How Flexographic Printing Works<\/title>\r\n<style>\r\n*{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0}\r\nbody{margin:0;padding:0}\r\n.fw{background:#18263B;font-family:inherit;padding:48px 40px 0;color:#fff;width:100%;overflow:hidden;display:block}\r\n.ft{text-align:center;font-size:28px;font-weight:800;letter-spacing:-0.02em;margin-bottom:14px;color:#fff;line-height:1.2;display:block}\r\n.fs{text-align:center;font-size:12px;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.4);margin-bottom:44px;letter-spacing:0.12em;text-transform:uppercase;display:block;line-height:1.6}\r\n.pb{position:relative;display:flex;align-items:flex-start;justify-content:space-between;margin-bottom:28px;width:100%}\r\n.wl{position:absolute;top:34px;left:0;right:0;height:3px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(81,140,202,0.1),#518CCA,rgba(81,140,202,0.1));z-index:0;pointer-events:none}\r\n.av{color:rgba(81,140,202,0.35);font-size:11px;z-index:1;flex-shrink:0;padding-top:24px;align-self:flex-start}\r\n.st{position:relative;z-index:1;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;cursor:pointer;flex:1;min-width:0}\r\n.sw{position:relative;width:68px;height:68px;margin:0 auto}\r\n.sc{width:68px;height:68px;border-radius:50%;background:#1E3450;border:2px solid #518CCA;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:24px;transition:all .2s ease;position:relative;z-index:1}\r\n.st:hover .sc,.st.on .sc{background:#518CCA;border-color:#7EB4FF;box-shadow:0 0 0 7px rgba(81,140,202,0.18);transform:scale(1.08)}\r\n.sn{position:absolute;top:-6px;right:-8px;min-width:20px;height:20px;background:#38E57A;border-radius:10px;font-size:10px;font-weight:700;color:#18263B;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;border:2.5px solid #18263B;z-index:2;padding:0 4px;line-height:1}\r\n.sl{margin-top:9px;font-size:10px;font-weight:600;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.45);text-align:center;line-height:1.5;transition:color .2s;width:100%;padding:0 2px}\r\n.st:hover .sl,.st.on .sl{color:#7EB4FF}\r\n.tp{background:#1E3450;border:1px solid rgba(81,140,202,0.25);border-radius:10px;padding:24px 28px;display:flex;gap:20px;align-items:flex-start;width:100%;overflow:hidden}\r\n.ti{font-size:38px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;width:44px;text-align:center;margin-top:4px}\r\n.tb{flex:1;min-width:0;overflow:hidden}\r\n.tt{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.14em;color:#518CCA;margin-bottom:10px;display:block;line-height:1.6}\r\n.th{font-size:18px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin-bottom:10px;line-height:1.3;display:block}\r\n.td{font-size:14px;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.6);line-height:1.8;word-wrap:break-word;overflow-wrap:break-word;display:block}\r\n.hint{text-align:center;font-size:11px;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.18);margin-top:12px;letter-spacing:0.06em;padding-bottom:48px}\r\n.list-wrap{background:#fff;width:100%;padding:48px 40px 48px;margin:0;font-family:inherit}\r\n.list-title{text-align:center;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.16em;color:#518CCA;margin-bottom:6px}\r\n.list-heading{text-align:center;font-size:24px;font-weight:800;color:#18263B;letter-spacing:-0.01em;margin-top:14px;margin-bottom:32px;line-height:1.25}\r\n.step-list{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:0;max-width:860px;margin:0 auto}\r\n.sl-row{display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:20px;padding:18px 20px;border-radius:10px;transition:background .15s}\r\n.sl-row:hover{background:#F8FAFC}\r\n.sl-left{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;flex-shrink:0;width:220px}\r\n.sl-num{width:26px;height:26px;background:#38E57A;border-radius:50%;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;color:#18263B;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0}\r\n.sl-icon{font-size:24px;width:32px;text-align:center;flex-shrink:0}\r\n.sl-name{font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#18263B;line-height:1.35}\r\n.sl-tag{font-size:10px;font-weight:600;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.1em;color:#518CCA;margin-top:3px}\r\n.sl-desc{flex:1;font-size:14px;color:#475569;line-height:1.8;min-width:0}\r\n.sl-line{border:none;border-top:1px solid #F1F5F9;margin:0 20px}\r\n@media(max-width:640px){\r\n .fw{padding:32px 20px 0}\r\n .list-wrap{padding:36px 20px}\r\n .pb{flex-wrap:wrap;gap:14px;justify-content:center}\r\n .wl,.av{display:none}\r\n .st{flex:0 0 calc(25% - 10px);max-width:80px}\r\n .sw{width:52px;height:52px}\r\n .sc{width:52px;height:52px;font-size:18px}\r\n .tp{flex-direction:column;gap:10px}\r\n .ti{font-size:28px;width:auto}\r\n .th{font-size:15px}\r\n .td{font-size:12px}\r\n .sl-row{flex-direction:column;gap:10px}\r\n .sl-left{width:100%}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<\/head>\r\n<body>\r\n<div class=\"fw\">\r\n <div class=\"ft\">How Flexographic Printing Works<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"fs\">Hover any step to learn more<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pb\">\r\n <div class=\"wl\"><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(0)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83c\udfa8<\/div><div