Flexographic Printing vs. Letterpress Printing: Main Differences and Applications

Introduction

Over the years, printing technology has made great progress, with flexographic printing and letterpress printing being the two main printing methods. Although both printing methods are widely used, they differ in terms of process, efficiency, and suitability for different materials. This article will explore the main differences between flexographic printing and letterpress printing, focusing on flexographic printing presses and their advantages.

1. What is flexographic printing?

Flexographic printing, commonly known as flexographic printing, is a modern high-speed printing method using flexible letterpresses. It is widely used for printing on packaging, labels, and corrugated paper materials.

Main features of flexographic printing presses:

Use photosensitive resin plates or rubber plates mounted on a rotating drum.
Use fast-drying water-based inks or UV inks.
Suitable for printing on non-absorbent materials such as plastics, foils, and films.
Capable of mass production with consistent quality.

2. What is letterpress printing?

Letterpress is one of the oldest printing techniques, where **raised metal or polymer type** is inked and pressed onto paper. It is known for its crisp touch, but is slower than flexographic printing.
 

Key features of letterpress printing:

Uses metal or hard plates with raised surfaces.

Typically uses oil-based inks.

Best for paper products such as business cards, stationery and art prints.

Produces convex and concave effects for a premium feel.

3. Main differences between flexographic and letterpress printing

4. Advantages of flexographic printing presses

1. Versatility – Prints on a wide range of substrates, including flexible films.
2. High-speed production – Suitable for large-scale packaging and label printing.
3. Better ink selection – use environmentally friendly water-based or UV-curable inks.
4. Consistent quality – maintain consistency even over long periods of printing.

5.When to choose letterpress printing?

For luxury brands (e.g., wedding invitations, business cards).
Need tactile gravure effects.
For short-run hand-printed projects.

Conclusion

While letterpress printing is superior in terms of craftsmanship and tactility, flexographic presses dominate high-speed, large-scale industrial printing, especially in the packaging and labeling fields. The choice between the two depends on project requirements, materials, and desired effects.
 

For companies seeking efficiency, scalability, and versatility, flexographic printing remains the first choice for modern commercial printing.