#flexo plates

To keep up with the fast paced demand for products, UFlex has adopted printing techniques that guarantee quality at rapid speeds. That is why flexographic and offset printing have become two of the most popular printing processes in the industry.

Although both are popular, they perform differently. So while picking the right printing technology, manufacturers have to consider a lot of factors like set-up time, additional costs, printing process and so on.

Let’s take a closer look at how flexographic and offset printing differ!

Difference #1 - Printing Quality

Flexographic printing at UFlex uses a controlled rotary process with Flexographic Printing Plates that can be wrapped around the printing cylinders. The stable and straightforward process ensures all images are printed clearly and cleanly with high quality output.

Offset printing can also provide high quality imaging but the quality tends to vary depending on the manpower hired to handle the complex printing units. 

Difference #2 - Cost

Flexo plates are much more durable and can be re-used several times, in comparison to offset printing plates. The press automates the additional tasks like lamination and die-cutting, reducing the set-up time and minimizing waste to cut costs.

Since offset printing involves a lot of different and separate processes, the set up time and waste is higher, leading to an expensive printing process. Offset printing technology can only be handled by highly skilled professionals who have had the training to handle the equipment, which will also contribute to the high operational costs. 

Difference #3 - Material

The flexible printing process of flexographic printing allows a lot of flexibility with the printing material. It is used for a variety of substrates like PET, BOPP Films, paper, metal and so on. Flexography is mostly used for packaging materials like food and Beverage Packaging, retail bags, sweet wrappers, newspaper, and envelopes.

Offset printing provides quality printing only on flat and smooth surfaces, making it excellent for printing out books, newspapers, stationery, and brochures. 

Flexographic Printing is The Future!

Until recently, Label Packaging within the industry depended on offset printing technology. Flexography offers an evolutionised version of this technology, giving manufacturers the best of offset printing, baked in convenience, affordability and versatility.

As brands take note of this, the flexographic printing market continues to grow and is expected to reach USD 124.61 billion by 2026. The current trends have allowed UFlex to embrace flexography as a sound long-term investment that is ready to integrate a wide range of in-line processes to outperform the traditional offset printing presses.

Invest in Powerful Printing Technology with UFlex

To keep your place in the competitive and fast-changing market, take the viability of your printing process to the next level with UFlex.

As a leader in Flexible Packaging, UFlex offers Flexo printing technology that simplifies operations for excellent transfer of printing inks with high-speed production. The seamless printing aids in the beautification of your packaging design, thereby improving the consumer experience!