Due to the rapid change in the flexographic printing industry, the function and design of the flexo press has changed dramatically over the years. In the past, these presses were manufactured mainly for their speed and efficiency; even today, these presses are still in great demand because they provide good quality prints on different materials. Even with the introduction of other technologies like the gravure printing machine, flexo presses continue to be a backbone of the B2B packaging ecosystem.
This article will view the history of the flexo press, covering its major selling points, why it remains a preferred solution in packaging, and how these innovations made by other manufacturers serve the increasing demands of the industry.
What Are Flexo Presses?
Flexo presses are type of rotary printing press that employs flexible photopolymer plates inking various substrates. These machines are best suited for plastics in the form of films, paper, or even in corrugated form used for packaging printing. It is known that flexo printing is versatile as it prints on many materials and provides exquisite prints on them in a short span of time.
Initially, printing was done using Flexo prints with newspaper as the main focus market until it began transforming as a more complex technology which is now extensively used in the production of packaging for consumer goods, food products, and more. Most modern flexo presses allow for high definition prints at fast production speeds which adds to the flexo presses’ advantages over rotary and offset machines. These printers offer economical printing solutions for packaging businesses who print large volumes. With the ability to print on various materials, flexo presses became a standard tool in numerous industries and enabled businesses to meet demand changes seamlessly.
The Evolution of Flexo Presses: From Manual to Automatic
Flexo press’s history can be traced back to 20th century when it was first used to print newspapers. Sometime later, packaging industry discovered the usefulness flexo presses or it underwent a drastic transformation over the decades. From the 1950s to 1960s, the addition of automated features boosted the efficiency, productivity, and reduced operating costs associated with the equipment.
Early Flexo Presses
Rubber plates were used during the initial years of flexo presses. This, however, did not come close to competing with a traditional letterpress in regards to print quality. Everything from cleaning to manual plate changing required litho printers to perform a lot of manual labor. While cleaning up the manual work was not feasible at the time, later models became more affordable by incorporating new technologies which changed this. Due to being more accessible, a large number of smaller businesses adopted these, however, further innovations were essential to keep up with the rising demand for quality packaging.
Advancements in Automation
Automation of the flexo presses began in the 1980s with automatic ink distribution systems, automatic register controls, and computer management. These technologies increased production speed while also improving the accuracy of printing. In addition to these benefits, cost efficiency was also added as flexibility became less wasteful in large scale operations.
Operators of modern machines are now capable of setting the machine to run with little change needed, which eliminates errors and maximizes output. Automated systems have improved the workings of flexo presses in manners that could not be achieved through manual operations.
Modernized flexo presses are fully automated, allowing for quicker setup times, reduced wastage, and accurate printing. New presses now incorporate internal drying systems, improved ink systems, and modern technologies that enable the presses to be used for both short and long runs of high-quality printing. These innovations guarantee the usefulness of flexo presses in today’s competitive market.
Why Flexo Presses Are Still in High Demand
Even with the rise of other printing technologies like the gravure printing machine, flexo presses remain in high demand due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to meet the diverse needs of the packaging industry.
Cost-Effectiveness for Short and Long Runs
One of the key advantages of flexo presses is their cost-effectiveness for both short and long print runs. Unlike gravure printing machines, which can be expensive to set up for small jobs, flexo presses can easily accommodate short runs, making them a more affordable option for businesses that don’t require massive quantities. At the same time, they can scale efficiently for large runs, making them versatile and suitable for various business needs.
Printing machine manufacturers continue to improve the cost-efficiency of these machines, ensuring that businesses can benefit from high-quality prints at an affordable price. For businesses with fluctuating production volumes or those that produce different packaging designs, the flexibility to easily switch between short runs and long runs makes flexo presses a reliable investment. Additionally, with reduced setup costs compared to other methods like gravure printing machines, businesses can improve profitability and reduce waste over time.
Comparing Flexo Presses with Gravure Printing Machines
While both flexo presses and gravure printing machines are used for high-quality printing, they serve different purposes in the packaging industry. Understanding the differences between these two technologies is important for B2B businesses deciding which technology to invest in.
- Print Quality: Gravure printing machines are often favored for their superior color consistency and ability to print fine details, particularly on high-end packaging materials. However, flexo presses have improved significantly in recent years and can now deliver high-quality prints that are suitable for most packaging applications.
- Cost: Flexo presses tend to be more affordable for short runs and lower volumes of production, while gravure printing machines are better suited for large-volume runs where the high setup costs are offset by economies of scale.
- Versatility: Flexo presses offer more flexibility with different types of substrates and can handle a broader range of materials compared to gravure printing machines, which are typically more suited for specific types of materials.
- Maintenance and Setup: Flexo presses generally require less maintenance and are easier to set up compared to gravure printing machines, which can require more extensive preparation time for each print job.
Overall, flexo presses offer a more versatile and cost-effective solution for businesses, especially those requiring flexibility in material options and shorter production runs.
Conclusion
The optimization of flexo presses has advanced them to a key asset in the packing industry because they now offer an easily adjustable, budget-friendly, and efficient printing solution. These presses just keep getting better as innovation is made by printing machine manufacturers; there are improvements in speed, print quality, and substrate flexibility.
Flexo presses are a preferred option for B2B companies that are in need of quick, adaptable, and eco-friendly packaging services. For any need, whether it be for flexible packaging, labels, or high-volume production, flexo presses meet all requirements in the modern packaging industry when it comes to quality, efficiency, affordability, and sustainability.
