Abstract:
The research described in this paper studies the reproduction quality of imprints
on different types of printing substrates used in flexography. Flexography is a
printing technique which uses a flexible photopolymer plate with relief printing
elements and is suitable for printing on different types of printing substrates, such
as coated and uncoated paper, and non-porous substrates like metalized foils and
polyester films. Flexography is constantly increasing its capabilities and quality,
and is used primary for packaging printing, but in the other areas of graphic
production too, such as printed electronics. In this paper, by using methods for
surface coverage measurements and analysis of the microscopic images, the
reproductions of the same printing plate on uncoated paper, coated paper and
polyester film was analysed. Results indicated a decrease in the reproduction
quality of highlights and fine elements on uncoated paper, coated paper and
polyester film. The quality of the imprints has been decreased in the shadows too,
primary on uncoated paper and film.
