Do you sometimes wonder why we didn't offer you a cheaper printing option using a flexography machine? How the entire printing process works and what to expect, when it is and when it is not suitable to choose flexography, we will tell you in this article.
When we recommend flexography
As the first criterion is the number of printed bags. We offer flexography to customers for orders with 1,000 to 20,000 pieces. These are usually simple, single-color motifs. We are able to print a maximum of two colors in one motif. However, they must not have close overprinting, but more about that below.
Flexography is only possible on kraft paper bags in white and brown, not on colored kraft bags, luxury laminated ones, or on bags with rope handles (for example Sienas).
Just like with silkscreen, here also applies the distance from the edges 2 cm and from the top of the bag 7–9 cm due to handle overlaps. With flexography for double-sided prints, it is also necessary to respect the folded bottom of the bag on the back side. We place motifs on the back sides for customers above the folded bottom of the bag (see photo above).
Flexography machine
We will describe to you simply how the machine works. It is an elongated machine into which the printer inserts bags one by one from one side. The machine prints quite briskly and the printer must center the bag placement in a relatively short time.
The bag then passes between two rollers, the larger roller has a printing plate attached to it and the smaller one functions as a counter-pressure. Since the bag passes through here "on its own", the motif may shift on the bags. These shifts (up to 3 mm) are still within norm. Larger deviations and print accuracy are controlled by a second printer at the end of the machine who eliminates defective prints.
Color registration
The image below shows an example of color registration. Due to the above-mentioned properties of flexography, we cannot choose this machine.
The entire machine must be washed before each new order, the plate positioned, ink poured, and other machine properties adjusted. This process takes over an hour, so it is not financially viable to offer flexography for orders with lower quantities of bags.
In the next part, we will introduce you to the printing plate and reveal the colors that are free of charge with us.
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