Flexo Printing Machine

The 2023 labelexpo Asia show we participated in in December was a complete success.

I am very happy that many customers from Russia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia are very interested in our printing machines, slitting machines, and die cutting machines.

There are also customers who place orders directly after discuss with us about machine details in exhibition. Thank you for all the customer trust and support. We will continue to update, bring better machines and services to our customers.

That triumphant feeling of peeling off a price tag or product label is often short-lived. Left behind is the dreaded sticky residue – a gummy, stubborn mess that seems impossible to remove. Don't despair! Whether it's on glass, plastic, ceramic, or metal, conquering sticky labels is possible with the right approach. Here’s your battle plan:

Essential Principles:

1. Patience is Key: Rushing usually leads to scratches or spreading the glue.

2. Test First: Always test your chosen method on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the surface (paint, finish, etc.).

3. Start Gentle: Begin with the mildest method and escalate only if needed.

4. Work the Edges: Lift a corner and work slowly, ideally peeling the label and residue off together.

Your Arsenal of Removal Methods:

1. The Gentle Peel (Best for Fresh Labels):

How-To: If the label is relatively new, try slowly peeling it back at a very low angle (almost parallel to the surface), applying gentle, steady pressure. Heat from your fingers can sometimes help soften the glue slightly.

Best For: Easily accessible, not overly stubborn labels on smooth surfaces.

2. Heat Power (Hair Dryer or Heat Gun):

How-To: Set your hair dryer to medium heat or a heat gun to low (keep it moving constantly!). Warm the label for 30-60 seconds, focusing on the edges. The heat softens the adhesive. Carefully lift a corner with a fingernail or plastic scraper and peel slowly while warm.

Best For: Plastic containers, glass jars, metal. Avoid on thin plastic (can warp), painted surfaces (can damage paint), or sensitive electronics. Keep heat away from flammable materials!

3. Oil Power:

How-To: Apply a generous amount of oil (or oil-based food) directly onto the sticky residue. Let it soak for 15 minutes to several hours. The oil breaks down the adhesive bond. Wipe away the residue with a cloth or paper towel. Clean the surface thoroughly with soapy water afterward to remove oily film.

Best For: Glass, ceramic, metal, some plastics. Test on plastics first, as oil can sometimes stain or cloud certain types. Avoid porous surfaces like untreated wood.

4. Rubbing Alcohol:

How-To: Dampen a cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. Rub firmly over the sticky residue. The alcohol dissolves many types of adhesive. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. May require a few applications.

Best For: Glass, metal, most hard plastics, countertops. Test first! Can damage some plastics (causing cloudiness or crazing), varnished wood, painted surfaces, or certain finishes. Use in a well-ventilated area.

5. Commercial Adhesive Removers:

How-To: Follow the product instructions carefully. Apply a small amount to the residue, let it sit for the recommended time, then wipe away with a cloth. Often very effective.

Best For: Tough residue on glass, metal, many plastics. ALWAYS test on an inconspicuous spot first! Can be harsh on some surfaces. Use in a well-ventilated area. Clean the surface thoroughly with soapy water afterward.

6. White Vinegar:

How-To: Soak a cloth in undiluted white vinegar and lay it over the residue for 10-15 minutes. Rub the area. Vinegar's acidity can help break down some adhesives. Rinse well.

Best For: Glass, some plastics. Less potent than other methods but gentler.

7. Baking Soda Paste (For Stubborn Residue):

How-To: Make a paste with baking soda and a little water or cooking oil. Apply to the residue, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then gently scrub with an old toothbrush or cloth. Wipe clean.

Best For: Surfaces where gentle abrasion is acceptable (glass, ceramic, some metals). Helps lift residue dissolved by oil.

Prevention is Easier Than Cure: The Role of Quality Labels

While removal techniques are valuable, the best experience starts with the label itself. High-quality labels applied correctly leave minimal residue. This is where manufacturing precision makes a huge difference.

A Label Die Cutting Machine plays a crucial role. This specialized machine doesn't just cut the label shape; it precisely controls the depth of the cut. Optimal die cutting ensures the label's adhesive layer is cleanly cut through without cutting into the backing paper too deeply. Why does this matter?

Cleaner Release: Precise cutting allows the label to peel cleanly off its backing.

Less "Ooze": Prevents adhesive from bleeding excessively around the edges of the label during application.

Easier Application: Labels come off the backing smoothly.

Easier Removal: Labels designed and cut with removal in mind, combined with adhesives formulated for clean release (like removable adhesives), significantly reduce the sticky residue left behind.

A stack flexo printing machine is a type of flexible packaging and label printing equipment characterized by vertically stacked printing units, each positioned independently on a central frame or "stack." This design allows each color station (typically 4–10 units) to be mounted on either side of a main frame or along a vertical column, enabling versatile configuration for multi-color printing on flexible substrates like paper, plastic films, foil, or corrugated board.