class=\"sn\">1<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Artwork<br>Prep<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(1)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83d\uddbc\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"sn\">2<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Plate<br>Making<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(2)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83c\udf9e\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"sn\">3<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Substrate<br>Load<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(3)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83d\udd8c\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"sn\">4<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Ink<br>Station<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(4)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\u2699\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"sn\">5<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Impression<br>Cylinder<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(5)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83d\udca8<\/div><div class=\"sn\">6<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Drying<br>\/ UV<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(6)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\u2702\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"sn\">7<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Die<br>Cutting<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(7)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83c\udf81<\/div><div class=\"sn\">8<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Rewind<br>& Ship<\/div><\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"tp\">\r\n <div class=\"ti\" id=\"pi\">\ud83d\udda8\ufe0f<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"tb\">\r\n <div class=\"tt\" id=\"pt\">Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"th\" id=\"ph\">Flexographic Label Printing<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"td\" id=\"pd\">Hover over any step above to learn how each stage of the flexographic press works \u2014 from artwork file to finished roll of labels.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"hint\">\u2190 Hover each step to explore the process \u2192<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"list-wrap\">\r\n <div class=\"list-title\">The Full Process<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"list-heading\">Step by Step<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"step-list\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">1<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83c\udfa8<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Artwork Preparation<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Pre-Press<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">Files must be submitted as .AI, .EPS, or layered PDF. Artwork is checked for CMYK color mode, minimum 300dpi resolution, bleed, and trap. Fonts must be outlined. Errors are caught here before they reach the press.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">2<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83d\uddbc\ufe0f<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Plate Making<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Platemaking<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">Artwork is imaged onto a flexible polymer plate using our Esko Spark CDI laser system \u2014 one plate per color. The plate is washed and dried, then mounted on the press cylinder. Plate quality determines print sharpness and color accuracy.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">3<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83c\udf9e\ufe0f<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Substrate Loading<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Setup<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">The label substrate \u2014 paper, BOPP film, polyester, or foil \u2014 is loaded onto the unwind stand and threaded through the press. Tension is set carefully to prevent stretch or misregister across all print stations.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">4<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83d\udd8c\ufe0f<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Ink Station<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Inking<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">Each color has its own dedicated ink station. A precision-engraved anilox roll picks up a metered, consistent amount of ink and transfers it to the plate. Clean anilox rolls are critical \u2014 contamination causes color variation and print defects.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">5<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\u2699\ufe0f<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Impression Cylinder<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Printing<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">The inked plate presses against the substrate, supported by the impression cylinder. All colors print in sequence as the web moves through the press. Color registration \u2014 precise alignment of each layer \u2014 is monitored continuously throughout the run.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">6<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83d\udca8<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Drying \/ UV Cure<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Curing<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">Ink is dried or cured between color stations and at the end of the press. UV-curable inks cure instantly under UV lamps with no heat required. Proper curing prevents smearing, blocking, and adhesion failure once labels are on your product.