Thinking Outside the Plain Jane Box

Offset has always prevailed over other printing processes at Arkay. It offers not only versatility, but also the ability to achieve fine detail and unmatched overall quality at reasonable prices. Still, flexo has a place at the company.

Kaneff said, "Offset lithography is considered the best alternative to other processes because it excels in delicate soft vignetted tones. This is due to a wide range of tone values controlled by plates, blankets, and distribution of ink. A range of 2 percent to 90 percent gradations are needed for skin tones, hair colors, and photo shots of consumer products on packages. In process printing, flexography uses direct inked plastic plates which come in direct contact with the paperboard and tends to leave a doughnut shaped print when seen under a magnifying glass. However, solid design print areas in flexography used on our multi-process presses allows us to carry heavy metallic, pearlescent inks, and ultra high gloss coatings.