In-Line Flexo VS Central Impression Flexo Machines

The Central Impression flexographic printing press has been the mainstay for printing flexible packaging materials for many years. Central Impression machines are still a very effective way of printing wide web LDPE and other extensible substrates at high production speeds. They become however, less cost effective for short run operation, due to the initial capital cost of the equipment and their relatively slow make ready times. The rapid growth in short run production has stimulated demand for narrow web in-line machines.

The dramatic improvement in flexographic reproduction over recent years has resulted in greater use of colour in flexible packaging. The standard four colour process, whilst offering acceptable colour reproduction, falls short of delivering colour density with dramatic colour brilliance. This has now been achieved with six colour process (hexochrome) and seven colour process (opaltone). The results from these processes are outstanding and herald a giant step forward in flexographic reproduction. However, add to this process a possible base coat and varnish, then a reverse printed cold seal and a 9 or 10 colour press will become the industry standard. This is a relatively simple configuration for an in-line press, whereas a Central Impression machine of 10 colours is a large and complex machine demanding a financial investment, far in excess of the in-line machine.

As the trend to short run production gathers momentum, narrow web presses offering quick change capability and low waste, in-register start up will become the benchmark for the packaging industry.

For further information, please contact the following:

Andrew Hayward
Tel +61 2 9648 3730
Fax +61 2 9648 5406
email: sales@advancedeng.com.au