Tape Resistance in flexographic Printing

Resistance to tape movement in flexographic printing refers to how difficult it is for a tape to move over a surface. The unit of measurement is usually the ohm (Ω).

When the tape resistance is higher, the tape is less likely to move, which results in better printing quality.

What is tape resistance in flexo printing?

Heat is applied to the printing plate to create a print, and then it is pressed against the surface to create the print. This is called flexo printing.

The heat melts the polymer in the printing plate, which is forced through the print head to create the image. By creating pressure waves, the print heads can easily damage the paper, which is one of the challenges of this process.

There is a problem with flexo printing called tape resistance.

The print head can create waves that push against the material, tearing it, causing unwanted lines or wrinkles.

How does a Tape Resistance work in a flexo printing?

To print images on a variety of materials, flexo printing presses use a large number of small, flexible ink jets. Ink is pressed against the material by the jets to create an impression.

The image on the printed material is created by the combination of each jet’s individual speed.

The pressure between the jets and the material plays an important role in creating an accurate image. It is possible for the prints to be blurry or indistinct if the jets are too soft.

In order to prevent this, printers use tape resistance to control the amount of pressure applied to the materials by each jet. This is done by using a cloth or piece of paper that is attached to the back of each jet. 

When the printer starts printing, it pulls on these tapes, which in turn adjusts the pressure applied to the material.

Which type of resistances should I use in my flexo printing?

There are a lot of different types and resistance levels for flexo printing. A different type of resistance is required for each type of flexo printing.

A lower resistance is generally better for typesetting and a higher resistance is better for photo reproduction. Choosing the right flexo printing resistance is as easy as following these guidelines:

Low-temperature resistance ink should be used if the setting is less than 30 degrees C.

If you are using a setting that is 30 degrees C or higher, you should use a high-temperature resistance ink.

When is tape resistance really measurable?

When measuring the resistance of a tape, there are a few things that need to be taken into account. 

The most important consideration is the geometry of the tape. The geometry refers to the shape and size of the tape strands. The larger the strands, the higher the resistance. 

Additionally, the width and thickness of the tape also play a role in how resistant it is. A thinner tape will have a lower resistance than a wider or thicker tape. However, thickness isn’t the only factor that affects resistance. 

Width also matters when it comes to printed tapes because wider tapes allow for more printable area per inch.

Does Tape resistances work in every type of flexographic printing?

There are a few types of flexo printing that use different types of inks and material. Tape resistances may not work in every type of flexo printing, so it’s important to test the resistance before applying the tape. 

How Can You Reduce the Tape Resistance?

If you’re printing flexo prints, you’ll want to reduce the tape resistance as much as possible. This will help your prints flow more easily and produce better results. There are a few ways to do this:

 Use low-tack tapes: 

These tapes don’t leave a residue on the print and don’t require a lot of pressure to stick.

Use a print surface that’s made from non-stick material: 

This will help reduce the amount of friction between the print and the substrate.

Choose a printer with low tape resistance:

 Printers with low tape resistance will print faster and with less resistance.

How do you measure a Tape Resistance value?

To measure the Tape Resistance value of a flexo printing tape, you need to use an ohmmeter. 

To do this, you need to place the voltage probe on one end of the test strip and the ammeter on the other end. 

Next, you need to slowly move the test strip between the two probes while watching the reading on the meter. The higher the reading, the greater the resistance of the tape.

FAQs:

What is the difference between 70 and 110 tape resistances in flexo printing?

When printing with flexo printing, it is important to know the difference between 70 and 110 tape resistances. 

With 70-grit paper, the printing pressure is high enough to cause auricular stress on the tape which can lead to wrinkles in the printed material. 

With 110-grit paper, the pressure is low enough that there is little to no auricular stress and the printed material will be more seamless.

Does Tape resistances come in different thicknesses?

When deciding how wide to make your stripes, it is important to take into account the tape’s resistances. 

There are many different types of tape with different resistances, so it is important to choose the right thickness for your project. Some tapes have a low resistance and will print easily, while other tapes have a high resistance and will require more layers to print correctly. 

It is also important to consider the humidity level, as tapes with a higher moisture content will print slower than tapes that are drier.

Conclusion:

Tape resistance in flexo printing is an important consideration to take into account when designing a printing process. 

By understanding the factors that affect tape resistance, designers can optimize their flexo printing processes for increased print quality.

This article is the part of Problems and solutions in flexo printing series

You can read the title article here – Flexo Printing Problems and Solutions

Next Read about Transverse Stripes in flexo printing