Tone value increase (flexography)

Tone value increase is a printing error between the master and the printout. This results in a darker and sometimes blurred image. The reasons can be many and varied, for example the pressure of the printing plate on the substrate, as well as an incorrect ink viscosity. Wrong scoop volume or a too thick printing plate can be possible sources of this error. The thickness of the doctor blade tip should also be matched to the anilox roller.

Solutions to tone value increase:

• Check the pressure setting of the printing plate to the substrate and adjust if necessary, use as little pressure as necessary.
• Check the thickness of the printing plate and adjust and replace if necessary
• Coordinate the pick-up volume of the anilox roller with the printing plate used, change the anilox roller if necessary.
• Adjust the type of doctor blade to the pick-up volume of the anilox roller; the finer the pick-up volume, the finer the tip of the doctor blade should be.