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ border_color=”color-831303″ border_style=”solid” medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397684419{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image media=”67831″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”one-one”][vc_column_text]Understanding Common Flexo Printing Defects: Mottled Print
As you’re printing singular color schemes, you’ll encounter mottled print. And true to form with many defects, there can actually be other causes of mottled image in flexo printing due to a variety of factors.
[/vc_column_text][vc_button size=”btn-xl” wide=”yes” border_width=”0″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fblog.luminite.com%2Fblog%2Fflexo-printing-defects-mottled-image|||”]Learn more[/vc_button][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ border_color=”color-831303″ border_style=”solid” medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1589397692583{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;}”][vc_single_image media=”67832″ media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”one-one”][vc_column_text]Flexo Printing Defects Diagnostics Chart and Troubleshooting Guide
This diagnostic chart helps you quickly hone in on your flexo printing defects and their likely causes. Get your machines back in business quickly!
[/vc_column_text][vc_button size=”btn-xl” wide=”yes” border_width=”0″ link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fblog.luminite.com%2Fblog%2Fflexo-printing-defects-diagnostic-chart|||”]Learn more[/vc_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-lxmt” overlay_alpha=”50″ equal_height=”yes” gutter_size=”0″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ css=”.vc_custom_1589475333759{padding-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”2″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”2/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1589475302500{padding-top: 50px !important;padding-bottom: 50px !important;}”][vc_column_text]Interested in Partnering with Luminite?
Flexographic printed products are such a large part of our lives — without them, the way consumers interact in the grocery store or pharmacy would change drastically. Flexo provides bright, clear print to draw attention and improve product visibility while remaining cost-effective and environmentally conscious.
To help make your flexo prints truly stand out, consider switching to long-lasting, durable, Luminite image carrier products. Load-N-Lok technology uses elastomer sleeves and easy-to-install setup to increase production efficiency and get your presses rolling sooner.
Wondering how Luminite can improve your printing processes? Drop us a line, or ask one of our technical support specialists a question. We’re more than happy to help, and even offer free print consultations if you’re looking to learn more. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/3″][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]