The Preferred Process | Printing on Food Packaging

Food packaging is essential to food sales and delivery. As a food brand, it is necessary to have the brand’s name printed on every packaged meal. In addition, it massively enhances the outlook and grade of the brand and the aesthetic of the packaged food. Most times, consumers value the best food packaging and branding. Proper printing on food packaging boosts the appearance and reliability of every packaged food (Learn: Solutions to Coffee Bean Packaging Printing and Making).

It is no longer news that food packaging is important, what crowns it all is pertinent brand printing. For every food company, it is fundamental to print every food package because it attracts countless benefits. It speaks for the brand and makes it peculiar in all ramifications. 

In this article, the advantages of flexo printing would be explained, facets to consider when deciding on food packaging printing machines would be accentuated and miscellaneous flexo printing machines would be reviewed. On top of that, a reliable supplier would be suggested.

Flexo Printing on Food Packaging

Flexo printing is one of the most used when it comes to printing for food packaging for any brand. Flexo printing is positively needed, and this claim would be justified. How does flexo printing work? What are the advantages of flexo printing? Both of these questions would be exhaustively examined.

How Does Flexo Printing Work?

Flexo printing is a relief printing process that uses flexible printing plates made of rubber or polymer materials. The plates are mounted on a rotating cylinder that transfers ink to the substrate as it passes through the printing press. The process can be used to print on a variety of substrates including paper, cardboard, plastic films, and metallic foils.

The ink used in flexo printing is transferred from the printing plate to the substrate using an anilox roller, which controls the amount of ink that is deposited on the substrate. Flexo inks are typically fast-drying and can be water-based or solvent-based, depending on the substrate and the desired print quality.

Flexo Printing Machines are designed to operate at high speeds, and many of them feature automated systems for ink and registration control. This allows for efficient and accurate printing of large volumes of material in a short amount of time.

Pros of Using Flexo Printing

Using flexo printing as the rudimentary food packaging printing process comes with mammoth advantages. These advantages justify why it should be embraced. The pros of using flexo printing include:

Cost-Effective in Long Printing Run

Flexo printing is an ideal choice for cost-effective long-term printing for several reasons. Firstly, flexo printing machines are designed for high-volume production, which means that the cost per unit decreases as the print run increases. This is because the initial setup costs are spread out over a larger number of prints.

Secondly, flexo printing uses flexible printing plates that are relatively inexpensive to produce and can be reused many times, reducing the cost of replacement. Additionally, flexo inks are often water-based, which is a more affordable and eco-friendly option compared to solvent-based inks.

Lastly, flexo printing machines are typically more affordable than other printing equipment, and their high-speed performance ensures that large volumes of prints can be produced in a shorter amount of time, reducing labor costs and increasing overall efficiency.

Low Constraints on Shape or Format 

Not all printing machines for food packaging cut out every shape or format, but flexo printing cuts numerous shapes and formats. It does not constrain the operator on the kind of shape and format they desire. Regardless, some brands may have elaborate formats, designs or shapes, which may seem difficult for random forms of printing but flexo printing machines are protean and cut different shapes and formats. 

If any operator is having difficulties in printing desired shape or format, it is time to revert to flexo printing because it brings about low constraints on shape and format. Embracing flexo printing for food packaging guarantees access to different shapes and format printing at high speed.

Ideal for High-speed

The speed of flexo printing cannot be underestimated because it is the best when it comes to large-scale printing. Most printing machines are fast anyways, but flexo printing comes in unique speed, which boosts productivity in food packaging. Everyone wants speed when undertaking any task and flexo printing assures that. 

It delivers a maximum of 250 m per minute printing speed and skyrockets printing productivity to a greater scale. Flexo printing is well-suited for high-speed printing due to several factors. Firstly, the flexographic printing process involves a simple and efficient plate-making process, which makes it faster than other printing methods like gravure or lithography. Additionally, flexo inks dry quickly, allowing for fast turnaround times and high-speed production.

