Flexible printing is a widely used printing technique that has revolutionized the printing industry. It is a process that involves printing on flexible materials such as plastic, paper, and metal foils. The process of flexible printing is a complex one that requires a high level of expertise and precision. In this article, we will take a closer look at the process of flexible printing and how it works.
Pre-press Stage
The pre-press stage is the first stage in the process of flexible printing. It involves the preparation of the artwork that will be printed on the flexible material. The artwork is usually created using computer software such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. The artwork is then transferred onto a printing plate using a process called plate making. The printing plate is then mounted onto the printing press.
Printing Stage
The printing stage is the second stage in the process of flexible printing. It involves the actual printing of the artwork onto the flexible material. The printing press uses a series of rollers to transfer ink onto the printing plate. The ink is then transferred from the printing plate onto the flexible material. The printing press can print up to eight colors at a time, allowing for a wide range of colors and designs.
Drying Stage
The drying stage is the third stage in the process of flexible printing. It involves the drying of the ink on the flexible material. The drying process is important because it ensures that the ink does not smudge or smear. The drying process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the type of ink and the printing conditions.
Finishing Stage
The finishing stage is the final stage in the process of flexible printing. It involves the cutting, folding, and packaging of the printed material. The printed material is cut to the desired size and shape using a cutting machine. The material is then folded and packaged for shipping.
Conclusion
The process of flexible printing is a complex one that requires a high level of expertise and precision. It involves the preparation of the artwork, the printing of the artwork onto the flexible material, the drying of the ink, and the finishing of the printed material. Flexible printing is a versatile printing technique that can be used to print on a wide range of materials. It is widely used in the packaging industry, the label industry, and the food industry. If you are looking for a printing technique that is versatile, efficient, and cost-effective, flexible printing is the way to go.
