ADHESIVE MOUNTING TAPES FOR FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING

In flexography, compressible foam plays a key mechanical role between the printing plate and the cylinder or sleeve. It does more than just serve as a support; it regulates printing pressure and ensures quality. The technical solutions in the Olinxo range are designed to provide controlled and stable compressibility.

Here are the concrete benefits:
1) Absorption of irregularities
The compressible foam compensates for:
– micro-imperfections in the substrate (corrugated cardboard, kraft paper, uneven surfaces)
– slight variations in machine pressure
– surface irregularities
Result: more uniform contact between the printing plate and the substrate.

2) Reduced dot gain:
Controlled compressibility limits:
– excessive flattening of the printing plate
– distortion of halftones
– variations in density
Greater consistency in four-color or high-definition printing.

3) Stability of solid areas
The foam acts as a dynamic shock absorber:
– vibration absorption
– reduction of the rebound effect
– more even pressure across the entire print width
More uniform solid areas and less marking.

4) Plate Protection
The compressible structure distributes mechanical stress:
– less localized stress
– lower risk of premature damage
– optimized plate lifespan

5) Improved Repeatability
A technically calibrated foam ensures:
– consistent performance from batch to batch
– fewer corrective adjustments
– faster ramp-up to full production

In conclusion, compressible adhesive foams help compensate for surface irregularities, control dot gain, ensure the stability of solid areas, protect the printing plate, and reduce process variations.
In flexography, this is not just an accessory: it is a direct driver of performance and quality assurance.

The choice of a mounting adhesive tape depends on three key criteria: the type of print, the printed substrate, and the desired level of quality. The goal is to strike the right balance between mechanical performance and print quality.

1) Thickness: Managing Shimming and Vibrations
The choice of thickness depends on the type of equipment or machine.
However, the thickness of the foam plays a key role in ensuring stable contact between the printing plate and the substrate. It directly affects:
– the total height of the printing plate + adhesive (machine shim)
– vibration absorption capacity
– the consistency of printing pressure

2) Firmness: print quality
The firmness of the foam determines how it behaves under pressure and directly affects print quality: dot gain, flat-area smoothness, and detail accuracy.
Selection criteria:
– Soft foam: better absorbs irregularities and is suitable for complex or compressible substrates. Ideal for fine halftones and high definition because it minimizes dot distortion.
– Medium-density foam: a versatile solution offering a good balance between solid areas and halftones
– Firm foam: enables better ink transfer from the plate to the substrate due to greater resistance to deformation under mechanical pressure, resulting in crisp, uniform solid areas.

3)Adapting to the application
The choice must always be consistent with the end use:
– High ink coverage (solid areas) = firm foam to ensure a uniform finish
– High-resolution four-color printing = soft foam to preserve details and minimize dot gain

In summary:
Thickness = mechanical control (registration, pressure, vibrations)
Hardness = print quality (dot gain, details, solid areas)
A structured range like Olinxo makes it easy to adjust these two parameters to ensure process reliability, improve consistency, and optimize print quality in flexography.