Flexo printing and intaglio printing are significantly different in several ways. Here's a detailed comparison of the two:
Definition and principle
Flexo printing
Definition: Flexographic printing is a type of relief printing that uses flexographic materials for printing.
Principle: The ink is evenly coated on the surface of the plate roller through the mesh roller, and then the image is transferred to the printing material through the pressure.
Intaglio printing
Definition: Intaglio printing is a type of printing that uses inked parts to store ink.
Principle: The concave line is engraved on the plate plane, when the ink is rolled on, the ink will be embedded in the concave line (dot), and then through the erasing process and the pressure of the gravure press, and finally transfer to the paper to complete the work.
Second, plate material and plate making
Flexo printing
Plate material: mainly made of flexible materials such as resin.
Plate making: The cost is relatively low, especially when printing in small batches, the difference in plate making cost is significant.
Intaglio printing
Plate material: The plate material of modern intaglio engraving mainly includes copper plate, steel plate, photogravure plate, electronic engraving plate, laser engraving plate and so on.
Plate making: In the past, chemical corrosion methods were used, and now laser plate making is more used with higher precision. Metal plates are durable, but they cost more to make.
Third, ink and environmental protection
Flexo printing
Ink: Usually use water-based ink and UV ink, these inks are environmentally friendly and pollution-free, in line with environmental requirements.
Environmental protection: Flexo printing has almost no VOCs emissions and can achieve food grade.
Intaglio printing
Ink: In the past, solvent-based inks were often used, and now there are environmentally friendly inks to choose from, but in general, environmental protection is not as good as flexographic printing.
Environmental protection: When using solvent-based inks, there may be VOCs emission problems.
Fourth, printing effect and application
Flexo printing
Printing effect: low printing pressure, bright ink color, suitable for all kinds of paper, plastic film, aluminum foil and other materials printing.
Application: Widely used in the packaging industry, especially in small and medium-sized batch printing needs.
Intaglio printing
Printing effect: Able to achieve very fine images and complex gradient effects, suitable for printing high-quality images and complex patterns.
Application: It is often used for printing high-grade picture albums, stamps, currency, etc., and is also suitable for large quantities and long printing tasks.
Speed and cost
Flexo printing
Speed: Flexographic presses with high-quality water-based inks can achieve higher printing speeds, such as 400 meters per minute.
Cost: Low plate making cost, less ink consumption, suitable for small and medium-sized batch printing needs.
Intaglio printing
Speed: Common gravure printing speeds may be relatively low, but the specific speed depends on the press and ink type.
Cost: The cost of plate making is high, but the metal plate is durable, reusable and suitable for long-term printing tasks.
