Measurement of Flexographic Ink Transfer on a Modified Prufbau, 1996 International Printing & Graphic Arts Conference Proceedings
J. S. Lavelle
Lehigh University
J.A. Quinn
Dupont Imaging systems
J.E. Gallagher
F.J. Micale
Numerous articles have been written on gravimetric ink transfer measurements in letterpress and lithographic printing. Nothing comparable is available on flexographic printing due primarily to the lack of a suitable laboratory proof press. In this investigation, the Prufbau Multipurpose Printability Tester was modified to simulate flexographic printing with controlled pressure in the anilox/plate and plate/substrate nips at variable speeds up to 6 m/s. Ink transfer was determined by weighing the plate and/or the polyethylene substrate before and after printing. Ink transfer and print quality were investigated using a variety of inks, plates, anilox rolls, and substrates. Pre-liminary results indicate that many of the variables have a greater effect on print quality than on the amount of ink transferred.
Measurement of Flexographic Ink Transfer on a Modified Prufbau, 1996 International Printing & Graphi