Flexography Analysis For Quality Printing

Flexography refers to a rotary relief printing method that uses rubber or plastic plates and fluid inks. Flexographic applications include printing on textiles, plastics, paper, cellophane and metallic films. Generally any media that is non-porous like that is used in food packaging employ the flexographic method of printing. The name 'flexography' was chosen via postal ballot conducted by Moss type Corporation in 1951.

Digital direct to plate systems have revolutionized quality of printing. With the advent of flexographic print quality control tool evaluating the printing quality has further advanced. Flexography is recording amazing growth among all other types of printing. The flexo evaluation tools by companies like QEA with hand held portability has given flexo printers unmatched analysis likes never before. Half tones, that measure dot gain, line screen, screen angle, graininess and motte are just a few features that constitute the flexo plate analyzing and evaluation process. Color density and registration are no more left to subjective guesswork.

Inkjet print quality has two elements; Ink and media. The media can be paper, plastics, etc. Two measurements called static and dynamic can directly relate to the interaction between ink and media. Static measurements relates to the electrical and other properties of the image on the media while dynamic measurements relate to the absorption and spreading of single drops as well as coalescence of multiple drops of ink on media. The print quality control tool depicts the dielectric relaxation characteristic of measuring the surface potential decay after a paper (media) has been corona charged. The dielectric relaxation analysis tool is a simulation that mimics the behavior of the paper and the ink.

The charge roller in a photo conductive drum of a laser printer is the most important element. In physics the charging of a roller by applying a voltage on it creates the charge to jump to the drum that is in contact with the charge roller. The even charge transfer to the drum enables the laser to write the image. Charge roller testing analysis takes the guesswork out of the equation in laser printing.