This article is part of the FLEXO FLAW FIXING series

What is the Color Strength of a Flexo Print?

The color strength of a flexo print measures how much pigment is being used to produce the color. The higher the color strength, the more pigment is used and the brighter the color will be. Sometimes, color strength too high problem in flexo printing, can result in an overly bright or intense color. 

This can be caused by several factors, including the type of ink being used, the settings on the printing machine, or even the material used.

 While an overly bright color may not be desirable for some applications, it can be corrected by adjusting the settings on the printing machine or by using a different type of paper.

Blurry or smeared:

If the color strength is too high, it can result in the print being blurry or smeared, and it can also make it difficult to read any text printed on the flexo print.

Damage to the print:

When the color strength is too high in flexo printing, it can cause damage to the print area. 

This is because the colorants can build up on the surface of the print area and create a barrier that prevents the ink from adequately adhering to the substrate.

 This can eventually lead to cracking, flaking, and other forms of damage.

Why does it happen?

When it comes to printing with flexography, there is such a thing as too high of color strength.

This can happen when the inks are not properly mixed, when the printing plates are not correctly installed, or when the wrong settings are used on the printing press. 

How to Prevent the Color Strength from Getting Too High?

If you’ve ever had a flexo print come out with colors that seem too strong, it’s likely because the color strength was set too high. Here’s how to avoid that problem in the future: 

Option .1

Make sure you know the desired color strength before starting to print. This will help you avoid over-or under-saturating the colors. 

Option.2

Use a densitometer to measure the color strength of your prints. This will give you a more accurate idea of whether the colors are too strong. 

Option.3

 Adjust the color strength accordingly. If the colors are too strong, you can lower the color strength setting on your machine. Conversely, if the colors seem too weak, you can increase the setting. 

Option.4

Use a lighter ink color. This will help reduce the risk of smudging or other printing problems.

Option.5

Use a higher quality material. This will help prevent the ink from seeping through and damaging the print area.

Option.7

Make sure the print area is clean and free of debris before printing. This will help ensure that the ink adheres appropriately and doesn’t cause any damage.

Option.8

 Inspect the print area regularly for any signs of damage. If you notice any damage, stop printing immediately and fix the problem before continuing.

 Follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This will help you avoid any potential problems with your flexographic press.

Troubleshooting Techniques for a Flexo Printing Machine:

There are a few troubleshooting techniques you can try. 

First, check the anilox roll to see if it is clean and free of debris. If it is dirty, clean it with a soft brush or cloth.

Next, check the printing plates to ensure they are clean and free of any build-up. If they are dirty, clean them with a mild solvent such as alcohol. 

If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to change the ink or printing plates.

Tips for avoiding this situation:

Finally, check the printing press itself to ensure that all rollers and gears are clean and free of any build-up. If they are dirty, clean them with a mild solvent such as alcohol.

Conclusion:

It’s essential to be aware of the factors that can affect the color strength of a flexo print so that you can make necessary adjustments to ensure that your images come out looking their best. 

The color strength too high problem in a flexo print can sometimes also happen if the anilox roll is too full, the ink viscosity is too low, or the printing pressure is too high.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can avoid ending up with too dark or vibrant prints.