Can you use Flexography on Recycled Aluminium?

Feasibility of Flexography on Recycled Aluminium

Flexography, a modern version of letterpress, is a popular printing technique used on various materials. When it comes to recycled aluminium, flexography is indeed feasible. The process involves the use of quick-drying, semi-liquid inks and flexible relief plates, which can easily adapt to the surface of recycled aluminium. This makes flexography a suitable printing technique for this material.

Is Flexography on Recycled Aluminium Advised?

While flexography is feasible on recycled aluminium, it is not always the most advised printing technique. This is primarily due to the nature of recycled aluminium, which can have inconsistencies in its surface due to the recycling process. These inconsistencies can lead to uneven printing results. However, for certain applications where high precision is not required, flexography can still be a viable option.

Pros of Flexography on Recycled Aluminium

One of the main advantages of using flexography on recycled aluminium is its cost-effectiveness. Flexography is a high-speed printing process, which makes it ideal for large-scale production. Additionally, the inks used in flexography are generally less expensive than those used in other printing techniques. Another advantage is the environmental friendliness of this process. Since flexography uses water-based inks, it produces fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to other printing methods.

Cons of Flexography on Recycled Aluminium

Despite its advantages, there are also some drawbacks to using flexography on recycled aluminium. As mentioned earlier, the surface inconsistencies of recycled aluminium can lead to uneven printing results. Moreover, flexography does not offer the same level of detail and precision as other printing techniques, such as lithography or gravure. This makes it less suitable for applications that require high-resolution images or intricate designs.

Better Printing Techniques for Recycled Aluminium

For recycled aluminium, lithography and gravure are often better printing techniques. Lithography, in particular, is known for its ability to produce high-resolution images with a wide range of colours. It can handle the surface inconsistencies of recycled aluminium better than flexography, resulting in more consistent and high-quality prints. Gravure, on the other hand, is ideal for long-run, high-volume printing jobs. It offers excellent image quality and is highly efficient, making it a cost-effective option for large-scale projects.