Key Components & Working Principle

The machine consists of core components:

• Printing Units: Each unit holds a flexible relief printing plate (flexographic plate) mounted on a plate cylinder, paired with an anilox roller for precise ink metering.
• Unwinding & Rewinding Systems: Feed the substrate through the machine and collect the printed material.
• Drying Systems: Infrared or air-drying tunnels cure solvent-based or water-based inks between color layers.

Operation follows a stepwise process: the substrate passes through each printing unit sequentially, with each unit adding a different color. The stack configuration allows easy access to individual units for quick plate changes, making it ideal for short-to-medium print runs.

Applications & Advantages

Stack flexo machines excel in packaging production (e.g., food wrappers, beverage labels, shopping bags) and corrugated box printing. Their key benefits include:

• Flexibility: Adaptable to various substrate thicknesses and widths, with quick setup for job changes.
• Cost Efficiency: Lower initial investment compared to satellite-style flexo presses, suitable for small businesses or frequent design updates.
• Space Savings: Vertical stacking minimizes floor space usage, though alignment precision relies on operator expertise.

Equipment Selection & Maintenance Tips

1. Choosing the Right Stack Flexo Press

When selecting a machine, prioritize:

• Substrate Compatibility: Ensure the press handles your target materials (e.g., PVC, polyethylene, or paperboard).
• Color Capacity: Match the number of printing units to your typical color requirements (e.g., 6 units for full-color CMYK + spot colors).
• Drying Technology: Solvent-based inks need robust drying systems, while water-based inks may require gentler air-flow setups.
• Automation Level: Semi-automated models reduce manual adjustments, but fully automated presses improve consistency for high-volume runs.

2. Maximizing Performance Through Maintenance

Regular upkeep ensures optimal print quality and longevity:

• Clean Anilox Rollers: Use specialized brushes or ultrasonic cleaners to remove dried ink buildup, which causes streaking or uneven ink transfer.
• Inspect Print Plates: Replace worn or damaged flexo plates to avoid blurry edges or missed details.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Grease gear trains, bearings, and guides to prevent friction-related downtime.
• Calibrate Tension Systems: Uneven substrate tension leads to registration errors—verify sensor accuracy monthly.

Stack flexo printing machines offer a balance of versatility and affordability for packaging and label production. Proper selection based on production needs, combined with proactive maintenance, ensures consistent output and cost-effective operation in dynamic printing environments.

1. Overview

A flexo printing machine uses fluid ink and a roller system to transfer images onto substrates. Ink flows from the ink pan via an ink fountain roller to an anilox roller, which distributes precise ink volumes to the raised image areas of flexible relief plates. An impression cylinder applies pressure to transfer ink to substrates like paper, plastic, or corrugated board, followed by drying—using hot air or UV light. Its simple design enables easy operation and high-speed production, making it ideal for packaging and label printing.

2. Naming Origin

The term "flexographic" stems from early corrugated cardboard printing needs. Rigid plates failed on its uneven surface, so flexible plates were developed to conform to ridges and valleys. To prevent ink smudging on unprinted "high points," non-image areas of the plate were deeply recessed. "Flexo" highlights the plates' adaptability, while "graphic" refers to image transfer—capturing the technology's core: flexible, deeply etched plates for rough substrates.

3. Key Features

4. Applications

Flexo machines excel in:

• Packaging: Corrugated boxes, food pouches, and pharmaceutical cartons.
• Labels: Self-adhesive retail labels, shrink sleeves, and industrial tags.
• Specialty: Textile banners, metallic packaging, and embossed surfaces.

5. Technology Comparison

Conclusion

Flexo printing balances simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, making it a key technology in modern industrial printing. While offering moderate resolution, advancements in plates and automation enhance precision and sustainability, ensuring its relevance in diverse applications from packaging to specialized labeling.

The name “Ruiting” may not have a pre-defined meaning in English, but for Ruiting Machinery, it carries deep cultural and strategic significance. 
 

1. Chinese Meaning: Auspicious Foundations

• 瑞 (Ruì): Means “good fortune” or “auspiciousness,” symbolizing prosperity and positive growth.

• 庭 (Tíng): Represents a “solid foundation” (like a courtyard), reflecting reliability and steady craftsmanship.

• Together: “Ruiting” (瑞庭) conveys “auspicious foundations”—a blend of luck and stability, core to the brand’s values.

2. English Role: A Phonetic Identity

• No direct English meaning; it’s the phonetic transliteration of the Chinese name (Ruì Tíng).

• Purpose: Retains the original sound to honor roots in Ruian (a Chinese manufacturing hub) while being easy for global audiences to recognize and pronounce.

3. Why This Name? Three Key Reasons

• Cultural Pride: Merges traditional values of luck and reliability, essential for a machinery brand.

• Regional Connection: Echoes “Ruian,” the city where the company is based, known for high-quality mechanical production.

• Global Simplicity: Avoids translation issues, letting the brand define itself internationally through its unique sound and story.