Which is the best Flexo printing? Elastomer sleeves or Photopolymer plates
Image carrier selection is an excellent step in crafting a flexo printed product, and it should be well optimized as per your printing needs. If not, there are many diverse effects like print defects, disintegration, and the carrier can also be damaged. Several queries arise while thinking about the best image carrier. You have to evaluate numerous factors and then find the best image carrier. There are several image carriers like Load n Lok, print cylinders under Elastomers, and more. Among these, Elastomer plates and Photopolymer sleeves are quite popular.
How Elastomer Sleeves for flexographic printing?
The main advantage of using Elastomer sleeves is that it reduces waste and also saves time. Elastomer is a natural polymer that incorporates elasticity, and it is flexible to utilize. Elastomers are a highly preferred image carrier due to their durability and resistance to chemical solvents. There's more when it comes to elastomer sleeves, making them a reliable image carrier option in the flexo printing process. The laser engraved elastomer sleeves are entirely free of distortion and used for many purposes. Elastomer sleeves are the ideal choice as there is no plate break, no room for misregistration, and durability.
Elastomer is expensive, but in the long run, it is a cost-effective investment that endures the printing process for a long time, and the press downtime is diminished. There is no sticky back in Elastomers, and printers can confidently utilize the sleeves without thinking much about the adhesive melt and carrier slip. These properties make the Direct Laser Engraved Sleeves far better than the Photopolymer plates.
Photopolymer plates in flexographic printing plates
In the case of Photopolymer, the properties will be altered due to light exposure. The metal plate's surface will be used to add the Photopolymer coating, after which it is hardened. Photopolymer plates are predominantly used in applications that don't require constant printing to achieve the final outcome. Using the Photopolymer plates, the dots in printing are reduced. You can achieve higher line screens, but it is limited. The Photopolymer plates are best for short press runs. One advantage is that you can manufacture it effortlessly. Previously, Photopolymers were the best as they are attractive and they don't react with hazardous chemicals. However, the time taken to mount ITR print flexo sleeves is high.
Conclusion
So the information mentioned above would have been sufficient to answer all your queries related to the image carrier sections. We have also emphasized the difference between photopolymer plates and Laser Engraved Sleeves. Using both, you can acquire high-quality printing. However, it is essential to choose the right image carrier that suffices all your print requirements. It would help if you went through both pros and cons of using the image carrier to opt for a better option. This guide will certainly help you to understand the best image carrier for your next printing. Above all, you should have a word with the image carrier manufacturer to properly understand the print process and materials you utilize.
For further queries, please free to connect with us on info@vintexrollers.com or https://www.laserengravedsleeves.com/contact-us/
Mayank Chhabra
Director
Vintex Rubber Industries
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