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">7<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\u2702\ufe0f<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Die Cutting<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Finishing<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">A hardened steel die cuts the printed web into the final label shape \u2014 round, oval, square, or fully custom. Laminate or varnish coatings are applied before die cutting if specified. The matrix waste is stripped away, leaving finished labels on the liner.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">8<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83c\udf81<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Rewind & Ship<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Delivery<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">Finished labels are rewound onto cores to your specification: roll direction, core size, and labels per roll. Quality checks are performed before packing. New orders ship within 10\u201314 business days of art approval. Repeat orders ship within 7\u201310 business days.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\nvar S=[\r\n {i:'\ud83c\udfa8',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Artwork Preparation',d:'Files must be submitted as .AI, .EPS, or layered PDF. Your artwork is checked for print-readiness: color mode (CMYK), resolution (minimum 300dpi), bleed, and trap. Fonts must be outlined. Files are prepared for plate imaging \u2014 this is where errors are caught before they ever reach the press.'},\r\n {i:'\ud83d\uddbc\ufe0f',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Plate Making',d:'Your artwork is imaged onto a flexible polymer plate using our Esko Spark CDI laser system. One plate is produced per color. The plate is then washed and dried, ready to mount on the press cylinder. Plate quality directly determines print sharpness and color accuracy.'},\r\n {i:'\ud83c\udf9e\ufe0f',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Substrate Loading',d:'The label substrate \u2014 paper, BOPP film, polyester, or foil \u2014 is loaded onto the unwind stand and threaded through the press. Tension is set carefully to prevent stretch or misregister as the web travels through each print station at speed.'},\r\n {i:'\ud83d\udd8c\ufe0f',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Ink Station',d:'Each color has its own dedicated ink station. A precision-engraved anilox roll picks up a metered, consistent amount of ink and transfers it to the plate. Anilox roll cleanliness is critical \u2014 dirty rolls cause color variation and are a leading cause of print quality issues.'},\r\n {i:'\u2699\ufe0f',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Impression Cylinder',d:'The inked plate presses against the substrate, supported by the impression cylinder underneath. All colors print in sequence as the web moves through the press. Registration \u2014 the precise alignment of each color layer \u2014 is monitored continuously throughout the run.'},\r\n {i:'\ud83d\udca8',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Drying \/ UV Cure',d:'Ink is dried or cured between color stations and at the end of the press. UV-curable inks cure instantly under UV lamps with no heat required. 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Repeat orders ship within 7\u201310 business days.'}\r\n];\r\nvar D={i:'\ud83d\udda8\ufe0f',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Flexographic Label Printing',d:'Hover over any step above to learn how each stage of the flexographic press works \u2014 from artwork file to finished roll of labels.'};\r\nfunction show(n){var s=S[n];document.getElementById('pi').textContent=s.i;document.getElementById('pt').innerHTML=s.t;document.getElementById('ph').textContent=s.h;document.getElementById('pd').textContent=s.d;document.querySelectorAll('.st').forEach(function(e,x){e.classList.toggle('on',x===n)})}\r\nfunction reset(){document.getElementById('pi').textContent=D.i;document.getElementById('pt').innerHTML=D.t;document.getElementById('ph').textContent=D.h;document.getElementById('pd').textContent=D.d;document.querySelectorAll('.st').forEach(function(e){e.classList.remove('on')})}\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/body>\r\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1475cf e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b1475cf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{"background_background":"classic"}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t \t <button class=\"e-22e06d3-bc78b16 e-button-base\" data-interaction-id=\"22e06d3\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"22e06d3\">\n Get A Quote\n <\/button>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eee737b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"eee737b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{"background_background":"classic"}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9cd9fa0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9cd9fa0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Flexographic printing, commonly known as flexo printing, is the leading method for high-volume custom label production used by food and beverage brands, cosmetic companies, chemical manufacturers, and industrial businesses worldwide. Central Tape and Label is a Houston, Texas flexographic label printer operating two Nilpeter 10-color flexographic presses and a Rotoflex 6-color press, with plate imaging on an Esko Spark CDI system. Flexographic printing uses flexible polymer plates to transfer ink onto paper, BOPP film, polyester, vinyl, and foil substrates at high speed \u2014 delivering consistent color, sharp detail, and professional results across runs of 1,000 to over one million labels. Artwork must be submitted as an .AI, .EPS, or layered PDF file in CMYK color mode at a minimum of 300dpi. New orders ship within 10\u201314 business days of art approval. Repeat orders ship within 7\u201310 business days. For flexographic label printing in Houston Texas, food label printing, cosmetic label printing, GHS chemical label printing, or industrial label printing contact Central Tape and Label at 713-462-8585 or visit centraltapeandlabels.com.