Why CI Flexo Printing is the Gold Standard for Thin Plastic Films

In the flexible packaging industry, printing quality, consistency, and efficiency are critical—especially when working with thin plastic films. Among all available technologies, CI flexo printing (Central Impression Flexographic Printing) has become the gold standard for packaging manufacturers worldwide.
With advantages in print stability, color accuracy, high-speed production, and material versatility, CI flexo printing is widely used for food packaging, medical films, and consumer goods. This article explains why CI flexo printing dominates thin film applications and how manufacturers can benefit from investing in advanced CI flexo presses from PuJi Machinery.

What Is CI Flexo Printing?

CI flexo printing uses a central impression drum that holds the thin plastic film firmly while multiple color stations print around it in a single pass.
This design ensures perfect registration, even on ultra-thin substrates such as PE, PP, BOPP, CPP, and laminated films.

Compared with stack or inline flexo presses, CI flexo offers superior tension control, making it ideal for lightweight and stretchable materials.

Why Thin Plastic Films Require CI Flexo Technology

Thin films are sensitive to heat, tension, and vibration. Even small fluctuations can cause defects such as:

• Color misalignment

• Wrinkling or stretching

• Ink inconsistency

CI flexo printing minimizes these risks by keeping the film stable and evenly supported, allowing manufacturers to maintain high print quality at high speeds.

Key Advantages of CI Flexo Printing for Thin Films

Exceptional Print Registration

The central drum holds the substrate securely, ensuring precise color-to-color alignment, even at speeds above 300 m/min. This is critical for brand logos and fine text.

Superior Tension Control

CI flexo presses reduce film distortion by maintaining constant web tension, making them ideal for thin, elastic plastic films.

High-Speed, High-Volume Production

CI flexo printing supports continuous, long-run production, helping converters reduce downtime and increase output efficiency.

Consistent Ink Coverage

Uniform pressure across the substrate improves ink transfer, resulting in smooth solids and sharp graphics.

Eco-Friendly Printing Solution

CI flexo works well with water-based and low-VOC inks, supporting sustainable packaging goals and regulatory compliance.

CI Flexo Printing vs Other Printing Technologies

CI flexo printing offers the best balance of quality, speed, and cost, especially for medium to large production volumes.

Common Applications of CI Flexo Printing

CI flexo printing is widely used in:

• Food packaging films

• Snack and frozen food bags

• Medical and pharmaceutical packaging

• Daily chemical and personal care packaging

• Laminated and multilayer films

These industries demand high hygiene standards, visual consistency, and material efficiency, all of which CI flexo delivers.

Why Choose PuJi Machinery CI Flexo Presses?

At PuJi Machinery, we specialize in advanced CI flexo printing machines designed for thin plastic films. Our equipment focuses on:

• Precision engineering for ultra-thin substrates

• Stable high-speed operation

• User-friendly control systems

• Energy-efficient and eco-friendly design

By choosing PuJi Machinery, manufacturers gain reliable printing performance and long-term production stability.

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FAQ: CI Flexo Printing for Thin Plastic Films

Q1: Is CI flexo printing suitable for very thin films below 20 microns?
Yes, CI flexo printing is specifically designed to handle ultra-thin and stretchable films with excellent stability.

Q2: What inks are commonly used in CI flexo printing?
Water-based and solvent-based inks are both widely used, depending on application and regulatory needs.

Q3: Is CI flexo printing cost-effective for long runs?
Absolutely. CI flexo offers low unit costs for medium to large production volumes.

Q4: Can CI flexo presses support sustainable packaging materials?
Yes, CI flexo works well with recyclable and biodegradable film structures.

Conclusion

CI flexo printing remains the gold standard for thin plastic films due to its unmatched print stability, speed, and efficiency. For packaging manufacturers seeking high-quality, scalable, and eco-friendly printing solutions, CI flexo is the smart investment.
If you’re looking to upgrade or expand your printing capabilities, PuJi Machinery offers reliable CI flexo presses tailored to modern packaging demands.
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