Printing plates how to pay securely with Stripe and Flexo24. Select the method you prefer from the payment page!

Printing plates bought online are becoming very common like all the other way to shop and will shortly surpass the traditional market. The agency eMarketer estimated that global e-commerce will approach $5 trillion (source). Thanks to a revolution in the flexo market, today with Flexo 24 it is possible to purchase digital plates through the most innovative way ever:

1. make the pdf for flexo for flexo,
2. upload your file and have it checked by our exclusive online software
3. PLACE YOUR ORDER to receive your digital flexo plate!
4. And now, for payment you can use the innovative Stripe system, "Pay with Link":

Proceed with the purchase of the digital flexo plate. ORDER NOW!

How to pay plates with the new "Pay with Link" method?

"Link" by Stripe, a leading company in online payments, is the ease of paying with a single click. In the payment request button for Flexo24 customers who previously entered all the details manually, now they will do it only once and for all e-commerce companies that allow this system.

How does "Pay with Link" work?

"Link" allows Flexo24 customers to store their payment details so they can pay with a single click on thousands of participating websites. Stripe will show each customer an Apple Pay, Google Pay or Link button based on their device and browser settings.

"Link" by @stripe

is the ease of paying with a single click.

In the payment request button for #Flexo24 customers - who previously entered all the details manually -
now they will do it only once and for all #ecommercebusiness
companies that allow this system. pic.twitter.com/tCuGc4p6Q0
— Flexo24 (@theFLEXO24) May 8, 2023

What's Link?

Link is a safe and easy way to pay fast on tens of thousands of e-commerce sites.

Save your payment information with Link to the first payment you make. The Stripe system will automatically enter your saved card/bank details and shipping addresses for all future purchases on websites supported by Link. You will have the opportunity to review your order before clicking to confirm your purchase.

Where can I sue Link?

Link is available on tens of thousands of sites that use Stripe for payment processing, with more being added every day.

What attentions does "Link" take to protect my informations?

When you make a payment with Link, your data is encrypted to ensure its security.

What information does Link share with companies?

To process your order, companies have access to your email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, and card expiration date.

How do I delete information saved with Link?

On the Link website, you can access your account to manage your payment methods and saved addresses. You can change or delete the following information.

Contact Support Link for more informations: https://support.link.com

Printing plates, how to pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay. These are finally available for your orders of plates for flexo printing!

When you reach the payment page, you can check out and pay with Apple Pay or with Google Pay. You will confirm your order from your cart in Flexo 24. The main features of these payments methods are:

• Geographical area: where Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported.
• Payment transferred: only if authenticated by the customer.
• Payment confirmation: immediate.

On Flexo 24 you can pay with your Google PAY account to pay your Printing plates.

Credit cards, from all over the world.

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club and JCB credit and debit cards are globally the most popular payments methods and also the most used for orders of flexo digital plates. In Flexo 24 the most widely used credit cards are accepted for your online orders, here are the features:

• Geographical area: global.
• Payment: completed immediately.
• Payment confirmation: immediate.

Here is a video showing how to use credit cards for orders in Flexo 24:

PRO TIP

It depends on the credit card you are going to use and the bank on which that credit card is connected, each process will be different:


1. choose payment by credit card,

2. enter all the information required,

3. proceed with the payment,

4. receive the PIN on your mobile,

5. enter the PIN received to validate the payment.

Each card and bank have their own way. Enter the PIN for payment on the Flexo 24 page or enter it on the bank page, even by mobile phone.

What’s in local payment methods are now available. Anywhere you are, find the best way for you and your online account!

Bancontact.

Bancontact, known as Bancontact/Mr Cash, is one of the most widely spread systems in Belgium, covering one third of all the online transactions. More than 80% of the payments to the online sellers in Belgium are made by Bancontact:

• Geographical area: Belgium.
• Payment: only if authenticated by the customer.
• Payment confirmation: immediate.

PROTIP

Payments with Bancontact are authenticated by customers and immediately confirmed to the seller. If payments are not authenticated within 6 hours they will be canceled.

EPS the most widespread in Austria.

EPS (electronic payment standard) is the most popular online payment method developed jointly by the government and the Austrian banks. It is used by over 80% of the Austrian business. The payment flow is very similar to iDEAL or Giropay:

• Geographic area: Austria.
• Payment: only if authenticated by the customer.
• Payment confirmation: immediate.

Giropay.

Giropay is a German payment system based on the online banking. Customers of most Sparkassen and German cooperative banks can complete online transactions by Giropay:

• Geographical area: Germany
• Payment: only if authenticated by the customer.
• Payment confirmation: immediate.

With this video you can understand how payments by Giropay work.

iDEAL.

iDeal is the leading payment method for online transactions in the Netherlands. Customers use their own bank access details. All the main Dutch banks joined Currence, an association providing payment services and owner of iDEAL:

• Geographical area: the Netherlands.
• Payment: only if authenticated by the customer.
• Payment confirmation: immediate.

Here is a video explaining the iDEAL procedure.

Bank transfer.

Payments via bank can be transferred to the seller’s account using the details indicated below. You will receive the number of your new order by e-mail together with Flexo 24’s IBAN where you can transfer your payment:

• Geographical area: global.
• Payment: transferred by the customer.
• Payment confirmation: from 2 to several working days, depending from the bank involved.

After you have received your order confirmation you can proceed with the bank transfer from your home banking. Please indicate the order reference number when sending your payment.

PROTIP

Flexo 24 will process your order only after receiving the amount on the account. Together with the e-mail of your new order you will receive:
• your order number.
• Flexo 24’s IBAN where you can transfer your payment.
Remember to indicate the order reference number when sending your payment.
Your order will be shipped once the payment is received.

All the electronic payment methods are now available.
We introduced them to make things easier for your company, for you.

