CI Flexo (Central Impression Flexo) and Inline Flexo refer to two different configurations of flexographic printing presses. These configurations have distinct characteristics and are used for various printing applications.
Impression Type:
CI Flexo (Central Impression Flexo): In CI Flexo, a single large central impression cylinder is used to hold the printing substrate (such as a flexible printing plate or film). The inked anilox rolls and plate cylinders transfer the image to the central impression cylinder, which then applies the image to the substrate in a continuous process. This configuration allows for consistent and high-quality printing across the entire width of the substrate.
Inline Flexo: In Inline Flexo, each printing unit has its own impression cylinder. The substrate moves sequentially through each printing unit, and each unit applies a specific color or part of the image. The inline configuration is more modular, allowing for greater flexibility in terms of the number of colors and the order in which they are applied.
Printing Speed:
CI Flexo: CI Flexo presses are known for their high-speed capabilities. The central impression cylinder's large size allows for efficient and rapid printing, making CI Flexo suitable for high-volume production runs.
Inline Flexo: While inline flexo presses can also achieve high speeds, the printing process is sequential, and the overall speed may be influenced by factors such as the complexity of the print job and the number of colors.
Flexibility:
CI Flexo: CI Flexo is well-suited for long print runs with consistent print quality. It is particularly advantageous for flexible packaging applications where high-speed and high-quality printing are essential.
Inline Flexo: Inline Flexo provides more flexibility in terms of job changes, making it suitable for shorter print runs or applications where frequent setup changes are required. Each printing unit can be adjusted independently.
Setup Time:
CI Flexo: CI Flexo presses may require a longer setup time due to the need to mount and align the printing plates on the central impression cylinder.
Inline Flexo: Inline Flexo presses offer quicker setup times as adjustments can be made independently for each printing unit.
Applications:
CI Flexo: Commonly used in the printing of flexible packaging materials, labels, and other continuous roll-to-roll applications.
Inline Flexo: Applied in various industries for printing labels, folding cartons, and other packaging materials. The flexibility of inline presses allows for diverse printing applications.
Video Introduction
Below is the workflow of the 6 color flexo printing machine.
Below is the workflow of the inline flexo printing.
