A Guide To Flexographic Printing

vs. ROTOGRAVURE
The two main types of printing typically used
in package manufacturing are flexographic and
rotogravure.
Like anything, there are advantages and disadvantages to
both. Flexographic printing is a relief printing method similar
to letterpress printing that employs soft polymer plates
and fast-drying inks. It can be used on a wide variety of
substrates and is the most versatile of all printing options.
Rotogravure printing, on the other hand, involves the use
of a cylinder. The image is etched (often-laser etched)
into the cylinder, then the ink is applied and wiped down
before printing takes place. It provides superior graphic
reproduction but can be very costly when compared to
other printing methods.
Flexographic printing has become increasingly popular
over the last number of years and Tempo Plastics uses
this method exclusively. Global trends indicate an almost
8% year-over-year growth in the format. It can be used on
almost all non-absorbent materials which means it’s great
for text printing on all package formats.
Expanded gamut and Full HD Flexo printing allows flexo
printers like Tempo Plastics to reproduce a wide-range of
colors, and quick-dry inks are designed to be food-safe
and increase production speed. The polymer plates used
in flexo printing can print millions of impressions and can
be produced in a shorter time than rotogravure cylinders—
almost 8x shorter!
This means it’s more efficient for short or multiple runs and
easier to correct issues or make design updates. Finally, it
is more cost-effective. Rotogravure cylinders are far more
costly to produce.