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Flexographic Printing Works How Flexographic Printing Works Hover any step to learn more 🎨1ArtworkPrep ▶ 🖼️2PlateMaking ▶ 🎞️3SubstrateLoad ▶ 🖌️4InkStation ▶ ⚙️5ImpressionCylinder ▶ 💨6Drying\/ UV ▶ ✂️7DieCutting ▶ 🎁8Rewind& Ship 🖨️ Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX Flexographic Label Printing Hover over any step above to learn how each stage of the flexographic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5371","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n<title>How It Works - Central Tape and Label<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/centraltapeandlabels.com\/staging\/howitworks\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How It Works - Central Tape and Label\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How Flexographic Printing Works How Flexographic Printing Works Hover any step to learn more 🎨1ArtworkPrep ▶ 🖼️2PlateMaking ▶ 🎞️3SubstrateLoad ▶ 🖌️4InkStation ▶ ⚙️5ImpressionCylinder ▶ 💨6Drying\/ UV ▶ ✂️7DieCutting ▶ 🎁8Rewind& Ship 🖨️ Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX Flexographic Label Printing Hover over any step above to learn how each stage of the flexographic […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/centraltapeandlabels.com\/staging\/howitworks\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Central Tape and Label\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ctl.houston\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-16T16:47:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/centraltapeandlabels.com\\\/staging\\\/howitworks\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/centraltapeandlabels.com\\\/staging\\\/howitworks\\\/\",\"name\":\"How It Works - 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10px);max-width:80px}\r\n .sw{width:52px;height:52px}\r\n .sc{width:52px;height:52px;font-size:18px}\r\n .tp{flex-direction:column;gap:10px}\r\n .ti{font-size:28px;width:auto}\r\n .th{font-size:15px}\r\n .td{font-size:12px}\r\n .sl-row{flex-direction:column;gap:10px}\r\n .sl-left{width:100%}\r\n}\r\n<\/style>\r\n<\/head>\r\n<body>\r\n<div class=\"fw\">\r\n <div class=\"ft\">How Flexographic Printing Works<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"fs\">Hover any step to learn more<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"pb\">\r\n <div class=\"wl\"><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(0)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83c\udfa8<\/div><div class=\"sn\">1<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Artwork<br>Prep<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(1)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83d\uddbc\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"sn\">2<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Plate<br>Making<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(2)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83c\udf9e\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"sn\">3<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Substrate<br>Load<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(3)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83d\udd8c\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"sn\">4<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Ink<br>Station<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(4)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\u2699\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"sn\">5<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Impression<br>Cylinder<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(5)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83d\udca8<\/div><div class=\"sn\">6<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Drying<br>\/ UV<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(6)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\u2702\ufe0f<\/div><div class=\"sn\">7<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Die<br>Cutting<\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"av\">\u25b6<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"st\" onmouseenter=\"show(7)\" onmouseleave=\"reset()\"><div class=\"sw\"><div class=\"sc\">\ud83c\udf81<\/div><div class=\"sn\">8<\/div><\/div><div class=\"sl\">Rewind<br>& Ship<\/div><\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"tp\">\r\n <div class=\"ti\" id=\"pi\">\ud83d\udda8\ufe0f<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"tb\">\r\n <div class=\"tt\" id=\"pt\">Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"th\" id=\"ph\">Flexographic Label Printing<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"td\" id=\"pd\">Hover over any step above to learn how each stage of the flexographic press works \u2014 from artwork file to finished roll of labels.