7 Most Common Flexographic Printing Issues
Flexo coatings are used to provide additional protection, gloss, or special effects to printed materials. However, there are some common issues that can arise during the printing process that can affect the quality of the finished product. Some of these issues include:
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Uneven coating thickness: Uneven coating thickness can result in poor appearance and reduced functionality of the coating. This can be caused by improper blade pressure, misaligned anilox rolls, or poor ink viscosity.
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Pinholing: Pinholing occurs when air is trapped in the coating and creates small holes or bubbles in the finished product. This can be caused by excessive ink viscosity, poor ink transfer, or insufficient drying time.
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Orange peel: Orange peel is a texture that resembles the surface of an orange peel and can result from an inconsistent coating application. This can be caused by excessive ink viscosity, improper blade pressure, or improper drying.
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Poor adhesion: Poor adhesion can occur when the coating does not bond properly with the substrate. This can be caused by insufficient surface preparation, improper ink chemistry, or improper drying.
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Smearing or smudging: Smearing or smudging can occur when the coating is not completely dry and comes into contact with other surfaces. This can be caused by insufficient drying time, excessive ink viscosity, or poor ink transfer.
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Inconsistent color: Inconsistent color can result from uneven ink transfer or mixing issues with the ink. This can be caused by improper ink viscosity, improper ink handling, or improper ink storage.
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Clogging of the anilox roll: Clogging of the anilox roll can result in reduced ink transfer and uneven coating thickness. This can be caused by improper ink handling, excessive ink viscosity, or improper cleaning of the anilox roll.