--- title: FAQ | About Flexo Printing Sleeves, Cylinders & Plates | Luminite description: Get answers to the most common questions about flexographic printing equipment and the flexo printing process. Read the FAQ! --- [![Luminite Logo High Res](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luminite-Assets/Luminite%20Logo%20%20High%20Res.jpg?width=1500&height=228&name=Luminite%20Logo%20%20High%20Res.jpg "Luminite Logo High Res")](https://luminite.com/?hsLang=en) [![Luminite Logo High Res](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luminite-Assets/Luminite%20Logo%20%20High%20Res.jpg?width=1500&height=228&name=Luminite%20Logo%20%20High%20Res.jpg "Luminite Logo High Res")](https://luminite.com/?hsLang=en) - [About](https://luminite.com/customer-service/) - [Meet The Team](https://luminite.com/meet-the-team) - [Products](https://luminite.com/products/) - [Print Sleeves](https://luminite.com/services/elastomer-sleeves/) - [Print Cylinders](https://luminite.com/services/elastomer-covered-cylinders/) - [Load-N-Lok](https://luminite.com/services/load-n-lok/) - [Services](https://luminite.com/services/) - [Digital Laser Engraving](https://luminite.com/services/digital-laser-engraving-technology/) - [Graphic Services](https://luminite.com/graphics/) - [Markets Served](https://luminite.com/flexo-printing-solutions-industries-and-markets-served/) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.luminite.com/blog) - [Flexo Vs. Other Printing Methods ](https://luminite.com/flexo-vs-other-printing) - [Printing Defects Resources ](https://blog.luminite.com/blog/flexo-printing-defects-diagnostic-chart) - [Sleeve & Plate Storage](https://luminite.com/support/flexo-plate-care-and-storage/) - [Support](https://luminite.com/support/) - [FAQ](https://luminite.com/support/faq/) - [The Flexography Process: A Look at Luminite Production](https://luminite.com/why-choose-luminite-for-flexographic-printing/) - [Contact](https://luminite.com/contact/) - [RFQ](https://luminite.com/rfq) More results [ Flexo 101 Resource Hub ](https://flexo101.luminite.com/?hsLang=en) [ Flexo 101 Resource Hub ](https://flexo101.luminite.com/?hsLang=en) [ Flexo 101 Resource Hub ](https://flexo101.luminite.com/?hsLang=en) - [About](https://luminite.com/customer-service/) - [Meet The Team](https://luminite.com/meet-the-team) - [Products](https://luminite.com/products/) - [Print Sleeves](https://luminite.com/services/elastomer-sleeves/) - [Print Cylinders](https://luminite.com/services/elastomer-covered-cylinders/) - [Load-N-Lok](https://luminite.com/services/load-n-lok/) - [Services](https://luminite.com/services/) - [Digital Laser Engraving](https://luminite.com/services/digital-laser-engraving-technology/) - [Graphic Services](https://luminite.com/graphics/) - [Markets Served](https://luminite.com/flexo-printing-solutions-industries-and-markets-served/) - Resources - [Blog](https://blog.luminite.com/blog) - [Flexo Vs. Other Printing Methods ](https://luminite.com/flexo-vs-other-printing) - [Printing Defects Resources ](https://blog.luminite.com/blog/flexo-printing-defects-diagnostic-chart) - [Sleeve & Plate Storage](https://luminite.com/support/flexo-plate-care-and-storage/) - [Support](https://luminite.com/support/) - [FAQ](https://luminite.com/support/faq/) - [The Flexography Process: A Look at Luminite Production](https://luminite.com/why-choose-luminite-for-flexographic-printing/) - [Contact](https://luminite.com/contact/) - [RFQ](https://luminite.com/rfq) [ Flexo 101 Resource Hub ](https://flexo101.luminite.com/?hsLang=en) # Frequently Asked Questions Flexo printing can be daunting, but here are some commonly asked questions to help keep your presses running smoothly. ![Slice 4 (55)](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Slice%204%20(55).png?width=393&height=402&name=Slice%204%20(55).png) Why Elastomer? Elastomer is an extremely durable rubber polymer that withstands the rigorous stresses of repeat printing. Standard polymers don’t offer the same kind of resilience. In addition to providing millions of great impressions, elastomer sleeves also increase press uptime, lasting up to 3 to 5 times longer than polymer plates in most applications.  Other benefits include: - Superior abrasion resistance - Compatible with a large variety of inks - Exceptional ink transfer - Reduces pressroom waste - Easy to clean and store ![Slice 4 (55)](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Slice%204%20(55).png?width=393&height=402&name=Slice%204%20(55).png) Why Should I Choose Flexo Printing Over Other Printing Methods? Flexo printing is a shining star among printing methods. It offers the most versatility, and repeatability, and is cost efficient for large print runs.  