Flexo 24 is the first online service that offers flexo printing products in Italy and in the rest of the world. All the most widely used payment methods are available on our website:

Flexo 24 is an incredible innovation for the flexo printing industry. There is no other service for creating digital plates online like this. Flexo 24 is innovation.

Learn more about Flexo 24: the first service for creating digital flexo plates in 24 hours.

"Innovating today means introducing technology within the reach of general users that provides solutions that bring real benefits. In this digital age, having a unique and original idea is not enough. Flexo 24 with experience, and professionalism has succeeded in creating the first B2B e-commerce for the flexo printing industry".
Livio Simionato, R&D Flexo 24.

Ideas and technology: how Flexo 24 was born.

Those working in the flexo printing industry know the complexity of PDF for creating flexo plates. With their intuition and experience, Diego di Muro and Livio Simionato were the first to introduce the solution for creating flexo plates online: Flexo 24.

Flexo24 has issued a lot of updates to the packaging service.

All Companies dedicated to the packaging field is required constant technological and skills updates. Flexo24 wants to help them to avoid these costs by renewing its service. These are the 2023 new features:

HYBRID CALIBRATION TEST.

Calibration test for hybrid screen. This test is a perfect tool for calibrating your flexo system with an advanced screen where the engraved dots are scattered. Flexo24 refunds the cost of the test on your first order above € 199.00.

The application of hybrid screens avoids the effect of a “sharp” transition. The percentages below the minimum engraveable dot are created with a dot as small as the minimum engraveable, but are scattered in a random lay out, like in the stochastic screen.

So it is possible to achieve the optical illusion of a transition down to 0%, but still keeping the printable dot for that specific type of plates.

The point of transition from conventional to stochastic screen is directly proportional to the screen count. The higher the screen count, the higher will be the transition area..

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CIRCULAR AND HYBRID, one-colour comparison.


Flexo24’s R&D department published the analysis. THE COMPLETE ANALYSIS CAN BE REQUESTED BY WRITING to the customer care through this contact form

From the analysis between the “circular screen fingerprint” (above) at 4000 dpi, circular screen and variable screen, colour filling from 100% to 0% with the “hybrid screen fingerprint” (below) at 4000 dpi, circular screen and variable screen, colour filling from 100% to 0%, the difference can be noticed in the lighter shades. The distribution of the dots is consistent and steady in the circular screen, while it’s scattered, inconsistent in the hybrid screen.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CIRCULAR AND HYBRID, a multi-colour example.


Flexo24’s R&D department published also the analysis on the same image in full-colour, using a typical example with a light shaded subject. THE COMPLETE ANALYSIS CAN BE ALSO REQUESTED BY WRITING to the customer care through this contact form

From the analysis between the circular screen “4-colour image” (above) at 4000 dpi, with the “hybrid screen image” (below) at 4000 dpi, the difference can be noticed in the lighter shades, especially where the white fades to 0%. The distribution of the dots is consistent and steady in the circular screen, while it’s scattered, inconsistent in the hybrid screen.

DETAILED STUDY ON MINIMUM DOT AND HYBRID SCREEN: https://www.flexo24.com/international/flexography-...

BUY YOUR CALIBRATION TEST FOR THE HYBRID SCREEN: https://www.flexo24.com/international/test-di-cali...

1st ranked in Eh!wards 2018: Flexo 24 elected best E-commerce of the year.

During the Eh!wards 2018, the evening dedicated to the best E-commerce of 2018 that saw in competition about 120 candidates, Flexo 24 was awarded as best E-commerce of 2018!

Planning and continuous research.

Flexo 24 is a team of professionals in the fields of:

• flexo printing processes,
• digital marketing,
• web development,

The team of professionals, led by Andrea Tronchin, managed to create a platform for ordering flexo plates online after a careful and rigorous research process. This is how the core of the Flexo 24 technology was created: the online software for PDF analysis.

PRO TIP

The online software for PDF analysis is the exclusive file-recognition system PDF analysis is the exclusive file-recognition system for creating flexo plates. This cutting-edge system is available only at Flexo 24. It analyses up to 20 improved PDF features in real time and in just a few seconds!

Flexo 24's offer to its clients.

It's a state-of-the-art system for flexo. Flexo 24 offers:

• continuous manufacturing for receiving your plate in 24 or 72 hours;
• prints with the maximum size available on the market, 127 x 203 cm, 50 x 80 inc.
• Kodak Flexcel NX available for 1.14 thickness;
• BLOG with technical and informative material and tutorials;
• quality checks included in the price;
• telephone support when buying;
• safety and reliability;
• offers and discounts on purchases.

Placing your order with Flexo 24 is simple:

1. Select your digital plate.
2. Upload the PDF for the checkConfirm the plates and their angles.
3. Buy your plate!

Follow the steps with this video:

An extract of the full infographic to repeat the main steps on how to prepare pdf for flexo plate.

Flexo 24 wants to generate professional interest about flexographic sector and provides all its acknowledge through the blog. Here the preview of the article dedicated to the guide for creating the pdf for flexo.

Flexo 24 is for companies working in the flexo printing industry.

Customers of a flexo printing company need to place their trust and reliability in the manufacturer. Flexo 24 is a valuable aid to the flexo operator as it offers:

• speed
• reliability
• quality

reducing costs and processing time without neglecting delivery times.

PRO TIP

Now Available: possibility of on site order retirement, using on the cart the promo code FREESHIPPING (sending us all the currier details).

The many Flexo 24 warranties.

We guarantee that the plates are new and that they have been stored according to manufacturer's specifications. Safe packaging.

• secure payment transactions with SSL technology,
• security in the processing of company data,
• a quality product manufactured and delivered within 24 or 72 hours from placing the order,
• easy re-ordering,checking of the plate created included in the price,
• customer service: (+39) 0422 165 0004.

Flexo 24 can create plates quickly and with highest quality because:

• we rely on the leading international suppliers in the flexo printing market;
• we have technologically-advanced and fully-automated machines.

