Flexography printing uses a traditional method which features a flexible relief plate that is typically made of plastic or rubber. This design allows it to conform to the surface, delivering ink to many different kinds of components. The ink usually has a lower viscosity, allowing it to dry quickly for high-speed production needs.
List of the Pros of Flexography
1. It can be used to print on a variety of different materials.
The most significant advantage of flexography is that you can print on numerous material options. This benefit occurs as a direct result of the ink and relief plate used during printing activities.
2. It operates at high press speeds.
Operators can take care of large printing jobs quickly thanks to the processes involved with flexography. The high press speeds allow it to work on a large roll of substrate, completing varnishing, laminating, or even die-cutting during a single pass.
3. The cost of production is quite low.
When the printing plates receive proper care, then they can last for several runs. Their initial cost is higher when compared to other options that are available, but the combination of speed and longevity creates a lower cost overall.
List of the Cons of Flexography
1. It takes more time to set up each job.
Although the printing process is relatively quick compared to other methods which are available today, the time to set up each job is more time-consuming. That means flexography works better when printing multiple runs of the same options.
2. New version changes require you to start over.
You cannot update the design used in flexography in the middle of the run. If you find that making a change is necessary, then you must start the process over from the very beginning.
3. The cost of the plates may be prohibitive to some businesses.
The average cost for a new plate when using flexography techniques is between $75 to $100 for mot products. You will also have higher levels of substrate waste, often consuming over 1,000 feet of label stock to create a finished project.
These flexography pros and cons indicate that the high press speeds and variety of materials make it a suitable option for some, but only if the initial capital requirements are met.