Glossary

A flexographic printing press, also known as a flexo press, is a type of printing machine that uses a flexible relief plate to transfer ink onto a substrate, such as paper or film, in order to create high-quality labels and packaging materials.

Flexo presses are widely used in the label printing industry due to their versatility, speed, and ability to print on a wide range of substrates, including both absorbent and non-absorbent materials. The plates used in flexo printing are typically made of rubber or photopolymer and are mounted onto a cylinder that rotates continuously during the printing process.

In a flexo press, ink is transferred from the anilox roll, which is coated with a precise amount of ink, to the printing plate. The plate then transfers the ink to the substrate as it passes through the press. Flexo presses are capable of printing in multiple colors and can also perform other functions such as laminating, die cutting, and embossing in a single pass.

Flexo printing is ideal for high-volume label printing due to its speed and efficiency. It is also well-suited for printing on materials such as pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, and wraparound labels. The process is highly customizable, allowing for precise color matching, registration, and variable data printing. Flexo printing is widely used in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries, among others.