This study characterizes and compares the parameters of the quality reproduction of fine elements in flexography on coated and uncoated paper as well as on OPP film (oriented polypropylene). A monochrome test form was created and printed using cyan UV ink. The analysis of results confirms the importance of interaction between the printing substrate and ink; it also indicates identical line and text deformations on the print. Quality reproduction on coated paper is higher in relation to OPP film for all the research parameters. The ink penetrates significantly more and with more irregularity into the pores and throats of the uncoated paper, which results in less homogeneous elements, and in such way that it loses its original shape. In coated paper and OPP film, the ink spreads more on the substrate area which gives it a significantly more homogeneous shape. However, due to the surface spread of the ink, the biggest changes in the size of fine elements are noticeable in the OPP film. The scientific contribution of this paper is based on the comparison of print quality parameters of fine elements, which can contribute to the optimization of the production process and quality of the final graphical product.

This paper researches the issues related to the print quality in flexography, especially the influence of the print run and inadequate printing settings on dot deformation. Dot deformation can lead to inconsistencies in print quality, such as a loss of highlight tones or an unpredictable increase in tonal value. This research was conducted on two concrete examples of flexible packaging printed on transparent films. All significant parameters of dot deformation were evaluated, including dot coverage, dot sharpness and the uniformity of the ink density. The increase in the coverage values in the midtones was linear throughout the entire print run, while in the light tones, it was more logarithmic. The overall percentage deviations from the reference value were 6.3% in the midtones and 52.6% in the light area. The increase in dot coverage was due to the wear of the polymer plate, which caused the side shoulders of the dot to become a part of the printing surface. An analysis of the ink density showed a much more homogeneous shape of the dot at the beginning of the print run. The correct ratio of the anilox roller line screen to the line ruling of the printing plate is important in order to ensure a minimum dot size in print.

The top dot shape is an important element of plate dot geometry which has a significant effect on dot formation on the prints. There are several key parameters that can affect individual dot deformation: nip engagement, line ruling and...

Opaque white ink is highly important when printing on transparent substrates. The purpose of the white ink is to completely or partially cover the content of the packaging as well as to ensure the printing of other colors over it according to the appropriate printing specifications. The main goal of this study was to research the impact of anilox roller volume of opaque white on its opacity, and, consequently, on opacity, as well as the CIELAB values of colors that are printed over it. The research was conducted in three printing stages, during which the volume of the anilox roller was increased in linear steps of 3 cm³/m² while other parameters remained constant. The analysis of white ink covering properties was carried out on microscopic print images using ImageJ software. The results showed that a linear increase in the anilox roller volume resulted in an exponential change in white ink opacity as well as the opacity of color samples. It was also determined that a volume increase of 6 cm³/m² was required to visually notice color difference. Namely, medium lightness colors more strongly reacted to changes in white ink opacity compared to light and dark colors.

The coating process involves applying a thin material layer to a surface to engender it with specific desirable properties or enhance its performance. In the production of print media (labels, packaging, printed textiles, and promotional materials), the standard functions of the coating process include visual decoration, which involves the addition of appealing colors, textures, and patterns. A pertinent issue in the printing industry is that at present, the predominant coating process uses printing and coating technologies (gravure, flexo, letterset, letterpress, screen printing, inkjet, and electrophotography) and lamination (i.e., attaching decorative layers of materials, such as films or fabrics). In this paper, we present a new method for testing the efficiency with which different-sized metalized printing elements (using gold foil) may be applied to paper substrates; to do so, we gradually vary the amount UV-cured inkjet varnish (or adhesive) that is applied. To test the effectiveness of this method in producing metallic visual effects, we utilize seven different thicknesses of UV-cured varnish with the aid of modular piezo inkjet heads (KM1024 iLHE-30) and three different printing speeds. Our research shows that to achieve optimal production of cold metalized foil, a 21 µm layer should be deposited, and the substrate should move at a speed of 0.30 m/s.

Packaging is seen as an integral part of the product and it has an important role in attracting consumers’ attention. The role of packaging is to create an expected reaction from the consumers, which affects their perception and choice of products in the buying process. The motivation for the research and writing of this paper was to find out which factors influence the purchase of chocolate the most. The research was done with the purpose of showing whether the same food products have a certain advantage in the process of choosing when presented to a potential consumer on two different media (analog and digital). The paper presents research on how the selected attributes and packaging elements, as well as the application of augmented reality (AR), affect the selection and purchase of one of the most popular food products. According to the obtained results, “Packaging appearance”, “Product Price”, “Brand preference” and “Product advertising” have the strongest influence on customers. The conclusion is that, in the process of choosing the chocolate packaging presented in this research, there is not much difference that depends on the medium those chocolates are presented on.