Every successful print job starts long before ink reaches the substrate. Whether producing labels, flexible packaging, corrugated materials or other printed products, quality and consistency depend on effective prepress.

Flexographic prepress transforms digital artwork into printing plates that transfer ink onto the chosen substrate. From artwork preparation to plate imaging and material selection, each stage influences print accuracy, detail and consistency.

Understanding this process helps printers select suitable technology, improve workflows and achieve reliable production results.

From Artwork to Print-Ready Plates

1. Artwork Preparation and File Processing

Before plate production, artwork must be checked for dimensions, resolution, colour separations, text and fine details. Files must also account for the requirements of flexographic printing and the intended substrate.

Identifying errors early helps reduce rework, delays and material waste, creating a reliable foundation for plate production.

2. Plate Imaging and Production

Once artwork is prepared, plate imaging transfers the required image onto a flexographic plate, creating raised image areas that transfer ink during printing.

Accurate, consistent imaging is essential for reproducing fine details, maintaining registration and achieving repeatable results across production runs. Suitable equipment and materials help ensure dependable performance.

3. Plate Quality and Print Performance

Plate characteristics, including thickness, hardness and surface properties, influence ink transfer, image reproduction and print consistency. The right specifications depend on the substrate, press conditions and application.

Poorly matched plates or inconsistent production can result in lost detail, uneven ink transfer and variations between print runs. Plate selection should therefore form part of a broader prepress strategy.

Choosing the Right Plates and Workflow Technology

Every printing application has different requirements. Selecting the right prepress setup involves considering:

• Print application: Substrate, design complexity and required image quality.
• DuPont Cyrel® Plate technology: Processing requirements and performance characteristics.
• Workflow integration: Efficient coordination between artwork processing, imaging and plate production.
• Production demands: Job volumes, turnaround times and repeatability.
• Quality control: Reliable processes that identify potential issues before they affect production.

Solvent-free/FAST plate technology may also benefit suitable applications by eliminating the conventional plate-processing stage. Its suitability depends on the specific system, equipment and production requirements.

The goal is to build a workflow that supports print quality, operational efficiency and commercial objectives.

The Value of Technical Expertise & After-Sales Support

Achieving consistent results requires the right combination of equipment, materials and process knowledge.

Technical support helps businesses assess existing workflows, select suitable plate specifications, evaluate technology compatibility and troubleshoot production challenges. Working with a knowledgeable technology partner also helps printers adapt their prepress setup as requirements evolve.

Our partnership extends beyond supplying technology and materials. Kalideck provides ongoing after-sales support to help customers maintain reliable operations, troubleshoot challenges and get the most from their flexographic prepress solutions. We are committed to building long-term partnerships that support productivity, consistency and customer success.

Building a More Reliable Prepress Workflow

From artwork preparation to plate imaging and material selection, every stage of flexographic prepress contributes to the final printed result. Choosing technology that aligns with production requirements helps printers achieve consistent, high-quality results across a wide range of applications.

At Kalideck, our Prepress Print Solutions sector supports flexographic printing requirements with solutions from leading technology partners, including DuPont Cyrel® Plates and Solvent-free FAST® systems, CRON Imaging devices and KODAK Prinergy and Hybrid Workflows. We help print businesses explore suitable technologies and materials for their specific needs.

Looking to optimise your flexographic prepress workflow?

Explore Kalideck’s Flexographic Printing Solutions or speak to our team about your plate, workflow and production requirements.

Kalideck. One partner for every solution.