Difference Between Litho vs. Flexo Box Printing

Advances in commercial printing have made it possible to complete print jobs faster than ever before. There are two common methods of printing on cardboard boxes: philographic and lithographic. Which is the best? The answer depends on the features of your project because each process is ideal for different needs.

Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of flex graphic and lithographic printing, as well as similarities and differences, so you can make informed decisions about your next printing project.

Flex graphic printing

Flex graphic printing, also known as flexographic printing or surface printing, is a large-scale printing process that uses flexible relief plates. These plates are usually made of rubber or polymer and are used with skin drying ink.

The ink is transferred through an ink pan and applied to the annealing roller. An annealing roller is a rigid cylinder made of aluminum or steel with a ceramic outer layer and dimples. It is used to distribute the ink evenly in the plates. The plates act like large stamps and transfer images on corrugated cardboard. The boards are then passed through a dryer to prevent corruption.

Flaco printing is a very common method that uses several sub-spaces, including Worst, Paper, Nonwoven and Foil.

Services

Benefits of Flex Graphic Printing include:

Economical option that allows manufacturers to print and cut cardboard boxes in one go

Ideal for hiding cardboard boxes with no bulk color details

Can be used on very versatile and non-absorbent materials

Compatible with oil and water based inks

Damage

There are some disadvantages to choosing flex graphic printing.

Not designed for large or complex works of art

The more colors you use, the higher the pressure level required, the higher the cost

Lithographic printing

Lithographic printing is a type of offset printing that involves several steps. In this process, ink is used on the printing plate. The printing plate is then used to apply ink to the rubber blanket through several ink rollers. Finally, the ink is applied from the roof to the substrate. With this indirect printing form, the image is not printed directly from the plate to the substrate, as is the case with flex graphic printing.

There is also lithographic lamination, where the print is made on paper and then laminated in a box for a premium glossy finish.

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Lithographic printing offers many benefits.

Allows detail for vibrant colors and high volume jobs

Offers exceptional image quality

A popular method of printing that is widely used

Damage

Some of the disadvantages of this method are:

Can only be used on flat materials

Worn like scratches and cracks

It can be more expensive

Similarities and differences between flexographic and lithographic printing

Flexographic and lithographic printing are both traditional large-scale printing processes that use printing plates, and both of these processes can be simple, inexpensive for large print runs. There are also some important differences between the two processes.

Lithographic printing can accommodate embellishments such as foil stamping and embossing for higher production costs. Flex graphic printing is easy and can be used multiple times before replacing a properly stored image carrier.

Flaco is a versatile option that can print on both insecure and non-secure surfaces. This makes it ideal for a variety of substrates. Litho requires smooth, flat surfaces as the image must be pressed against the substrate. Both Litho and Flexo can use oil-based inks, but Litho offers color detail and variety.

Flex vs. Litho: Which is Better?

Which printing method do you choose? In general, lithographic printing with detailed patterns is better suited for filler color printing and has more surface options. Flex graphic printing is a more straightforward process that allows faster print times and lower costs, but without the detailed colors and image quality of lithographic printing.

The answer really depends on the specific needs of your project. Factors such as quantity, quality and color requirements, required completion time and budget are helpful in deciding between Flaco and Litho Printing