When choosing a printing machine for both paper and plastic film rolls, a detailed evaluation of the machine design, type of printing ink and plate, and the overall advantages and disadvantages are crucial. Here’s how to approach this:

Machine Design

The machine design should be versatile enough to handle both materials effectively. For paper rolls, look for machines that offer precise tension control and accurate paper feeding to avoid tears and misalignments. For plastic film rolls, which are generally more susceptible to stretching and heat, a machine with excellent heat management and gentle handling capabilities is essential. Features like adjustable temperature settings and tension controls are beneficial.

Printing Inks and Plates

Choosing the right printing inks and plates is vital due to the different characteristics of paper and plastic films. Water-based inks are typically preferred for paper due to their eco-friendliness and ease of drying. However, solvent or UV-curable inks might be necessary for plastic films to ensure the ink adheres properly and resists smearing. As for plates, photopolymer plates are commonly used due to their high print quality and durability, suitable for both substrates.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: Dual-material machines reduce the need for multiple devices, saving space and cost. These machines often come with advanced features to switch between substrates quickly and efficiently.
Disadvantages: The initial cost for a versatile machine can be high. Moreover, operating such a machine requires skilled operators and frequent maintenance to handle the complexities of different materials.

In the ultimate analysis, the choice of a printing machine should depend on specific production needs, the volume of printing required, and the ability to adapt to future changes in material use. Prioritize machines that offer the best balance between quality, efficiency, and versatility.

However, flexographic printing machine (Helical-Gear Type Flexo Printing Machine) is a good choice to paper rolls and Plastic film roll,like PE film, bopp film, PET,OPP ,etc. From machine’s applications, involving water-based inks, resin plates, and tension-sensitive substrates like PE film and paper bag rolls, the advantages can be categorized into four key aspects: ink use, plate technology, machine dimension, and tension control.

Ink: Water-based Inks

1. Environmental Friendliness: Water-based inks are less harmful to the environment compared to solvent-based inks, making them a preferred choice for companies aiming to reduce their ecological footprint.
2. Safety and Health: These inks emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), enhancing workplace safety and health conditions.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: Generally, water-based inks are less expensive than UV or solvent-based inks, reducing overall printing costs.

Plate: Resin Plates

1. Quality and Durability: Resin plates, typically made from photopolymer materials, offer high-quality printing with fine details and durability, suitable for long print runs.
2. Ease of Use: These plates can be produced quickly and are easier to handle during setup and cleaning, improving operational efficiency.
3. Reduced Cost and Waste: Resin plates can be stored and reused for future print jobs, reducing material waste and associated costs.

Machine Dimension

1. Compact Design: Flexo machines are often designed to be more compact compared to other types of printing presses, which is beneficial in facilities with limited space.
2. Scalability: The modular design of many flexo machines allows for easy upgrades and expansion, enabling businesses to scale up their operations without significant re-investment in new equipment.

Tension Control Crucial for PE Film and Paper Bag Rolls

1. Precise Handling: Flexo machines in controlling the tension of the substrate, which is crucial for printing on delicate materials like PE film and paper bag rolls to avoid tears and deformities.
2. Adaptability: Advanced tension control systems allow for consistent quality across various substrates with minimal adjustment time, supporting flexible production schedules.
3. Automated Adjustments: Many modern flexo machines include automated tension control systems that adjust parameters in real-time during the print run, ensuring high-quality output consistently.

These advantages underscore why flexographic printing machines are highly regarded for their versatility, efficiency, and adaptability, particularly when using environmentally friendly water-based inks and durable resin plates on sensitive materials like PE film and paper bag rolls.

Link to see how flexo printing machine works with paper roll and plastic film roll

https://youtu.be/h3yVftTpGjo?si=Ufhhvbm2xLQP-dPr