What’s the difference between offset printing and flexo printing

Offset printing and flexo printing are two popular printing techniques used in the commercial printing industry. Here are the key differences between them:

1. Printing plates: In offset printing, the printing plate is typically made of aluminum or plastic, while in flexo printing, the plate is made of flexible photopolymer material.
2. Ink transfer: In offset printing, ink is transferred from the printing plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the paper or other substrate. In flexo printing, ink is transferred directly from the plate to the substrate using flexible rubber or polymer plates.
3. Print quality: Offset printing typically produces higher print quality, with sharper and more accurate image reproduction, than flexo printing. However, flexo printing is more versatile and can be used on a wider variety of substrates, including non-porous materials like plastics and metals.
4. Speed: Flexo printing is generally faster than offset printing, making it more suitable for high-volume printing jobs.
5. Cost: The cost of offset printing is typically higher than flexo printing, especially for short runs, due to the cost of creating printing plates. Flexo printing can be more cost-effective for shorter print runs.

Overall, the choice between offset and flexo printing depends on the specific requirements of the printing job, such as the type of substrate, print quality, and volume of prints needed.