Don’t believe us? Take a look at some of the comparisons: - [Flexo vs. Gravure Printing](https://blog.luminite.com/blog/flexo-printing-vs-gravure-printing?hsLang=en) - [Flexo vs. Offset Printing](https://blog.luminite.com/blog/flexo-printing-vs-offset-printing?hsLang=en) - [Flexo vs. Litho Printing](https://blog.luminite.com/blog/flexo-vs-litho-printing?hsLang=en) ![Slice 4 (55)](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Slice%204%20(55).png?width=393&height=402&name=Slice%204%20(55).png) I’m Experiencing Printing Defects With My Sleeves, What Do I Do? Even the most well-rounded printers can experience printing defects. Take a look [at this resource](https://blog.luminite.com/blog/flexo-printing-defects-diagnostic-chart?hsLang=en) for pinpointing what kind of defect you’re looking at. ![Slice 4 (55)](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Slice%204%20(55).png?width=393&height=402&name=Slice%204%20(55).png) How Do I Take Care of My Sleeves and Plates? Everyone has a different system for maintaining the integrity of their image carriers, and it depends a lot on the type of ink you’re printing with. Here’s how we suggest [cleaning and storing your plates and sleeves](https://luminite.com/support/flexo-plate-care-and-storage/?hsLang=en). ![Slice 4 (55)](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Slice%204%20(55).png?width=393&height=402&name=Slice%204%20(55).png) I Want to Print Sustainably, but I’m Not Sure Where to Start. Flexo is great for printing sustainably! There is a wide range of environmentally friendly: - Substrates - Inks - Coatings & Adhesives - Pressroom Equipment There are also many excellent resources available for [eco-friendly flexo printing strategies!](https://blog.luminite.com/blog/sustainable-packaging-design-guide-for-newcomers?hsLang=en) ![Slice 4 (55)](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Slice%204%20(55).png?width=393&height=402&name=Slice%204%20(55).png) What Prepress Services Do You Offer? At Luminite, we offer the following [flexo prepress solutions](https://blog.luminite.com/blog/advantages-of-flexo-prepress-solutions?hsLang=en) to help you get the best print possible: - Color management - Texturing - Stepping - Proofing - Graphic Design - Consultation ![Slice 4 (55)](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Slice%204%20(55).png?width=393&height=402&name=Slice%204%20(55).png) What Are Acceptable Art Files? For a list of acceptable file types and preparation requirements please visit our [Graphics Page](http://luminite.wpengine.com/graphics/). ![Slice 4 (55)](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Slice%204%20(55).png?width=393&height=402&name=Slice%204%20(55).png) What Is Your Durometer Range? Our durometers range from 30 Shore A to 75 Shore D. ![Slice 4 (55)](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Slice%204%20(55).png?width=393&height=402&name=Slice%204%20(55).png) What Is Your Surface Tension? Our specifically formulated materials can withstand temperatures up to 500°. ![Slice 4 (55)](https://luminite.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Slice%204%20(55).png?width=393&height=402&name=Slice%204%20(55).png) I’m Experiencing Printing Defects With My Sleeves. What Do I Do? Even the most well-rounded printers can experience printing defects. Take a look [at this resource](https://blog.luminite.com/blog/flexo-printing-defects-diagnostic-chart?hsLang=en) for pinpointing what kind of defect you’re looking at. [![App Store](https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/273774/act3/images/app-store.svg) ](https://luminite.com/support/faq/#appstore) [![Google Play](https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/273774/act3/images/google-play.svg) ](https://luminite.com/support/faq/#googleplay) # Luminite Products Corporation [Home](https://luminite.com?hsLang=en) [About](https://luminite.com/customer-service/our-heritage/?hsLang=en) - [Meet The Team](https://luminite.com/customer-service/?hsLang=en) - [Privacy](https://luminite.com/privacy?hsLang=en) [Products](https://luminite.com/products/?hsLang=en) - [Print Sleeves](https://luminite.com/services/elastomer-sleeves/?hsLang=en) - [Print Cylinders](https://luminite.com/services/elastomer-covered-cylinders/?hsLang=en) - [Load-N-Lok](https://luminite.com/services/load-n-lok/?hsLang=en) [Services](https://luminite.com/services/?hsLang=en) - [Digital Laser Engraving](https://luminite.com/services/digital-laser-engraving-technology/?hsLang=en) - [Graphic Services](https://luminite.com/graphics/?hsLang=en) - [Markets Served](https://luminite.com/flexo-printing-solutions-industries-and-markets-served/?hsLang=en) [Resources](https://luminite.com/support/faq/#) - [Blog](https://blog.luminite.com/blog?hsLang=en) - [Flexo Vs. Other Printing Methods ](https://luminite.com/flexo-vs-other-printing?hsLang=en) - [Printing Defects Resources ](https://blog.luminite.com/blog/flexo-printing-defects-diagnostic-chart?hsLang=en) - [Sleeve & Plate Storage](https://luminite.com/support/flexo-plate-care-and-storage/?hsLang=en) - [Support](https://luminite.com/support/?hsLang=en) - [FAQ](https://luminite.com/support/faq/?hsLang=en) - [Choose Luminite For Flexographic Printing](https://luminite.com/why-choose-luminite-for-flexographic-printing/?hsLang=en) [Contact](https://luminite.com/contact/?hsLang=en) Copyright © 2026 Luminite, Inc.