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <div class=\"hint\">\u2190 Hover each step to explore the process \u2192<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"list-wrap\">\r\n <div class=\"list-title\">The Full Process<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"list-heading\">Step by Step<\/div>\r\n <div class=\"step-list\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">1<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83c\udfa8<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Artwork Preparation<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Pre-Press<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">Files must be submitted as .AI, .EPS, or layered PDF. Artwork is checked for CMYK color mode, minimum 300dpi resolution, bleed, and trap. Fonts must be outlined. Errors are caught here before they reach the press.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">2<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83d\uddbc\ufe0f<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Plate Making<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Platemaking<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">Artwork is imaged onto a flexible polymer plate using our Esko Spark CDI laser system \u2014 one plate per color. The plate is washed and dried, then mounted on the press cylinder. Plate quality determines print sharpness and color accuracy.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">3<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83c\udf9e\ufe0f<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Substrate Loading<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Setup<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">The label substrate \u2014 paper, BOPP film, polyester, or foil \u2014 is loaded onto the unwind stand and threaded through the press. Tension is set carefully to prevent stretch or misregister across all print stations.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">4<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83d\udd8c\ufe0f<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Ink Station<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Inking<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">Each color has its own dedicated ink station. A precision-engraved anilox roll picks up a metered, consistent amount of ink and transfers it to the plate. Clean anilox rolls are critical \u2014 contamination causes color variation and print defects.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">5<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\u2699\ufe0f<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Impression Cylinder<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Printing<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">The inked plate presses against the substrate, supported by the impression cylinder. All colors print in sequence as the web moves through the press. Color registration \u2014 precise alignment of each layer \u2014 is monitored continuously throughout the run.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">6<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83d\udca8<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Drying \/ UV Cure<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Curing<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">Ink is dried or cured between color stations and at the end of the press. UV-curable inks cure instantly under UV lamps with no heat required. Proper curing prevents smearing, blocking, and adhesion failure once labels are on your product.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">7<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\u2702\ufe0f<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Die Cutting<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Finishing<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">A hardened steel die cuts the printed web into the final label shape \u2014 round, oval, square, or fully custom. Laminate or varnish coatings are applied before die cutting if specified. The matrix waste is stripped away, leaving finished labels on the liner.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <hr class=\"sl-line\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-row\">\r\n <div class=\"sl-left\"><div class=\"sl-num\">8<\/div><div class=\"sl-icon\">\ud83c\udf81<\/div><div><div class=\"sl-name\">Rewind & Ship<\/div><div class=\"sl-tag\">Delivery<\/div><\/div><\/div>\r\n <div class=\"sl-desc\">Finished labels are rewound onto cores to your specification: roll direction, core size, and labels per roll. Quality checks are performed before packing. New orders ship within 10\u201314 business days of art approval. Repeat orders ship within 7\u201310 business days.<\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n<script>\r\nvar S=[\r\n {i:'\ud83c\udfa8',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Artwork Preparation',d:'Files must be submitted as .AI, .EPS, or layered PDF. Your artwork is checked for print-readiness: color mode (CMYK), resolution (minimum 300dpi), bleed, and trap. Fonts must be outlined. Files are prepared for plate imaging \u2014 this is where errors are caught before they ever reach the press.'},\r\n {i:'\ud83d\uddbc\ufe0f',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Plate Making',d:'Your artwork is imaged onto a flexible polymer plate using our Esko Spark CDI laser system. One plate is produced per color. The plate is then washed and dried, ready to mount on the press cylinder. Plate quality directly determines print sharpness and color accuracy.'