What is flexography?

Flexography (often referred to simply as 'flexo'), is a method of printing most commonly used for packaging (ie. labels, tags, tape, bags, boxes, etc.).

A flexographic print is made by creating a positive mirrored master of the required image as a 3D relief in a rubber or polymer material which is mounted on a cylinder. As the cylinder rotates, a measured amount of ink is deposited on the surface of the master plate using an engraved anilox roll whose texture holds a specific amount of ink. The print surface then rotates, contacting the material to be printed (substrate) which transfers the ink.

Usually in flexography presses, up to eight (8) or more of these single colour units are placed in sequence to allow full colour or multi-colour printing.

Material to be printed is fed into the flexography press from large rolls and die cut before it comes off the press where it is cut into suitable sized rolls or sheets as necessary.