Printing on corrugated surfaces such as cardboard presents a unique set of challenges that can impact the quality and efficiency of your production processes and, whilst the purchase of one of our corrugated mounter proofers would safeguard against a number of issues, understanding associated challenges and how to mitigate them is crucial for packaging, displays, or other applications.
At Heaford, we specialise in providing solutions that address these specific issues, ensuring high-quality results for our clients.
The below lists a selection of the most common issues associated plate printing challenges;
Corrugated cardboard’s fluted structure creates an uneven printing surface. This unevenness can lead to ink pooling in the valleys between flutes, inconsistent ink transfer, and potential print defects. These issues can result in a less sharp and vibrant print, which is unacceptable for most commercial applications.
Corrugated boards are susceptible to warping due to fluctuations in moisture content. Warping can affect print registration, causing misalignment and negatively impacting print quality. Maintaining consistent moisture levels in the environment where printing occurs is essential but only sometimes feasible.
Improper handling or excessive printing pressure can crush the flutes of the corrugated board. This not only diminishes the board’s structural integrity but also affects its printability. Crushed areas will not receive ink uniformly, leading to blotchy or faded prints.
Choosing the appropriate ink for corrugated materials is critical. The wrong ink can lead to poor adhesion, extended drying times, and inadequate scratch resistance. Each corrugated material may require a specific type of ink to achieve the best results.
At Heaford, we offer a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to tackle these challenges head-on:
Our anilox rollers are engineered with precise dot patterns that ensure consistent ink laydown and minimise the risk of pooling on the corrugated surface. Our rollers’ specific pattern and cell volume are tailored to provide uniform ink distribution, even on the most challenging substrates.
Our flexographic printing plates are specifically designed for corrugated printing. These plates offer enhanced durability and resistance to wear, which is particularly important given the abrasive nature of corrugated surfaces. This durability ensures long-lasting performance and reduces the need for frequent replacements.
We provide a range of pressroom equipment optimised for corrugated printing, including impression cylinders and doctor blades. Our equipment helps minimise the risk of crushing the board by ensuring proper ink transfer with just the right amount of pressure. Features like adjustable pressure settings and durable materials help maintain the integrity of the corrugated board during printing.
Heaford’s inks and coatings are specially formulated for corrugated substrates. They offer superior adhesion, fast drying times, and excellent scratch resistance, ensuring that your prints are vibrant, durable, and fit for purpose. Our inks are designed to work seamlessly with our anilox rollers and printing plates, providing a holistic solution to your printing needs.
Our team of specialists brings extensive knowledge and experience to help you select the best combination of products and techniques for your specific needs. We provide tailored advice and support to help you overcome the unique challenges of corrugated printing, ensuring you achieve exceptional results every time.
Printing on corrugated surfaces poses unique challenges, but Heaford’s comprehensive solutions effectively mitigate these obstacles. Our advanced anilox rollers, durable printing plates, optimised pressroom equipment, and specialised inks and coatings are designed to ensure high-quality, consistent results.
Supported by our team’s technical expertise, we help you achieve exceptional print quality on corrugated substrates.
Contact us today to learn how we can enhance your corrugated printing processes and deliver superior results for your business.