Flexo 24 is your reliable partner for:

• Brand agency
• Flexographic printshop
• Communication agency
• Graphic studio
• Quality control operator
• Graphics operator
• Technical manager
• Business manager
• Technical office personnel
• Flexographic printer

Continuous improved features and respect for the environment.

Flexo printing and sustainability go hand in hand. Flexo 24 is particularly committed to respecting the environment. We use working methods and purification/abatement systems to achieve the least environmental impact.

Start now and become a Flexo 24 customer: create your own plate!

Kodak flexo plates take your flexo printing to an advanced level.

Kodak flexo plates are the result of the processed Kodak Flexcel NX through:

• the laser Squarespot exposure technology integrated in the CTP Kodak system. This ensures great consistency in printing because it reduces the variables related to chemical products,
• the Flexcel NX photopolymer plate, especially designed for this system and available in thickness 1,14 mm,
• the Thermal Image Layer that prevents oxygen to be in contact with the plate during exposure and avoids the oxidation typical of the other ablation systems. It ensures a higher consistency with the digitalTiff 1 bit (LEN) file generated from the PDF uploaded in Flexo 24 and guarantees perfect copies of each plate,
• use of automatic lamination with the Flexcel NX wide 5080 Laminator.

Kodak, the most reliable system for flexo.

How can you get the most visible improvement on printing?
The print quality improvement is most visible in the reproduction of images:

• smooth transitions (shifting from one colour to another),
• wider tonal range,
• improved colour contrast.

This is why Kodak Flexcel NX is considered the most reliable solution in the flexo printing market, because you can engrave plates with flat top dots below 1% with an improved optical density and print quality.

Buy now KODAK Flexcel NX readymade plates.

ORDER NOW KODAK FLEXO PRINTING PLATES, THE PHOTOPOLYMER FOR FLEXO PRINTING.

Standard or Advanced from 1 to 5: 6 options of different patterns!

With the Digicap Nx algorithm it is possible to achieve optimal ink transfer and ink coverage thanks to the surface of the flexo plate, which is characterised by microcells of 5x10 microns and a very high pattern density.

There are many specific solutions with different densities in the micro-pattern (texturisation of the plate) suitable for each of the various applications in flexo printing.

Use recommendations for UV and water-based inks are now being developed.

PRO TIP

In addition to the Standard pattern, 5 more patterns defined as “Advanced” are available.
These can be divided in 2 groups.

1) Standard, Adv01 and Adv02: suitable mostly for a high screen count anilox with a volume below 4 bcm (6,2 cm3/m2). These are usually employed for CMYK, screened colours and full tones.

2) Adv03, Adv04 and Adv05: these work better with a low screen count anilox and volumes above 4 bcm with a high ink transfer. These patterns are usually employed for non-screened Pantone colours or for the white ink. Suitable for full tone ink.

The image represents the 6 patterns that can be selected with the Kodak Flexcel NX technology. In each frame: magnified surface. Bottom right: screen pattern seen from above.

How to select the right pattern for your printing machine?

A printing test of all the patterns showed above can help you choose the pattern that matches your flexo system. You can decide which pattern suits your system best according to:

• inks,
• anilox,
• tape,
• printing substrate.

1. Buy your calibration test for the Kodak patterns, print and then check which pattern has the higher ink density by using a densitometer (tool to measure the quantity of colour spread on the substrate).
2. Decide which is the best result as to ink coverage and cleanness (uniform screen).

Order now the Kodak calibration test to choose the right pattern for your printing system!

By signing up to flexo 24’s newsletter you will only receive helpful information and an immediate €20,00 discount for your first order above € 199,00! Sign Up:

Sustainable packaging is now available for all flexo companies. Take action now and preserve our environmental resources for the future generations.

Flexo 24 sustains innovation for environmental sustainability for the production of the photopolymer plates. Today more than before, saving our resources and preserving our planet are social issues also for the flexo companies in Flexible Packaging. In Flexo 24’s BLOG, from the link “News”, you can find out some other articles about flexo market and packaging.

The market is ready to require the new packaging made from eco-friendly materials.

As we already discussed on our Twitter profile: the demand for flexo systems plates to print on eco-friendly substrates is going to increase.

New research shows the public “still confused” about recycling! Give them the RIGHT opportunity to choose #packaging correctly @theFlexo24 https://t.co/QGdQpuZdNe
— Flexo24 (@theFLEXO24) February 28, 2020

Innovia and Wildcorn developed and put on the market a 100% recyclable, sustainable packaging.

The two German companies Wildcorn GmbH and Innovia Films LTD of CCL Industries associated to produce a 100% recyclable and sustainable packaging for the Wildcorn Bio Popcorn snack varieties and launched in ALDI’s mass retail market their zero impact popcorn bag.

The new BOPP film Propafilm™ Strata by Innovia is the standalone monofilmic solution to be used in the sustainable packaging laminate constructions to be ‘recycle ready’ in those countries equipped with the infrastructure to recycle polypropylene films.

PRO TIP

To make the packs for the Wildcorn product range, a lamination of Propafilm™ Strata and a white cavitated OPP was used. The resulting pack is a perfect container for
• aroma,
• mineral oils,
• and oxygen.

Even at high humidity levels, the pack allows increased shelf life and reduced food waste.

The high barrier Propafilm™ Strata by Innovia is glossy and suitable for food contact as it is chlorine free. It can be used for a wide range of applications in different markets and it can also be printed, which is really revolutionary for this kind of recyclable material.

Sign up to our newsletter!
Dedicated to all the news
of packaging,
pre-press
and the flexo market.

Receive now a €20,00 coupon on your first order above €199,00!

Who are the innovators of this sustainable and printable packaging film?

Innovia Films LTD is a biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film producer. The company is a leader in the market of labels, security films, high-performance glossy films and tobacco overwrap. The international manufacturer has more than 1200 employees around the world and the production plants are in Australia, Belgium, Mexico and United Kingdom.