Moreover, flexo printing machines are designed to operate at high speeds without compromising print quality. They have features such as advanced drying systems and automated ink and registration controls, which ensure that the printing process is efficient and accurate even at high speeds.

High-Quality Print Image

One of the most remarkable advantages of flexo printing is that it assures high-quality print images. Blurry or low-quality images look ugly on food packaging. 

Accordingly, it is essential to print high-quality images on any food packaging printer. Flexo printing machines are ideal for food packaging printing because of their ability to produce high-quality images. They can print on various substrates with high resolution, ensuring that the final product meets the required standards for food safety and quality. This makes flexo printing a reliable and promising choice for the food packaging industry.

3 Factors for Choice on Food Packaging Printing Machines

There are certain factors to consider before making choices on food packaging printing machines. For instance, if there is greater demand for color types, it is advisable to choose a machine model that can accommodate more colors. Likewise, if there is massive demand that would require quantity and speed, it is necessary to choose machines that can support mass production.

Product Compatibility

This is one of the factors to consider when choosing food packaging printing machines. It is essential to confirm product compatibility before purchase. It is important to crosscheck how well the machine would work with the intended printing product.

Printing Ink Preference

The compatibility between printer and ink is a crucial factor in food packaging printing. Incompatibility between the ink and food products can lead to chemical reactions that may cause health risks for consumers. 

Therefore, it is important to use ink that is specifically formulated and tested for use in food packaging applications. Proper alignment of surface energies between the ink, image carrier, and film is also essential to ensure good adhesion and print quality. Careful consideration of ink selection and application is critical to ensure the safety and quality of food packaging printing

. 

Image Carrier

The compatibility between the printer and image carrier is crucial in ensuring high-quality print production and minimizing waste. It is important to select an image carrier that is compatible with the coated paper, ink, and board substrate. 

Failure to do so can result in printing defects such as misregistration and image distortion, which can significantly affect the final print quality. In addition, using an incompatible image carrier can also cause damage to the printer and lead to costly repairs. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to image carrier selection to ensure compatibility and optimize print production.

Printing Requirement for Your Production Line

Here, the printing requirements of your production line would be discussed. It is vital to scour the line of production if it is continuously moving or if it has a large quantity marking.

Continuously-Moving Manufacturing

Why a machine is needed at first is because of continuously moving manufacturing. Nevertheless, most food packaging companies continuously conduct printing for food packaging, which is why the most durable machines are needed. 

Continuously moving manufacturing is a result of high demand, which requires quantity and speed. Hence, it is advisable to choose machines that can support mass production. In addition, the cost of production for continuously moving manufacturing should be considered and the appropriate machine should be selected.

Large Quantity Marking

Large quantity marking is essential to control the cost of production. To produce in large quantities, it is vital to choose the best printing machines because not all machines can undertake printing in large quantities. 

In addition, printing in large quantities results in printing on different materials except it is on a particular type of material. Therefore, it is best to choose machines that can work on different materials. The type of material is another factor that would be discussed next.

What Packaging Material Are You Printing On?

Before purchasing any food packaging printer, it is paramount to consider the packaging materials you are printing on (Learn: Best Material and Printing for Packaging of Chips). Not all machines can print on aluminum or plastic. Here, printing on plastic, paper and aluminum food packages would be explained.

Printing on Plastic for Food Package 

Plastic is one of the most used materials in food packaging. The variety of printing materials makes it very important to choose the best machines. Nonetheless, a particular food packaging company might only print on plastic or paper materials. Thus, such companies opt for machines that print on only plastic or paper. 

Printing differs on the material and this serves as a mammoth factor to consider before choosing the printing machine. You cannot purchase a machine compatible with paper printing only, and expect it to print on plastic materials. The best option is to purchase machines that can print on different materials.

Printing on Aluminum for Food Package

Aluminum is a versatile material and it is suitable for food packaging. It has an innovative print surface and it is compatible with solid printing machines. Aluminum materials are widely used to package fast food e.g. Salty Snacks or Confectionery. 

