In a groundbreaking achievement, Ahmedabad-based Flexure Print N Pack has successfully accomplished a commercial print run for a frozen food client, achieving an unprecedented print resolution of 208 Lines per Inch (LPI). This remarkable feat was accomplished on the Echaar FlexoSmart HR300 central impression flexographic printing press, marking a significant advancement in the field of flexographic printing.

The minutiae of this achievement lie in the meticulous details – a minimum printed dot size of 1.6% and a dot diameter of 15 microns. The job, consisting of eight colors printed in reverse method, was executed with precision on the press, operating at a line speed of 300 meters per minute while maintaining accurate lateral and longitudinal registration. Notably, process color densities for CMYK inks reached 1.75, 1.55, 1.30, and 1.90 respectively, with tonal value increments well within standard tolerances.

Flexure Print N Pack, a veteran player with over two decades of expertise in flexographic printing for flexible packaging products, caters to diverse sectors including bakery, dairy, frozen foods, textile, agriculture, animal feed supplements, spices, and condiments to name a few.

Jainam K Shah, director of technology at Flexure Print N Pack, highlights the complexity and importance of understanding the flexographic printing technology to achieve high resolution. He emphasizes the critical role of resolution – from high-definition graphic images to prepress image-setter resolution to anilox roller’s resolution, and finally to the printing plate’s resolution. Shah asserts that Flexure’s accomplishment of printing at 208 LPI marks a pioneering achievement in India, setting a new standard in the industry.

Explaining the significance of higher LPI, Shah elucidates that it translates to greater detail and sharpness in printed images. He highlights the perceptible enhancement in visual packaging, asserting that high-definition printing not only elevates brand presentation but also serves as a cost-effective marketing tool, effectively positioning packaging as a dynamic sales asset.

“Flexure Print N Pack’s milestone in achieving 208 LPI in flexographic printing heralds a new era of possibilities for the packaging industry in India. With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future, Flexure continues to push the boundaries of flexographic printing, driving advancements that redefine industry standards and meet the evolving needs of consumers and manufacturers alike,” says Shah.

Significance of flexographic printing and its future prospects

Shah’s optimism for the future of flexographic printing stems from its inherent advantages and evolving market dynamics. While rotogravure printing technology currently dominates the flexible packaging market, Shah anticipates a gradual shift towards flexographic printing. Despite rotogravure’s reputation for high-quality printing at exceptionally high resolutions, Shah believes that flexographic printing offers untapped potential.

Rohan K Shah, director of sales at Flexure Print N Pack, says, “Flexographic printing, though relatively new and much challenging, presents numerous advantages, particularly in catering to the burgeoning demand for short quantity jobs prevalent in India’s expansive and fragmented FMCG market. Shah highlights the competitive landscape characterized by numerous retail players vying for consumer attention. In this context, flexographic printing’s ability to efficiently handle short as well as large quantity jobs positions it as a compelling choice for manufacturers seeking agile printing solutions.”

To facilitate this shift, Rohan K Shah emphasizes the need for flexographic printers to surpass the quality standards set by Rotogravure printing converters. “Flexure’s achievement of printing at 208 LPI not only demonstrates the viability of flexographic printing but also serves as a catalyst for industry-wide innovation and adoption,” concludes Shah.