What Is The Difference Between CI Flexo And Rotogravure?

CI flexo (i.e. satellite flexo) and rotary gravure are significantly different in many aspects.
1. Working principle
CI flexo:
Using flexographic printing technology, the image and text on the printing plate are raised, and the ink is evenly applied to the printing plate through the anilox roller.
Under the pressure of the impression roller, the ink is transferred to the surface of the substrate to form a clearly visible image and text.
Rotary gravure:
Using gravure printing technology, the image and text part of the printing plate is lower than the blank part, forming a groove.
The ink is filled into the groove, and the ink is transferred to the substrate through the contact between the printing roller and the substrate.
2. Printing quality
CI flexo:
The fineness of the dots is moderate, which can meet most packaging printing needs.
The color saturation is relatively low, but it can be improved by using special inks and printing technology.
Rotary gravure:
The dots are fine and the ink layer is thick, the printed products have rich layers and bright colors.
Suitable for high-precision and high-quality printing needs, such as high-end packaging, labels, etc.
3. Applicable materials
CI flexo:
Applicable to a variety of substrates, including paper, plastic film, metal foil, etc.
Particularly suitable for large-area color block printing such as corrugated boxes and plastic films.
Rotogravure:
Applicable to materials such as paper, plastic film, aluminum foil, etc.
More suitable for printing film materials such as milk cartons, instant noodle packaging, etc.
4. Production efficiency and cost
CI flexo:
High production efficiency, suitable for large-scale printing.
The printing cost is relatively low because the plate making cost of flexographic printing plates is low and durable.
Rotogravure:
The production efficiency is also very high, suitable for large-scale, continuous printing operations.
The printing cost is relatively high because the plate making cost of gravure printing plates is high and the plate making cycle is long.
5. Environmental protection
CI flexo:
Usually uses water-based ink or UV ink, which has good environmental protection performance.
Less waste is generated during the printing process, which is beneficial to environmental protection.
Rotogravure:
The types of inks used are diverse, but traditional solvent-based inks may have a certain impact on the environment.
With the improvement of environmental awareness, more and more gravure printing companies are beginning to adopt environmentally friendly inks and printing technologies.