To print on aluminum for food packaging, it is primary to purchase a machine that can print on it. Not all printing machines can print on aluminum materials. Hence, it is advisable to go for a machine that can print on every material.

Printing on Paper for Food Package

Paper is one of the most used materials for food packaging (Learn: A Complete Guide To Frozen Food Packaging). It usually has an extra aesthetic when used and it is the easiest to print on. Most machines can print on paper materials effortlessly without any limitations. 

Paper or paperboard is used for Baking paper, Milk cartons, Ice-cream cups, Fast food containers, Microwave Popcorn bags and many others. When used for all the above, it carries the brand name and logo and this is done by a paper printing machine. Consequently, the best machines should be bought to print on paper for food packaging.

Various Flexo Machines on Food Packaging Printing

Here, various Flexo Machines for Food Packaging Printing would be identified and the strength and specifications of each machine would be highlighted. Below is a table that shows the machines and their capabilities:

Model	Alumium	Plastic	Paper	Max Material Width  (mm)	Printing Length (mm)	Printing Speed	Printing Color
KTFP-A Series	√	√	√	600/ 1000/ 1200 to 2400	191 -914	70-80m/min	2,4,6,8
KTFP-AD Series	√	√	√	600/ 1000/ 1200 to 2400	191 -914	70-80m/min	2,4,6,8
KTFP-B Series	√	√	√	600-2000	190-889 to 2032 (7.5″- 80″)	100-120m/min	4-8 Color
KTFP-BP Series Paper	√	√	√	1000-2000	190-889 to 2032 (7.5″- 80″)	120m/min	4-8 Color
KTFP-C Series	√	√	√	1000-2000	190-889 to 2032 (7.5″- 80″)	120-150m/min	4-8 Color
KTFP-CP Series	√	√	√	1000-1600	190-889 to 2032 (7.5″- 80″)	180m/min	4-8 Color
KTFP-D Series	√	√	√	1000-1600	190-889 to 2032 (7.5″- 80″)	220-250m/min	4-8 Color

KTFP – A Series

This flexo printing machine is comprehended to be versatile and suitable for roller-to-roller printing on Paper, Plastic film, Non-woven fabric, Aluminum and various other similar roller-type materials. The machine is compatible with various ink preferences and can undertake continuous and large-quantity printing. 

It can print on any packaging material like Plastic, Aluminum and Paper. The machine has up to 600-2400 max material width, and 191-914 mm printing length. KTFP – A Series has above-average printing speed which is about 70-80 m/min and compatible with 2, 4, 6 and 8 printing colors.

KTFP – AD Series

Just like many other flexo printing machines, KTFP – AD Series is suitable for roll-to-roll printing. It works perfectly for innumerable color printing and is compatible with distinct products and materials. The machine is known to be efficient for large-scale production due to its continuously moving manufacturing and large quantity marking. 

On top of that, the machine prints on Plastic, Paper and Aluminum. The machine has up to 600, 1000, 1200 to 2400 max material width with a printing length between 191-914. The machine’s printing speed is 70-80 m/min with up to 2, 4 to 8 printing colors. It also has a separate control design drying system and Auto Meter counting system.

KTFP – B Series

This Flexographic Printing machine is slightly different from the machines earlier mentioned. Similarly, KTFP – B Series is eligible for roll-to-roll printing on Paper, Plastic, PP Woven fabric and Aluminum. The machine is known to be prolific and it ameliorates productivity on a greater scale. 

This machine seems like a bigger upgrade because of its Touch Screen control system and an Unwind and Rewind with Auto Tension control. The machine has up to 190-889 to 2032 mm printing length and up to 600-2000 mm max material width. In addition, it has a 100-120 m/min printing speed and is compatible with 4-8 colors.

KTFP – BP Series

This flexo printing machine functions as a slight upgrade to the previous flexographic printing machine. Likewise, KTFP – BP series is a roll-to-roll printing machine, which works perfectly for printing on plastic, aluminum, paper and so on. A big machine is trusted to deliver tremendous productivity and is capable of improving the production rate drastically. 

