How UV Flexo Ink Works in Folding Carton Production

In a flexographic folding carton press, ink transfer follows a fixed mechanical sequence.

Printing process:

Ink enters chamber doctor blade system

Doctor blade meters ink volume on anilox roller

Anilox transfers controlled ink volume to photopolymer plate

Plate cylinder transfers image onto carton board

UV lamp cures printed ink film immediately

Printed board continues into die cutting or converting section

The cured film is formed by photopolymerization.

UV light activates photoinitiators inside the ink and converts liquid resin into a solid film.

This film must:

Bond to coated or uncoated carton board

Resist rubbing during carton stacking

Flex during folding

Remain stable during gluing and downstream handling

1. How do I choose UV flexo ink for coated vs uncoated folding carton board?

The substrate surface determines ink wetting and adhesion.

For coated SBS or C1S board, the ink needs controlled surface wetting and stable transfer on smooth coated layers. Ink viscosity and anilox volume usually need tighter control because the coating absorbs very little liquid.

For uncoated kraft or recycled board, the surface is more porous and rough. Ink transfer generally requires stronger pigment coverage and attention to board absorbency.

Before production, converters usually verify:

board coating type
surface energy
anilox cell volume
cross hatch adhesion after curing
rub resistance after die cutting

Different board coatings may require different adhesion promoters.

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