Wildcorn GmbH was founded in Berlin in 2016 and produces 100% organic snacks. The company started a sustainability program since 2017 through the partnership with Mellifera, the German organization dedicated to protecting bees and promoting the use of agricultural resources to restore and maintain the local ecosystems, for example by planting flowers.

The 100% recyclable and sustainable packs for organic popcorns made with the Innovia film were tested by Interseroh, an independent German recycling and consulting company that confirmed them as completely recyclable and awarded them with the certification ‘Made for recycling’.

Innovia Films and the German snack producer Wildcorn supported by Interseroh worked together to introduce in the packaging and flexo market a 100% recyclable and sustainable food pack

Order and receive your plates with Flexo 24 to print on this innovative film.

DHL Shipment Track OF Flexo 24 shipment with the tracking number that you receive for your order, your package. USE IT TO TRACK YOUR ORDER.

(CHECK THE LATEST DHL UPDATE HERE)

You can purchase your digital flexo plate from Flexo 24 using the best payment methods available today, Stripe, read here. Your order will be processed as fast as possible and your package will be handled to DHL courier. From that moment your tracking number will be released and sent you by e-mail.

How to track my order with DHL?

DHL is the global courier for shipping from Italy to abroad. Follow a few easy steps to track your DHL package in real time:

1. open the page “Track your shipment”.
2. Enter your tracking number (for example 1234567).
3. Press on “track”.

After a few seconds some clear and detailed information about your shipment will be displayed.

PRO TIP

See further information by clicking “All shipment updates”.

Just like Flexo 24, DHL aims to customer’s satisfaction and offers some other useful information such as:

• a page dedicated to DHL alerts, click here.
• The page to be contacted by the DHL customer's service.
• And the brand new DHL service: Online CHAT for customer.

BOOK A COLLECTION with your courier from Flexo 24’s office, once your order is ready.

Flexo 24 provides customers with the opportunity to collect their orders through their courier, during normal office hours: from 8.30 am to 12.30 am and from 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm.

PICKUP AT HEADQUARTERS.

On the last page, before purchase, choose "PICKUP AT HEADQUARTERS." and no shipping cost will be attributed, also visible in the receipt.

SEND YOUR SUBSCRIPTION COURIER.

In addition to choosing the item, as shown in the previous point, it is necessary:

• add NOTE IN YOUR ORDER before proceeding with your purchase, writing, "Pickup at your location with ASSIGNED PORT (Name of your carrier + YOUR CUSTOMER CODE)."
• personally contact your courier for a pickup request at our location at Via Giorgione, 8. 31056 Roncade, Treviso.
• forward the waybill to the administration in the case of TNT and for couriers that require it.
  

NOTE: Before placing the order be sure your account is valid for collections also in foreign countries.

Order your plates from Flexo 24,
you can track your order in real time!

DHL LATEST UPDATE

Before proceeding with the order, we recommend checking the notices published on the DHL official website following links:

• Alerts of global warnings
• Messages of globals updates

Photopolymer in flexo printing: origins of the most used printing technique. Flexo 24 gets you the latest technologies to ORDER the best flexo plates! NOW!

The name flexography itself comes from the flexibility of the relief plate which is used in flexo printing. Flexography is a direct rotary letterpress printing similar to typography but direct print, and employs resilient raised-image printing plates made of rubber or other light-activated resins.

Flexography (or flexo printing) is mostly used for printing different kind of packaging, flexible Packaging or self-adhesive labels and typically employs a flexible printing plates which has prominent characters engraved on it.

(Flexography timeline: from its origin in 1857 to 1985).

Moving forward of 200 years means using up-to-date technology thanks to www.flexo24.com. Try it!

The most important feature of flexo printing is flexibility, which allows flexo to print on almost any kind of substrate:

• paper,
• plastic,
• cellophane,
• metallic films.

Flexo is widely used for printing on non-porous substrates, which are mostly employed for food packaging.

What is the story of flexo printing and its main features?

Early stage of flexo printing.

The first flexo type printing presses were patented in the late 19^th century.

At first, flexo printing was rudimentary in quality because of

• limitations in ink control (they smeared easily)
• and in rubber printing plates:

The idea of using rubber printing plates originated in the US 70 years before its actual use for commercial aim and might have been inspired by a rotary printing machine used for tapestry.

The first rotary press with rubber plates was employed by a paper bag printing company - the Bibby, Baron & Sons, today known as Welton Bibby & Baron.

They used inks made of dyes and sugar dissolved in water, but since water-based inks smeared easily the device was called “Bibby’s Folly”, and some years later it was defined as “a monstrosity from a mechanical as well as an ink standpoint”.

But it was only the first rudimentary attempt to flexography.

The first technological improvement: aniline printing.

In 1905, C.A. Holweg ( a French company from Alsace, Lorraine) developed a printing press which used a synthetic aniline dye dissolved in alcohol to print on paper bags. This was the beginning of the aniline process.

Since these inks dried very fast Holweg managed to attach the press to a bag-forming machine, giving birth to the first continuous operation for printed paper bags.

• Hence he received British patent no. 16519 for the first aniline press
• and after World War I he started to sell and export his printing presses to US.

In 1928 Potdevin produced a different kind of aniline printing press: plates were mounted on canvas and held in place on the cylinder by a shafts and reels system.

The introduction of corrugated boards: new market perspectives.

At the beginning of last century, corrugated board was introduced in packaging market..

• Langston found his way in a combination of rubber plates, oil-based inks and corrugated cardboard; although this combination cannot be considered the first example of flexo printing, it still can be considered as the first step leading to it and one of its leading market.
• In 1909 the first plates made of vulcanized rubber were created to print on corrugated cardboard.

In 1914 the Interstate Commerce Commission declared corrugated board as an official packaging material because of “its protective capabilities similar to [those] of wood”; this affirmation caused a decreasing demand for wood packaging and a boom in corrugated board packaging, which also meant an increasing demand for its printing.