The printing cylinder life uses a hydraulic system with a touch screen control system. In addition, the machine has up to 1000-2000 max material width and 190-889 to 2032 mm printing length. The printing speed of the machine is 120 m/min and is compatible with 4-8 colors.

KTFP – C Series

When considering the best flexo printing machine, KTFP – C Series cannot be left out. This machine possesses incredible specifications that speak for it. Without a doubt, it is competent in carrying out printing production in large quantities and is compatible with plastic, aluminum and paper. 

It has a touchscreen control system and an Unwind and Rewind with Auto Tension Control. Furthermore, the max material width of the machine is between 1000-2000 mm with 190-889 to 2032 mm printing length. The printing speed is 120-150 m/min and has 4-8 printing colors.

KTFP – CP Series

Precisely like previously mentioned flexo printing machines, KTFP – CP Series is suitable for roll-to-roll printing and it can print on plastic, paper, aluminum and other similar roll-type materials. The machine is one of the most efficient, and it prints in large quantities and is compatible with many products. 

The machine has a double-sided enclosed type of doctor blade and can do back-to-back rewind design. It is one of the best used for printing on food packaging with 180 m/min printing speed. The machine has 1000-1600 mm material width and 4-8 color printing colors.

KTFP – D Series

One incredible element of this flexographic printing machine is that it has computer control and 220-250 m/min printing speed. The printing speed of this machine is different from most machines and it makes it unique. 

The speed of this machine makes it possible to improve the productivity rate and is capable of continuously moving manufacturing in large quantities. In addition, the machine prints on any type of material such as plastic, paper and aluminum. KTFP – D series has 1000-1600 max material width and 190-889 to 2032 printing length. Just like other machines, this machine also has 4-8 printing colors.

Get the Best Printing Machine for Food Packaging from KETE

Hitherto, the factors for choosing the best flexo printing machines have been discussed and the best machines have been highlighted. KETE Group is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of authentic food packaging printers. Here, how KETE can help you would be scrutinized and one-step solutions for Flexo Printing Machine would be discussed.

How KETE Can Help You

KETE is one of the most reliable suppliers of the best Flexo Printing Machines and the brand can help through:

Efficiency and Quality

Efficiency and Quality are guaranteed when you buy Flexo Printing Machines from the company. These machines are durable and they are capable of undergoing continuously moving manufacturing. KETE looks forward to actualizing our Business needs so you can expand production capacity and enhance efficiency and quality.

Thorough After-Sales Service

KETE guarantees top-notch after-sales service whenever you purchase any Flexo Printing Machine from the brand. KETE guides you when you need any technical support, through any of the contacts. KETE has a devoted supporting crew that will deal with your issue as soon as feedback is received. 

One-Stop Solutions for Flexo Printing Machines 

KETE is without doubt, a reliable supplier of Flexo Printing Machines and the company offers one-stop solutions for Flexo Printing Machines via:

Stack Type & CI Type & Unit Type

KETE Flexo Printing Machines are available in various types and configurations, including three distinct types of flexo presses: central impression (CI) type, unit type, and stack. Each of these flexo presses has a unique mechanical or configuration build that physically sets them apart from one another.

Water-Based Ink & Solvent-Based Ink

Before now, ink preferences or compatibility has been a serious issue for Flexo Printing Machines and can cause printing defects if the right ink is not used. Nonetheless, KETE offers a solution to this problem because these Flexo Printing Machines make use of water-based and solvent-based ink.

Conclusion 

Flexo Printing Machines are needed for printing on food packaging after evaluating their usefulness. Different types of Flexo Printing Machines have been identified and explained. Thus, the subsequent thing to do is to get one from a reliable supplier. Among other suppliers, KETE offers superb services on every machine to ensure efficiency and reliability on every purchase.

To get more information on these Flexo Printing Machines, you can visit the official KETE Group website. Visitors get access to information concerning every machine effortlessly. Correspondingly, potential buyers can get a quote from the company to know how much it would cost before proceeding with an acquisition.