Development of flexographic printing (below)

3. Auxiliary material supply channels are poor. Most of our country's flexo printing auxiliary materials (except ink and wash) are imported from abroad, such as plate materials, double-sided adhesives, squeegees, etc., not only are expensive, but also have a long supply period. Domestic sales agents With few merchants and incomplete varieties of specifications, there is no room for users to choose. This is the key to hindering the development of flexographic printing. The types of domestically-made flexo inks are relatively complete. There are both ink and ink suitable for various types of printing materials, and the latest anti-counterfeiting inks, which should be said to have developed rapidly. The requirements for fineness, fluidity, viscosity and other characteristics of inks and inks vary with different substrates, and the higher the viscosity, the better. Therefore, according to the specific printing materials and different printing processes, the corresponding inks are developed to improve the quality of flexo products. , reduce the scrap rate, broaden the flexible printing market an important way. Ink and ink manufacturers should develop different types and grades of ink. At present, high-quality and fine water-based inks and UV inks are almost dependent on imports, and the price is high.
4. Flexo printing process is not well understood Most printing companies are familiar with offset printing and gravure printing processes, but they are relatively unfamiliar with flexo printing processes. After the introduction of flexo printing, the internal structure and management of the factory should be changed and adjusted accordingly. No matter how good the quality of the printing plate is, if the printing process cannot keep up, the intention of the original design draft cannot be fully reflected and the requirements of the user cannot be satisfied. The common faults in flexo printing include poor ink, dry printing, stencil printing, edge defects, improper pressure, graphic deformation, dimensional displacement, and ink bars. To solve these problems, in addition to equipment and materials, we must also pay attention to the texture. Roll matching, the pressure of the anilox roll and the printing plate, the pressure of the printing plate and the impression cylinder, the relationship between the viscosity of the ink and the speed of the machine, etc. Without a set of data and operating procedures, it is difficult to print a good product. The current flexo printing industry should not only have its own printing experts, but also experts in platemaking and ink painting. With the application of computer technology, the requirements for plate making and printing processes are more stringent, and the demand for high-quality flexographic printing talents will be even greater.
5. Flexo platemaking process problems Flexo is divided into two major categories: base and non-base. The thickness of the base material plate is about 0.95 mm, and the thickness of the non-base material plate is 1.7 mm, 2.28 mm, 3.94 mm, 7 mm, and the like, respectively. At the time of plate making, the back exposure is performed first, and then the main exposure is performed. The length of the exposure time differs depending on the pattern level and the climate. The development performance after the exposure is excellent, and the unexposed portion can be removed by chemical solvent removal, and then proceed. Stick drying, a plate can be made in only 2 hours. At present, the design of halftone printing manuscripts and four-color printing plates in China's flexographic prints is still a weak link. We should learn from the experience of other printing methods related to process technology and combine the characteristics of flexographic printing to create a theory for making flexographic plates. , methods and quality control and inspection methods to meet the printing needs of high-quality color prints.
6. Technical training issues The technologies, processes, equipment, and equipment of flexographic printing are a whole and they are closely related to each other. At present, some flexographic printing equipments are not functioning properly and the quality of products is not stable. Except for the lack of living resources and irrational supporting factors, one of the important reasons is the flexographic printing from product design, plate making, printing to postpress processing. The entire process is not yet fully understood. Therefore, flexo companies should strengthen technical training.
Suggestions on the development of flexo printing According to the needs of the development of China's market economy, combined with the current situation of China's printing industry, the following points are proposed.
1. According to the needs of the market, the development of flexo printing is based on the current situation of the printing industry in China and the characteristics of the flexo press. The proposal should first meet the needs of the packaging printing market. On this basis, gradually expand the scope of use. The China Printing and Equipment and Equipment Industry Association proposed in the research report of the “Tenth Five-Year Plan” development of the printing industry that by 2010, flexo printing will account for about 30% of the entire printing method (currently only accounting for about 3%).
2. Do a good job of investigation and research Work to introduce (or purchase) flexo equipment should be done in advance research and feasibility studies. First of all, it is necessary to investigate, study and demonstrate market demand, and present a feasibility report. The most crucial thing here is to have a sufficient and reliable source of livelihood. You must not "wait for rice to cook" or engage in a "no rice recipe," and avoid blindly moving forward.
3. To do a good job in equipment selection and configuration, we must first do a good job of market research and clarify product positioning. All printing companies should choose the right model and configuration according to their market positioning when choosing a flexo printer. In addition, we must always pay attention to the development trend of flexographic printing machines, choose the right time, and upgrade the equipment.
China's flexo printing has developed rapidly, and fierce market competition has prompted manufacturers to introduce new technologies, new materials and new equipment. Combination printing machines such as soft rubber combination, soft concave silk combination, and soft silk combination can shorten the production cycle, reduce the installation and commissioning time, and give full play to the advantages of various printing methods. Therefore, the use of combination printing presses has become the pursuit of production companies. The goal.
When choosing a narrow-width flexo press, it must be properly configured. Flexo presses are generally divided into standard configurations and special configurations. Different configurations can be selected for different products.
4. As soon as possible, the relevant departments that develop domestic equipment and equipment should do a good job in the development of domestically-made flexographic presses, platesetters, and supporting equipment (such as plate anilox rollers, inks, and varnishes, etc.), and work to improve the level of products, and to reduce the number of similar foreign products as soon as possible. The gap to meet the needs of flexographic production.
5. Actively play the role of ancillary service departments Flexographic technology services and supporting departments should play a more important role. For example, Beijing Duoweilong Flexographic Technical Service Co., Ltd. develops and manufactures round-bore circular die-cutting tools. The number of die-cutting operations is not comparable to foreign equivalent tools. Up and down, the manufacturing cost is low and the cycle is short. Some domestic manufacturers are already using it, and the effect is very good. For example, in the aspect of platemaking, it is also hoped that Shanghai, Dalian, Beijing, Xi’an, and other platemaking companies will strengthen their close cooperation with flexographic manufacturers and produce high-quality flexographic plates.
6. Strengthening technical training should strengthen technical training and organize various forms of training courses. The company can also hire professional and technical personnel with practical experience in flexo printing to conduct on-site instruction. It is necessary to provide systematic training in design, plate making, printing, post-press and auxiliary equipment materials, etc. to improve the overall quality of operators and improve the practice of flexographic printing. The level of manipulative work and management of the personnel will make flexo printing a new level.