The development of flexo printing machines’ market.

At first there were two different kind of flexo printing machines:

• the stack type (sold by Holweg or Windmoeller & Hoelscher)
• and the central impression type (sold by Strachan and Henshaw).

However, since flexo printing machines had an easy design and construction, many printers tried to build they own printing machines – as well as they tried to mix their own inks and prepare their own rubber plates, all factors which leaded to a poor quality printing.

The “do-it-yourself” period went on until 1935.

The first printing machines were extremely messy, and that was also their main problem. Being no ink metering mechanism inks splashed everywhere and pooled on the floor; the situation was awkward for the printing operator as well, as it was potentially dangerous. A rough ink metering was accomplished by increasing or decreasing the pressure between the inking roll and the fountain roll (both were usually made of rubber) and the excess of ink flowed back into the ink pan.

The inked roller transferred the ink to the printing plate, which in turn passed the ink to the web in what was known as “kiss impression”.

There was no device to control ink circulation, and printing machines hadn’t any kind of splash guards either.

"Gummidruck" and the plummeting of printing sales.

From 1915 the future of flexo printing started to take shape.

Papers with new different properties started to spread:

• greaseproof,
• waterproof,
• and alkali-proof paper.

allowed to pack products which had been impossible to pack before, for example meat and soap, and increased the surfaces available for flexo printing.

During that period cellophane was introduced by DuPont and became the first non-absorbent packaging on the market. Water-based inks were left aside because aniline inks proved to fix better on surfaces, improving printing quality.

Yet aniline inks raised a big issue: aniline was toxic and Gummidruck was mainly employed in printing food packaging. In the Fourties, the American FDA (Food and Drugs Administration) forbade the use of aniline ink in food packaging and the markets plummeted.

A technological turning point: from "Gummidruck" to Flexography.

Flexo printing was in the edge of fading until 1949, new:

• safe
• and nontoxic

inks were allowed for food packaging printing, which made flexo printing available again.

TODAY WE CALL IT FLEXOGRAPHY.

In spite of the FDA’s decision, flexo market was still limping along slowly. Printers realized that costumers needed a new name for gummidruck, so that it wouldn’t remind them of toxic inks.

After a poll in 1951, conducted by the Mosstype Corporation’s president Franklin Moss, the process received many possible names and among them “flexograph” was a possible choice. Finally, by the end of October 1952 the 14^th Packaging Institute Forum, which took place in Commodore Hotel in New York City, chose the name “Flexography” for the process.

Flexo today: an evolving technology.

Although until the Nineties Flexography was less precise or in some cases like Offset printing it still has some interesting features, as it allows:

• to use a wider range of inks, also water-based inks,
• to print on a wider variety of packaging materials, such as plastic, ALU, cartons and acetate films;
• to shorten production time and cost thanks to low viscosity inks, which dry faster.

One century after its birth and alternating development, flexography is an effective and still growing printing method, as well as the most flexible.

From 1990 important advances have been made, positively affecting the quality of:

• flexo printing machines,
• printing plates (It appears the photopolymer in flexo printing),
• printing unities,
• drying methods,
• different types of ink, of which are mainly used:
  
  • solvent
  • and water-based inks,
  • UV inks
  • and electron beam inks.

All these positive features matches with practicality, production speed and moderate investments – more than offset printing..

Towards innovation: an ongoing job.

Most recent advances in flexo are connected to photopolymer plates regarding:

• their materials;
• how they are produced.

Companies such as Asahi Photoproducts, Kodak, Dupont, MacDermid pioneered plates production and produced important progresses in:

• digital flexo plate
• faster processing and washout
• reprographic screening techniques to get higher tonal values.

All these innovations allows flexo to grow and rule in many printing branches such as

• labels and,
• packaging,
• new materials such as cartons.

Lately the direct-to-plate digital systems support a better images reproduction and reduce response time from computer to printing proof and final printing.

Laser-engraved anilox rolls contributed to improve printing quality thanks to their control on ink quantity transfer.

Obtain high detailed print colour image is now possible with some of the most sophisticated printers – with the support of a skilled operator – allows to reach high-level technology quality.

An important development is the still-growing ability to reproduce higher tonal values, giving another solution to the dot gain compensation typical of the flexo print.

Flexo 24: flexo’s future in innovations.

Thanks to the experience gained since 1978 by Nu-Maber, leading company in flexography , Flexo 24 was born in 2018 as the first e-commerce in the world for online platemaking.

It's the flexo service leads to a fully digital world, which gains a fast, intuitive and high-quality technology beyond comparison.

Start now and become a Flexo 24 customer: create your own plate!

Flexo print revealed by all the videos serie to explore the world of flexo.

It is important to understand every feature of the flexo printing system – for labels or packaging– through its many essential contents to approach it without compromise.

Ongoing development in technology, care for details and a human capital standing out for professionalism and dedication: Flexo 24 has a know-how from over 40 years of experience in the field of photopolymer plates and flexo printing. For these reasons we now want to share with you all our secrets about the flexo world!

Flexo print revealed: all the videos to express your creativity and suit your print requirements.

By watching the videos of Flexo 24’s web series you will access various contents, like:

• information about flexo and the technology innovations of this field,
• useful tips for creatives, graphic designers and project supervisors,
• a tutorial to help you with the configuration of your plate for flexo printing, the configuration of your plate for flexo printing,
• with the creation of a file suitable for flexo printing,
• with the flexo calibration test and more besides!

Go to the Flexo 24 Youtube channel and check out all the videos from the web series!

You can view the Flexo 24 videos directly from this page or you can click on the icon in the screen and go to the Flexo24 Youtube page.

You can then follow the official Flexo 24 channel: click on SUBSCRIBE!

Through the exclusive contents we will discover Flexo 24’s distinctive high-level technology quality.

The complete web series of Flexo 24 – your partner in flexo:

• tutorial and insights on flexo printing,
• guides for the creation of your files suitable for flexo.

