Flexographic Image Adjustment: Key Principles and Precautions

HUIZHOU, China - Oct. 29, 2025 - PRLog -- Flexographic printing requires precise image control to ensure stability and color accuracy. ZXC Print highlights several best practices for professionals working in prepress and print production.

1. Core Principles

• Highlight Dropout: Maintain detail in light areas and prevent tonal loss.
• Complementary Colors: Use opposite colors carefully; ideally, apply only one complementary color to avoid unwanted color shifts.
• Total Ink Coverage: Keep total ink below the substrate's absorption capacity to prevent smudging or drying issues.

2. Spot Color Application

Spot colors should be chosen based on design, materials, and press conditions. Proper use of spot colors enhances brand consistency and visual appeal.

3. Registration Mark Positioning

Precise positioning is critical. Marks placed too close to the edge can lead to alignment deviation.
When a spot color plate includes both halftone and solid areas, the press operator should determine whether to print them together or separately for better control.

4. Handling Fine Elements

• Pay close attention to thin lines, small text, and multi-color registration areas.
• Separate large solid backgrounds from halftone plates.
• Double printing may be needed in high-ink areas for uniform coverage.
• Carefully manage gradients to prevent uneven tones or banding.

5. Image Adjustment Considerations

• Printing Conditions: Adjust tone curves according to the customer's press setup; reduce tone values slightly to offset dot gain.
• Flexographic Characteristics: Add micro dots in highlight areas to prevent dropout.
• Plate Factors: Softer or thicker plates may expand — adjust highlight compensation as needed.
• Screen Ruling: Higher line screens require finer adjustments; lower screens may need sharpening.
• Material Adaptation: Different products, such as paper cups, cartons, or corrugated boxes, require specific adjustments for the best results.

Commitment to Quality

At printing in China (https://www.zxcprint.com/), ZXC Print applies these principles across every flexographic project to ensure outstanding results. From packaging solutions to book printing (https://www.zxcprint.com/products/book-printing/), the company delivers consistent color accuracy, sharpness, and superior finish quality.