Buying Guide
How to Spec Anilox and Plate Setup for Carton Flexo Jobs
Buyer guide to anilox and plate setup for carton flexo: line screen, BCM, plate type, ink, board face, sample proofs, and RFQ fields that prevent print disputes.
Quick answer
Specify carton flexo jobs by linking artwork resolution, plate type, anilox line screen/volume, ink system, and board face. Asking only for “high-quality flexo” leaves the pressroom free to invent a setup that fails barcodes or solids.
Start from the graphic intent
Separate line work, solids, screens, and barcodes. Each may need different anilox volumes or plate strategies. Provide print-ready files with trapping and barcode quiet zones already correct.
Name anilox targets
Ask the plant which anilox line screen and BCM (or equivalent volume) they propose for each station. Record the approved combination with the ink and board used in the trial.
Lock plate and mounting assumptions
State plate thickness/type expectations where relevant, mounting tape behavior, and whether process work shares stations with heavy solids. Mis-matched plates cause dirty print or crushed flutes.
Approve on production board
Sign off color and barcode grade on the live liner and flute, not only coated drawdowns. Retain a marked OK sheet with machine settings.
RFQ
Artwork type; barcode grade target
Board/liner; ink family; press type
Proposed anilox and plate setup
Trial sheets; retention OK sheet; monthly volume
Related PackTrades Knowledge
Water-Based vs Solvent Flexo Ink for Corrugated Print, Flexo Printer Buying Guide for Carton Plants, Flexo Ink Selection Guide for Corrugated Printing, What Is White-Top Linerboard?
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