You may have come across our Flexo Label Printing Machines and wondered whether the costs of a new press could be justified by the benefits it would bring to your business. Maybe you’re currently printing on older Digital equipment and struggling to compete with prices from companies producing large print runs at a lower cost on the latest Ink jet hybrid systems, or you might have an old flexo label printing machine and be wondering if it’s worth the cost to upgrade or replace.
What is a Flexo Label Printing Machine?
Flexographic printing works by creating polymer printing plates containing the images and text to be printed in negative, or a mirror image. A new plate needs to be created for each print run, however once it’s made it can be used indefinitely for no extra cost. This makes flexography one of the most cost-effective and versatile printing methods for medium to high volume printing.
A flexo label machine can be used on a wide variety of surface materials, giving your business the opportunity to expand your market appeal and still keep costs competitive.
What are the Benefits of a Flexographic Press?
The cost-effectiveness of a flexographic printer provides huge benefits to printing companies working with medium or large scale orders. It lowers the cost per unit, allowing you to be highly competitive when it comes to price.
Flexo printing machines also print much faster than digital machines, with modern printers running at speeds of up to 400 ft per minute, getting orders completed quickly and effectively.
There is a much wider choice of inks and colour options than with digital printing, including water-based, oil-based and solvent based inks, which are often cheaper to purchase than their digital equivalents. Again adding to the cost-effectiveness achieved by these machines.
The reliability and high print quality of flexographic printing presses offer a wide range of benefits to printing companies including the improved efficiency of the printing process, less downtime and a higher quality end product.
What about Digital Printing equipment
Digital presses are geared to shorter press runs, customised, personalised printing & variable data printing. There are a number of Digital printing platforms so it can be confusing as they are not all equal. Technologies include Toner, Ink Jet , offset & thermal printing and investment levels range from a few thousand euros to a million euros. The cost of running a Digital system is higher than analogue Printing press, Special Inks, substrates, service /click charges need to be factored in to your business model . Most Digital presses will require an additional finishing machinery for over printing/varnishing, laminating, cold foil, Die Cutting etc..Do your research , know your market , test your preferred option , do the maths and invest in the best systems you can afford. For this reason sourcing a used Digital press requires careful consideration.
Now considering the opportunities in the latest hybrid Digital/Flexo technology is presenting in the market investing in used press might just be a backward step.
Should I Buy a Used Label Printing Machine?
Label printing machine prices can vary widely, encompassing pre-used machines and cheap, low quality imports.
Analyse why you are considering a used press. If just to increase capacity of existing production, purchasing another similar press may make sense.
If it is your first investment be careful and find a supplier you can trust.
Bear in mind the flexo equipment technology has advanced & digital presses are changing rapidly too. The latest servo machines reducing set up time & down times between jobs as well as higher production speeds and web controls.
Consider the condition of an older Press , availability of technical support & parts. Not all manufacturers support ‘End Of line’ machinery. This equipment is complex and several technologies may be integrated. Mechanical drives, PLC, UV , Ink jet systems are all expensive to replace and may turn your bargain into an expensive money pit.
Ask about Ex Demo machines, most manufacturers have Showrooms and will always be happy to discuss moving on an Ex Demo machine. These will have very few working hours and may offer some flexibility in terms of specification & have some bonus features, plus will have a FULL WARRANTY.
At Focus, we believe in providing high-quality printing equipment , often designed for specific applications which are entirely manufactured in the UK and come with the component quality guaranteed. Purchasing a new printing machine from us allows you to make a first-rate investment into your business.
Each of our machines are designed and built to match our customer’s needs, ensuring you a machine that will fit perfectly with your business requirements. All of our machines are designed so that new modules can be added, removed or altered at a later date to adapt to any changing needs in your business. We are also able to offer customised and bespoke applications and Digital Hybrid solutions.
After-Sales Care
At Focus we provide an outstanding level of customer aftercare, technical support and customer service, so you can rest assured that you will have all the support necessary to make the very most of your new flexo printing machine.
Visit our showroom for a free demonstration of our printing presses. We will be happy to show you a range of options and discuss what would fit your business requirements best.
