What Are the 4 Types of Flexographic Printing Plates?

Commonly referred to as flexo printing, flexographic printing is a new and advanced style of printing on various surfaces including paper, plastic, film and more. One of the crucial elements in this process is the flexographic printing plate.

What is the Flexo Plate?

A flexographic printing plate is a flexible, photopolymer-based plate used in the flexographic printing process. Flexo plates are modernized in terms of quality and utility. With the emergence of modern electronics rubbers based plates have long since been phased out. The technology of photopolymer, thermal and even 3D printed options provides a greater level of quality in prints and greater quality in images.

Why Are Flexographic Printing Plates Important?

Flexographic printing plates are the most critical part of the flexo printing process because it defines how accurate the printed image can be. There is hardly any print job that does not depend on the condition of the plate, the manufacturing method of the plate, and its relevance for the specific print run. Plates that durable and consistent can withstand millions of impressions making them cost effective for high volume print runs.

The 4 Types of Flexographic Printing Plates

One of the most characteristic and distinctive features of flexographic plates is their differentiation into four categories, which have diverse uses.

Photopolymer Plates for Flexographic Printing

Photopolymer plates are the most commonly used flexo plates today. Made from light-sensitive polymers, these plates are exposed to UV light to create a raised print surface. The areas exposed to UV light harden, while the unexposed areas wash away during the processing phase.

Benefits

1 High-quality imaging and fine detail
2 Excellent durability for long print runs
3 Versatile for a variety of substrates

Photopolymer plates are widely used because they can produce high-quality prints and are capable of maintaining fine details, even in intricate designs.

Flexo Rubber Printing Plate

For centuries, flexo rubber plates were the mainstream form of a flexograph, but nowadays photopolymer plates serve the main purpose. This is not to say that rubber plates are completely unheard of as they are commonly used for printing on rough surfaces.

Benefits

1 Suitable for printing on textured or uneven substrates
2 Good for long print runs on specific materials
3 Cost-effective for low-volume jobs

Flexo rubber printing plates may not be as commonplace as photopolymer plates, but they’re still useful where flexibility and expenses are more prominent.

3D Printing Flex Plate

The introduction of 3D printing machinery brought forth a new measure of technology in the world of flexographic printing: 3D printing flex plates. 3D printed flex plates are produced by printing the image layer by layer, creating a more sophisticated and much more customized piece.

Benefits

1 Ability to create intricate, high-precision designs
2 Customization for unique print jobs
3 Eliminates the need for traditional plate-making processes

While still in the early stages of adoption in the industry, 3D printing flex plates are revolutionizing the way flexographic printers approach plate creation, offering a more efficient and precise method for certain applications.

Thermal Plates

Thermal flexographic plates involve using heat to extract images onto a plate surface. In this case, the water-etched portion of the plate is raised above the rest of the plate. There is no use of solvents or other chemicals in this method making it simpler and more eco-friendly.

Benefits

1 No solvents or water required, reducing environmental impact
2 Quick processing and fast turnaround times
3 High-quality prints with excellent edge definition

Thermal plates are gaining popularity due to their sustainability and the fact that they can produce high-quality prints without the environmental concerns associated with traditional methods.

How to Choose the Right Flexo Plate?

When selecting the right flexographic printing plate for your job, consider the following factors:

Print quality: If fine detail is important, photopolymer plates or thermal plates may be the best choice.

Durability: Photopolymer and thermal plates offer excellent durability for long print runs, while rubber plates may be more suitable for low-volume jobs.

Environmental impact: If sustainability is a priority, thermal plates or water-wash photopolymer plates provide eco-friendly alternatives.

Cost: Flexo rubber plates and water-wash plates tend to be more cost-effective for smaller jobs or specialized applications.

Each type of plate has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to match the right plate type with the specific needs of your print job.

Conclusion

In flexographic priting, selecting the appropriate flexo plate is vital for getting the best possible quality from your work, as well as getting the most efficiency out of your resources. The four types of flexographic printing plates photopolymer plates, flexo rubber plates, 3D printed plates, and thermal plates all have different strengths and are best for certain applications.

Knowing what the different types of plates do will help you in choosing the type of plate that will work best for the quality of your prints and the productivity of your operation.

References

How to Tell a Bad Plate on Flex Printing
What Are Flexographic Printing Plates?
Flexographic Printing Plates