Flexography

Flexography also called surface printing, often abbreviated to flexo, is a method of printing most usually used for packaging labels, tape, bags, boxes, banners, etc... Flexo was pioneered by Barry Pannowitz and Alf Green, and later by Dean Gleeson and Patrick Crouch who worked together in eradicate Moire, the clashing of screen angles.

A flexo print is achieved by creating a mirrored master of the necessary image as a 3D relief in a rubber or polymer material. A measured amount of ink is deposited upon the exterior of the printing plate (or printing cylinder) using an anilox roll. The print surface then rotates; contact the print material which transfers the ink.

Originally flexo printing was basic in quality. Labels require high quality have usually been printed Offset until recently. In the last few years great advances have been made to the superiority of flexo printing presses.