Flexo print with Flexo 24 – Ep. 0.1 – TRAILER

For Flexo 24 flexo printing means professionalism, high technology and top quality of the final product. Flexo 24 is the key to suit all the new production requirements of Creatives, Graphic designers and Project supervisors and can match the modern printing standards for packaging and labels.

About Flexo 24 - Flexo 24, Ep. 1.

Today, printing challenging 10-colour images is really possible: this is a great goal for packaging and for any other printed products. But Flexo 24 marks the beginning of a new era for flexo printing.

The constant evolution of plates – Flexo 24, Ep. 2.

Sets of printing plates supplied in 24 or 72 hrs, but 30 years to become what we are today: expertise and professionals to offer a top quality service.

Printing plates with a look to the future – Flexo 24, Ep. 3.

Flexo 24 is constant research and development. A technical department equipped with ever-evolving automated systems. Top quality materials for excellent digital plates. Our experts always know how to meet your needs in flexo.

High-tech flexibility – Flexo 24, Ep. 4.

A great technical expertise in flexo is the base of Flexo 24’s success. An exclusive B2B e-commerce that can count on next-generation production equipment.

Flexo 24: flexo print revolution – Flexo 24, Ep. 5.

Flexo 24 improves constantly the products offered to creatives, graphic designers and project supervisors thanks to the synergy of its day-to-day teamwork.

How to order your flexo plates – Flexo 24, Ep. 6. - FULL ENGLISH -

How to order your plates in 3 steps for a top quality packaging Flexo 24 is the most effective way to start your creative or technical print in a very fast time.

PDF tutorial for flexo printing (1 / 2) – Flexo 24, Ep. 7.

The first step to purchase your plates is to prepare a correct PDF file for your flexo printing set. On Flexo24.com a software that reads your PDF and checks more than 20 graphic features is available online to help you create correctly your flexo plate.

PDF tutorial for flexo printing (2 / 2) – Flexo 24, Ep. 8.

To create a PDF file suitable for flexo you will need some simple but important tips. Flexo 24 wants to share these tips with you to be your best partner to boost productivity. After you have checked the accuracy of your PDF print file you can proceed with your order.

Flexo plates in 24 hrs – Flexo 24, Ep. 9.

Digital flexo plates with Flexo 24. Two fully automated production lines for the engraving and processing of photopolymer plates: a next-generation technology to cut production time and costs. Flexo 24 produces perfect plates for national and international customers.

How to create a flexo plate – Flexo 24, Ep. 10.

Flexo 24 provides a turnkey service:

1. manage independently your own orders for flexo plates with a guarantee of a perfect, top-quality product;
2. calculate online the price for the best plates for your substrate;
3. navigate through a dedicated platform and make your payments safely.

Flexo 24 is the perfect partner for the success of your print project.

Flexo Customer Care - Flexo 24, Ep. 11.

Customer-oriented flexo plates. You can get in touch with our customer care by phone, through the online chat, by email or through the social media to have your questions about flexo answered.

Calibrated flexo printing machines – Flexo 24, Ep. 12. - FULL ENGLISH -

Calibrated flexo printing machines thanks to the calibration test by Flexo 24, the best system to set your compensation curve for the dot gain value. Set it from the first stage of your order to purchase flexo plates for packaging or labels.

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Flexo plates for every substrate – Flexo 24, Ep. 13.

Flexo for packaging, labels or flexibles printing? Flexo 24 provides plates suitable for the main 5 flexo substrates: paper and paperboard, plastic film, aluminium and adhesive paper, carton, tissue. Next-generation flexo machines and field experts are the key for Flexo 24’s success and uniqueness!

Tutorial on substrates in flexo printing – Flexo 24, Ep.

Flexo print on paper? Be it on calendered or on rough paper, Flexo 24’s digital photopolymer plates will always guarantee the best print results in flexo and the best colour performance. Get top-quality results without compromise.

Flexo plates for labels – Flexo 24, Ep. 15.

To each print application its own plate! Printing on labels always requires extra care not only in selecting the features of the right flexo plate, but also when you prepare your file at the pre-press stage, which requires some caution.

Tutorial on tissue printing: no secrets! - Flexo 24, Ep. 16.

Flexo print on tissue? Though tissue is very similar to paper, its main features are roughness and absorbency. The production of a flexo printing plate for this type of substrate requires some specific care when you create your file.

How to get successful packaging results – Flexo 24, Ep. 17.

Packaging-mania! The plate makes a difference in flexo printing. Choose yours according to the substrate you will be printing on!

Flexo specialists / professionals – Flexo 24, Ep. 18.

For Flexo 24 flexo printing means professionalism. Supervised workflows, certified measurement tools, care for every detail. Order your plates online with Flexo 24, it’s easy and fast.

What is the moiré effect? – Flexo 24, Ep. 19.

Rely on our specialists if you want to be sure to achieve excellent print results! Flexo 24 guarantees to supply products studied in every single detail using top-quality materials with a confidence from over 30 years of experience in the flexo market. Plates and photopolymer digital plates at the highest level.

Tailored flexo print – Flexo 24, Ep. 20.

Packaging, plastic film or paper printing: with Flexo 24 productivity is under control! Your flexo plates can be tailored to meet the most unusual requirements.

Purchase your flexo plates online – Flexo 24, Ep. 21.

With Flexo 24 graphic studios and production managers can easily start the production of flexo plates with just a few clicks with the guarantee of getting a top-quality product.

How to increase production at lower costs – Flexo 24, Ep. 22.

The engraved plates are incredibly versatile and can print on many different types of substrate. This is one of the reasons why many printers shifted their production to flexo printing. And on top of that, flexo printing allows to increase production at lower costs with a guarantee of optimization of production times and costs.

The human capital – Flexo 24, Ep. 23.