},\r\n {i:'\ud83c\udf9e\ufe0f',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Substrate Loading',d:'The label substrate \u2014 paper, BOPP film, polyester, or foil \u2014 is loaded onto the unwind stand and threaded through the press. Tension is set carefully to prevent stretch or misregister as the web travels through each print station at speed.'},\r\n {i:'\ud83d\udd8c\ufe0f',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Ink Station',d:'Each color has its own dedicated ink station. A precision-engraved anilox roll picks up a metered, consistent amount of ink and transfers it to the plate. Anilox roll cleanliness is critical \u2014 dirty rolls cause color variation and are a leading cause of print quality issues.'},\r\n {i:'\u2699\ufe0f',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Impression Cylinder',d:'The inked plate presses against the substrate, supported by the impression cylinder underneath. All colors print in sequence as the web moves through the press. Registration \u2014 the precise alignment of each color layer \u2014 is monitored continuously throughout the run.'},\r\n {i:'\ud83d\udca8',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Drying \/ UV Cure',d:'Ink is dried or cured between color stations and at the end of the press. UV-curable inks cure instantly under UV lamps with no heat required. Proper curing prevents smearing, blocking, and adhesion failure once labels are in the field on your product.'},\r\n {i:'\u2702\ufe0f',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Die Cutting',d:'A hardened steel die cuts the printed web into the final label shape \u2014 round, oval, square, or fully custom. Laminate or varnish coatings are applied before die cutting if specified. The matrix waste is stripped away, leaving finished labels on the liner ready to run.'},\r\n {i:'\ud83c\udf81',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Rewind & Ship',d:'Finished labels are rewound onto cores to your specification: roll direction, core size, and labels per roll. Quality checks are performed before packing. New orders ship within 10\u201314 business days of art approval. Repeat orders ship within 7\u201310 business days.'}\r\n];\r\nvar D={i:'\ud83d\udda8\ufe0f',t:'Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX',h:'Flexographic Label Printing',d:'Hover over any step above to learn how each stage of the flexographic press works \u2014 from artwork file to finished roll of labels.'};\r\nfunction show(n){var s=S[n];document.getElementById('pi').textContent=s.i;document.getElementById('pt').innerHTML=s.t;document.getElementById('ph').textContent=s.h;document.getElementById('pd').textContent=s.d;document.querySelectorAll('.st').forEach(function(e,x){e.classList.toggle('on',x===n)})}\r\nfunction reset(){document.getElementById('pi').textContent=D.i;document.getElementById('pt').innerHTML=D.t;document.getElementById('ph').textContent=D.h;document.getElementById('pd').textContent=D.d;document.querySelectorAll('.st').forEach(function(e){e.classList.remove('on')})}\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/body>\r\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b1475cf e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b1475cf\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{"background_background":"classic"}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t \t <button class=\"e-22e06d3-bc78b16 e-button-base\" data-interaction-id=\"22e06d3\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-id=\"22e06d3\">\n Get A Quote\n <\/button>\n \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-eee737b e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"eee737b\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{"background_background":"classic"}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9cd9fa0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9cd9fa0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Flexographic printing, commonly known as flexo printing, is the leading method for high-volume custom label production used by food and beverage brands, cosmetic companies, chemical manufacturers, and industrial businesses worldwide. Central Tape and Label is a Houston, Texas flexographic label printer operating two Nilpeter 10-color flexographic presses and a Rotoflex 6-color press, with plate imaging on an Esko Spark CDI system. Flexographic printing uses flexible polymer plates to transfer ink onto paper, BOPP film, polyester, vinyl, and foil substrates at high speed \u2014 delivering consistent color, sharp detail, and professional results across runs of 1,000 to over one million labels. Artwork must be submitted as an .AI, .EPS, or layered PDF file in CMYK color mode at a minimum of 300dpi. New orders ship within 10\u201314 business days of art approval. Repeat orders ship within 7\u201310 business days. For flexographic label printing in Houston Texas, food label printing, cosmetic label printing, GHS chemical label printing, or industrial label printing contact Central Tape and Label at 713-462-8585 or visit centraltapeandlabels.com.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Flexographic Printing Works How Flexographic Printing Works Hover any step to learn more 🎨1ArtworkPrep ▶ 🖼️2PlateMaking ▶ 🎞️3SubstrateLoad ▶ 🖌️4InkStation ▶ ⚙️5ImpressionCylinder ▶ 💨6Drying\/ UV ▶ ✂️7DieCutting ▶ 🎁8Rewind& Ship 🖨️ Central Tape and Label · Houston, TX Flexographic Label Printing Hover over any step above to learn how each stage of the flexographic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5371","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n<title>How It Works - 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