Micro Laser Art

It is the oldest automated printing method still in use today. Surface machines lay down a very heavy amount of ink. It “creeps” when it hits the paper, so the images are not as crisp as the other methods. Also, there is no drying between color stations. So the registration (alignment of the printing) is very important to keep the inks from running into each other. Because of the heavy lay down of ink, and the inexact image rendering, the surface has a very distinct look. It is especially well suited for multi–colored floral patterns and classic document designs. Surface printers can usually print up to 12 colors.

------FLEXOGRAPHIC PRINTING------
“Flexo” is an updated version of surface printing. This printing process was developed in England at around the year 1900 and used rubber cylinders or rollers. It has an engraved roller with a raised image to transfer ink to paper. Unlike surface printing, where the engraved roller is composed of a very hard material, flexographic printing uses a flexible material, like a rubber stamp. This allows the use of less ink and provides a more exact image. The least distinctive of any of the print methods, flexo is able to approximate the look of any surface. Gravure of screen depending on the particular design, Flexo printing usually prints seven or eight colors: though, some machines may go as high as 12.