Flexo 24 is not just modern e-commerce, innovative procedures and cutting-edge technology, but it is mainly a team of specialists always at your service. At Flexo 24 we are ‘flexo’ people, and we are ready to answer any of your questions and doubts.

Flexo 24: evolution in progress – Flexo 24, Ep. 24.

We made a precise choice: providing our customers with flexo plates to get the best print results. Evolution is always in progress at Flexo 24: we are confident that tomorrow, just like today, we will be able to offer the best solution for your flexo application on any substrate.

Start now and become a customer of Flexo 24: make up your own plates!

Liquid photopolymer or digital strong plates: what are the most significant differences and why going digital is now worthwhile!

Liquid photopolymer plates or digital plates? With the ever changing technology in the production of plates for flexible packaging and labels printing, flexo industry offers more and more varied solutions. A comparison between the two main available materials for the production of plates can’t be helped.

Liquid photopolymer plates and their features.

Liquid photopolymer plates were employed exclusively for printing on corrugated carton and are now almost completely being replaced by the engraved flexo plates. These offer improved results as to:

• versatility.
• quality in the reproduction of the printing elements.

Liquid photopolymer process.

These plates are produced by placing the film negatives onto the exposure unit and covering them with a transparent sheet. A roller evenly and uniformly spreads a liquid photopolymeric resin on top of the transparent cover sheet. The liquid photopolymer is enhanced by exposing the base side of the plate to ultraviolet light, hardening the photopolymer on the reverse side of the plate. Increasing or decreasing the exposure time varies the depth of penetration into the photopolymer of the radiation which varies the ultimate relief height of the plate. A second exposure to UV light from below (i.e., through the negative) hardens the photopolymer in the image areas of the plate. The non-image areas are left unexposed, soft and soluble. The exposed plate is removed from the exposure unit, and the cover film peeled from the exposed plate surface. The exposed plate is then sent to a washout unit which removes the unhardened photopolymer from the plate surface, leaving the exposed image areas in relief.

Digital plates and their features.

The imaging process of the photopolymeric digital plate starts with the CTP.

• A laser ablates the surface transferring texts and images from the PC directly to the digital plate.
• The plate is then exposed to the high intensity UV lights.
• This process enables the polimerisation of the engraved areas.
• After exposure, the following steps include first the automated washout, then drying and finishing of the plate under special UV lamps to restore its original rigidity and allow its use or printing.

Flexo digital plates are versatile and are available in many different versions to meet any specific market need. Digital plates can be suitable for water-based, solvent-based and UV inks or electron beam and offer optimum results to print on paper and paperboard, plastic film, aluminium and adhesive paper, carton, tissue. Find what is the most suitable plate for your print application.

PRO TIP

Digital photopolymer plates are the industrial benchmark for high quality flexo printing and allow a huge production capacity both for short and long print runs.

Advances in technology of digital plates.

These are the points to consider when selecting the right type of plate for a flexo print application:

• ink
• Substrate
• Quality
• Environment
• Production time and costs

Today, digital plates are the most suitable solution for flexo printing on any substrate and with any ink. As digital plates allow a huge potential in technology advances, many companies are steering their business to this product, optimising production time and costs and reducing their environmental footprint.

Try now the digital plate and become a customer of Flexo 24: order now your printing plates!

Flexo plates for printing are high-quality, sensitive and delicate products. They must therefore be handled with special care.

The flexo plates you purchase from Flexo 24 are delivered in a package. Make sure that the package is intact. Open the package carefully. Do not open the package with cutters or in any other way that may damage the plate. All the necessary precautions must be taken to protect the flexo platesfrom abnormal pressures, creases or other kinds of damage that may occur. Before mounting the plates, we recommend you always check the condition of the material you have received.

PRO TIP

Please note: check and verify any deformations and creases both on the upper part of the engraved plate and on the lower part of the base film. If necessary, contact the customer service.

During usage

While using the plates on the flexo printing machine, even if the plates are elastic, do not apply excessive print or anilox roller pressure.

PRO TIP

At the beginning, always maintain the pressure at minimum.

After usage

To avoid damages and loss of quality, make sure that all the requirements are met for proper storage of the plates after usage. Please see below..

The plates can be stored on cylinders, sleeves or removed and stored horizontally.

CLEANING

• After printing or during downtimes, the digital flexo plate must be carefully cleaned to avoid surface cracks due to the ink drying process.
• After the flexo printing but before storing, clean the plate thoroughly using a compatible solvent.

Recommended solvents table Suitable (S), Partially suitable (P) and non-suitable (N):

S = Suitable (Swelling less than 10%).
P = Partially suitable (Swelling 10-25%).
N = Non-suitable (Swelling more than 25%).

Before storing, digital flexo plates must be thoroughly cleaned and ink residues must be removed. When it dries, the ink on the plate surface shrinks and break, causing damage to the plate..

PRO TIP

When cleaning the plates, DO NOT FOR ANY REASON use hard brushes or rough rags as they will damage the surface.

DRYING

• After cleaning, the plates must be dried to remove any residual liquid or dust.
• The plates must be dried, preferably with compressed air, without applying excessive pressure, to remove any residual liquid or dust from the non-printing areas.

Storage

• For optimal storage, the dried plates must be stored in an air-conditioned (15-25 °C), ventilated and ozone-free environment, away from light and direct heat sources.
• We recommend storing each flexo plate separated form the others by using the same synthetic foam sheet with which it was delivered, in stacks of maximum 15 cm (6"). Then we recommend storing the plates in a black polyethylene bag to protect them from light.

In addition

To extend the life of the plate, it must be protected from external agents such as:

• OZONE
• HUMIDITY
• HEAT
• ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT
• MECHANICAL PRESSURE
• DUST
• INK RESIDUES

Ozone

The plates react with ozone, producing cracks on the surface. They must not be stored near ozone sources. Especially in summer, when the air has higher ozone concentrations, keep the plate in the dark.

