Flessografia: stampa su confezioni e imballi // Daniele Cogo

Summary

The video discusses the flexographic printing process, primarily used for packaging materials such as cardboard and plastic bags. It highlights the evolution of this technique to include printing on various plastic and aluminum supports. The flexographic printing system consists of three main cylinders: the ink cylinder, the anilox roller, and the printing plate cylinder. The process involves transferring ink from the ink reservoir to the anilox roller, which has cells that hold the ink. This ink is then applied to the raised graphic areas of the printing plate and finally transferred to the material being printed, ensuring high-quality results in flexible packaging.

Takeaways

• 🖨️ Flexographic printing is primarily used for packaging materials and has evolved to include printing on plastic and aluminum supports.
• 📦 Traditional applications of flexographic printing include printing on corrugated cardboard and paper bags.
• 🏪 The process is commonly seen in products available in stores and supermarkets.
• 🎡 Flexographic machines operate in rolls and can include in-line systems for ink drying, cutting, folding, and gluing.
• ⚙️ The flexographic printing process involves three main cylinders: the ink cylinder, the anilox roller, and the printing plate cylinder.
• 🖌️ Ink is drawn from the ink tank by a rubber ink cylinder and transferred to the anilox roller.
• 🔄 The anilox roller, made of steel or ceramic, has numerous cells that fill with ink during rotation, depending on the desired outcome.
• 🚫 A doctor blade removes excess ink from the anilox roller, ensuring ink is present only in the cells.
• 🖼️ The ink is then transferred from the anilox roller to the printing plate cylinder, which has raised graphic areas.
• 🔔 The printing process involves transferring ink onto the material through pressure created by a counter-pressure cylinder.

Q & A

What is flexographic printing primarily used for?

Flexographic printing is primarily used for packaging materials, including corrugated cardboard, paper bags, and flexible packaging made from plastic and aluminum.

How do flexographic printing machines operate?

Flexographic printing machines operate in a continuous roll format and can include in-line systems for drying ink, as well as cutting, folding, and gluing mechanisms to produce finished products quickly.

What are the three main cylinders involved in the flexographic printing process?

The three main cylinders in the flexographic printing process are the inking cylinder, the anilox roller, and the printing plate cylinder.

What role does the inking cylinder play in the flexographic printing process?

The inking cylinder picks up ink from the ink reservoir and transfers it to the anilox roller.

What is the function of the anilox roller?

The anilox roller contains cells that hold ink; it ensures that ink is distributed evenly and only where needed on the printing plate.

How does the printing plate cylinder work?

The printing plate cylinder transfers ink from the printing plate to the material being printed, utilizing pressure from a counter-pressure cylinder.

What is the significance of the cells in the anilox roller?

The cells in the anilox roller allow for precise ink transfer, holding a specific amount of ink to prevent excess from being applied to the printing plate.

Can flexographic machines handle various types of inks?

Yes, flexographic machines can be equipped to handle different types of inks, suitable for various substrates and printing needs.

What additional features may be integrated into flexographic printing machines?

Additional features may include systems for ink drying, cutting, folding, and gluing, which help streamline the production process.

What are photopolymer plates used for in flexographic printing?

Photopolymer plates are used as printing plates in flexographic printing, with graphic areas raised to transfer ink onto the substrate.