Reference Book
Unit - 6
Flexo and Gravure.........................................................................
Introduction
This unit introduces two printing processes which are being increasingly
important in the printing industry. Flexography, the first process we will discuss,
has long been a significant relief process used in packaging industry. Gravure,
the second process is an intaglio printing process which is widely used for
high quality long run jobs and for security printing purposes.
Learning Outcomes
The learner:- understands the process of flexography.
- lists out the advantages of flexography.
- identifies the basic units of a flexo printing machine.
- classifies flexographic plates.
- demonstrates plate making process in flexography.
- categorises different types of flexo press.
- lists out various types of ink & substrate used in flexography.
- understands the process of gravure printing.
- lists out the advantages and disadvantages of gravure printing process.
- understands the working of the printing unit of a gravure press.
- understands the methods of preparation of gravure cylinders.
- discusses the different types of ink and substrates used in gravure pro-
cess. - understands the importance and advantages of security printing.
Flexography - Introduction
Flexography is a method of direct rotary printing that uses flexible relief image
printing plates that are made of rubber or photopolymer material. Flexography
was originally known as aniline printing because of aniline dyes used to colour
the ink. But these aniline dyes and their harsh solvents left an odour on the
product and came to be considered toxic. Later they were banned from using
on food packaging. In 1950s, chemists developed water-based inks using low
solvents.
Flexography satisfies the demand for high quality printing on packaging
products. Corrugated boxes are the largest market for flexography. They are
also used to print on candy wrappers, shopping bags, milk cartons, cereal boxes,
gift wrappers, wall papers and many other goods.