Humidity

After cleaning, the plate must be thoroughly dried. Areas that are not perfectly dried may lead to the build up of dust residues and stains that can be difficult and harmful to remove. If solvent residues remain, the plate may react with swelling.

Heat

Do not keep the plate close to direct heat sources. We recommend keeping the plates in an air-conditioned (15-25° C) environment.

Ultraviolet light

Plates must be protected from UV light exposure, which could lead to hardening and premature ageing.

Mechanical pressure

Every scratch or mechanical pressure on the surface of the plate will inhibit its printing capacity on that area. We recommend NOT storing the plates in high stacks as it can cause strong damaging pressures to the reliefs, as well as problems during detachment.

Dust

We recommend storing the plates in black polyethylene bags to protect them from dust and light.

For more information, contact support@flexo24.com

Start now and become a Flexo 24 customer: create your own plate!

Flexo pre-press for the PDF means analyzing - by the exclusive Flexo 24 online software, October 2021 last release - more than 20 features for managing the plate for flexo printing in real-time:

• Blocking Errors, you must resolve it,
• Non-blocking advices, it's up to you,
• Suggests, irrelevant for the analysis.

Flexo 24 has also produced a series of useful tutorials to cover flexography-related topics, all available on the Flexo 24 Youtube channel.

PRO TIP

Creating a pdf for flexo printing requires tiny and essential precautions. Flexo 24 wants to share them with you to be the best ally of your productivity. Once you have checked the validity of your pdf for printing, you can then proceed with the order.

IF YOUR PDF FILE GIVES YOU SOME PROBLEMS, CHECK THESE FEATURES:

START WITH A LIST OF ALL THE BLOCKING ERRORS FOR THE ANALYSIS OF PDF FOR FLEXO PRINTING:

1. Only one page per PDF is allowed.
   

   Flexo printing work-flow includes a single file per job. If the number of pages is greater than 1, the system returns an error message as no provision is made for multi-page PDF analysis. Should there be more pages, we recommend that you upload more files, 1 file per page. With Flexo 24, you can order multiple jobs in a single order.



2. The PDF file is damaged.
   

   This message is displayed when the generation from ArtPro or Illustrator (or others) has failed and the resulting PDF is not compatible with the software online for PDF analysis. In case please try again. Or read the article about flexo printing on how to prepare the PDF for the flexo plate.



3. RGB or LAB images and objects are not allowed.

   The only colour profiles supported are CMYK or Pantone. For objects or images with other specifications, the software online for PDF analysis does not load the file. We recommend you recreate the project by including only images and objects with the required characteristics. (Example of warning generated by ERROR)
   



4. No data input fields. No active notes. No multimedia objects.

   Acrobat Reader DC allows you to insert both notes and text fields (forms) to be filled-in into the PDF. They are usually used for corrections or questionnaires. The PDF to upload with the software online for PDF analysis must not include notes or data input fields. The inclusion of videos or other multimedia objects will also return an error message. As it is an essential PDF for generating plates for flexo printing, you will have to re-generate and upload it again.



5. Please include all fonts.

   If the fonts are not included, the process returns an error message due to result variability. Before generating the PDF, we recommend you convert them into curves to avoid unexpected results, or generate the PDF with the fonts embedded. For details, please refer to the software that generates the PDF.



6. The size must not exceed 127 x 203 cm, 50"x 80".

   If the longest side of the uploaded PDF exceeds this size, an error message is returned. This condition also applies to the shortest side.



7. Please pay particular attention to images and their resolution.

   The images included in the PDF from which the plate is to be made must not have resolutions of lower than 200 dpi, 42 LPC, otherwise the online software will block the calculation.

By signing up to flexo 24’s newsletter you will only receive helpful information and an immediate €20,00 discount for your first order above € 199,00! Sign Up:

Before proceeding, check these warnings:

1. Pay attention to image sizes and grayscale images.

   Images with an area of less than 100 pxq are not recommended.



2. Text dimension not under 4 pt, if it is in a single channel.

   Even if the current legislation prefers characters above 0,9 mm (0,035''), the analyzer returns a notice for texts less than 4 pt, which may be illegible. Sample printing must always start by keeping pressure to the minimum.
   
   PRO TIP Please note: this check will be automatically inhibited if texts are converted into curves. Before generating the PDF, make sure the converted text is present only in one channel or color.



3. Lines should not be thinner than 0.1 mm and present in different channels.
   

   A line thinner than 0.1 mm (0,39”, or 2.83 pt) and present in two channels generates warnings and suggestions. The online software will not be blocked. You can decide whether to proceed with the purchase of the plate.



4. Text not 10 pt smaller and present in 2 channels or different inks.

   This warning is showing in case of text smaller than 10 pt and present in 2 channels or different inks.
   
   PRO TIP Warning: this control will be automatically inhibited in case of converted text. Check before creating PDF if the converted text is present only on a channel or ink.



5. Lines should not be thinner than 0.1 mm if it is in one channel.
   

   The Thickness of the line present only on a channel / color must not be lower than 0,1 mm (0,039”, o 0.283 pt).



6. JPG image file format incapsulated into PDF file.

   Being a loss-of-quality image compression format, make sure it have been saved with a compression factor that does not compromise the final quality of the plate.

Recommendations for getting the most out of the software analysis.

1. Pay attention to layers.

   If the PDF for flexo printing has been generated maintaining the layers active, a suggestion for the optimization of the project will be returned. Uploading a PDF with active layers increases the response time of the analyzer calculation.



2. Pay attention to transparencies and ICC profiles.

   During the analysis, PDF recognizes the active transparencies and the ICC color profiles embedded in the document. You will be alerted with a suggestion. You can decide whether to proceed, because the ICC profiles and objects with transparencies are not considered.

Also, you can upload:

• PDF files up to 110MB (megabytes)
• and also PDF with Tiff 1 bit encapsulated files directly from your RIP, via the customizer.

Start now and become a Flexo 24 customer:

create your own plate!