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Optimal, Consistent, Productive Results

Finding the balance is an ever-changing part of the printing craft: fast but not so fast you have defects, high quality but not so high you slow to a crawl to get it. We offer products that help you find the optimal, consistent and productive performance you’re looking for.


Optimal Performance

  • Video still of different flexographic tape rolls with graphics indicating how the different densities affect printing

    Find the Right Tape for the Results You Want

    You work hard to make sure you’re picking the optimum solution for the entire job. In the plate mounting room you need to determine the right flexographic tape density for mounting the plate. On the press you need repeatable results so you don’t have to over-impress by the end of the run. And when you’re demounting after the press run you need to minimize worker strain and plate damage.

    3M science can help. We offer the industry’s largest range of tape densities so you can find the perfect match for the lines and halftones of the job you’re working on, with the 3M™ Comply™ Adhesive System to virtually eliminate air bubbles. We also offer different adhesion levels to help with demounting when the run is over.

Flexographic Mounting Tape Density Considerations

When you require solid ink and crisp lines, choose a firm, high-density mounting tape. For halftone work where dot gain is a concern, a softer tape optimizes reproduction. To find the right flexographic tape for your needs, look for your preferred density.

Drawing of flexo printing process describing how 3M Flexo helps optimal performance at pre-press, on press and demounting
  • 1.

    Wide range of foam densities allows you to fine tune mounting tape selection.

  • 2.

    Repeatable print results prevent the need to over-impress during press runs.

  • 3.

    For L- and Pro-Series, easy plate demounting minimizes damage and replacement costs.


Consistent Performance

  • Video still of a worker using a roller to ensure adherence of a printing plate to the flexographic tape

    Different Conditions, Same Results

    Details matter, and you know how to adapt as conditions change. You pay attention to everything: the speed of the press, the humidity of the press room, how the ink and paper are performing and so much more. In the end, you look for consistency: beginning to end, from one run to the next, even from one press to the next.

    3M can help: we deliver consistency so you can deliver consistency. We offer one of the industry’s tightest caliper tolerances so you know that the piece of flexographic tape you use to mount a plate today will be the same as the piece you use tomorrow will be the same as the piece you use six months from now, even from different rolls. Micro-channels in our adhesive help eliminate air bubbles for consistent quality while the adhesive also performs dependably during demounting so plates and tape remove easily.

Drawing of flexo printing process describing how 3M Flexo helps consistent performance at pre-press, on press and demounting
  • 1.

    3M™ Comply™ air release technology allows for virtually bubble-free tape and plate application. It reduces print defects and allows easier mounting.

  • 2.

    Performance is consistent time after time. Caliper tolerance meets demanding registration requirements.

  • 3.
    You can count on longer plate life, clean removal, and no residue with 3M flexographic tapes.

Productive Printing

  • Video still of a running press producing printed material

    The Less Drama the Better

    “Stop the presses!” is great drama, but it’s a productivity killer. Productivity is about balance: you constantly readjust to that changing sweet spot where you can run smoothly at the highest possible speed without defects popping up. Your experience tells you how your press should look and feel when it’s running right, so you notice when something is a little off and hunt it down. You also need to maximize productivity in the plate mounting room to keep jobs moving and after the run to get plates and cylinders stored away or ready for the next run.

    Our expertise can help. At 3M we know adhesives and we deliver flexographic tapes that provide both strong hold to prevent plate lift on sleeves and cylinders and the 3M™ Comply™ Adhesive System to help reduce air bubbles. Both features cut down on time spent remounting plates. After the press run our tapes allow plates to be demounted with less force to reduce worker fatigue and plate damage.

Drawing of flexo printing process describing how 3M Flexo helps consistent performance at pre-press, on press and demounting
  • 1.

    Strong hold improves efficiency – prevents plate lift

  • 2.

    3M™ Comply™ Adhesive System reduces air bubbles, resulting in less downtime and remounts.

  • 3.
    Knowledgeable 3M application engineers and sales team can assess your needs to keep your team efficient.
We're here to help.

Need help finding the right product for your project? Contact us if you need product, technical or application advice or want to collaborate with a 3M technical specialist, or give us a call at 1-800-831-0658.

Need help finding the right product for your project? Contact us if you need product, technical or application advice or want to collaborate with a 3M technical specialist, or give us a call at 1-800-831-0658.

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Explore Other Parts of the Science and Craft

  • The less time and effort you can spend on demounting, the more you have for other tasks.

  • Learn more about flexographic printing: where science meets craft.