Stack-Type Flexo Printing Machines 2 to 8 Colors

A stack-type flexographic printing machine arranges its color stations in a vertical linear stack. Each station applies one color to the substrate independently before passing it to the next station. This architecture allows each color unit to be individually adjusted for pressure, ink volume and registration, making it well-suited for flexible film substrates such as PE and PP where substrate extensibility requires careful tension management between stations. LayerQuestar's flexo series uses this stack architecture across all models from 2 to 8 colors.

The core difference is the drive system and maximum production speed. The standard series (LQ-2C, LQ-4C, LQ-6C) uses a variable frequency motor drive and operates at 5–50 m/min. The high-speed series (LQ-2CH, LQ-4CH, LQ-6CH, LQ-8S) uses synchronous belt transmission, which maintains precise speed consistency during acceleration and deceleration — enabling sustained production speeds up to 120 m/min. The CH series also includes hydraulic EPC edge position control and cold-air shaping bellows, which are not standard on the LQ-xC series. For converters running small-to-medium batch volumes with frequent job changes, the standard series offers lower investment and simpler operation. For high-volume continuous production, the CH series delivers significantly higher throughput per shift.

For basic logo and text printing on shopping bags, 2 colors is sufficient. For branded shopping bags that need to reproduce a brand's color guidelines accurately — including background color plus logo and text — 4 colors is the practical minimum. 4-color CMYK-approximate printing covers the majority of retail bag designs. If your customers require exact Pantone spot color matching alongside photographic imagery or complex graphics, 6 colors gives you the additional stations needed for spot colors without compromising the CMYK process stations. 8-color printing is reserved for premium flexible packaging where maximum color range and photographic quality are required.

All LayerQuestar flexo series are available in three substrate widths: 600mm, 800mm and 1000mm. The maximum printing width is 40mm narrower than the maximum substrate width (e.g., the 800mm model prints up to 760mm). To choose the right width, identify the widest bag or substrate you need to print, add the required margins, and select the model whose maximum printing width comfortably covers that dimension. The 800mm model is the most common choice for standard shopping bag and courier bag production. The 1000mm model suits wide-format substrates or gang printing of multiple narrow bags side by side. The 600mm model is suitable for narrow-format production or space-constrained facilities.

All LayerQuestar flexo series are compatible with PE film (LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE), PP film, BOPP film, CPP film, kraft paper, white paper, coated paper, woven bags and non-woven fabric. For PE and PP film substrates, pre-corona treatment to a surface energy of 38–42 dynes/cm is recommended for optimal ink adhesion. Confirm ink system compatibility (water-based vs. solvent-based) with your ink supplier based on your substrate and local environmental regulations. [NEEDS CLIENT VERIFICATION — confirm full substrate list per series]

All LayerQuestar flexo series accept plate thicknesses from 1.14mm to 3.94mm. This range accommodates both thin digital photopolymer plates (commonly 1.14mm or 1.70mm) and thicker conventional flexo plates, giving converters the flexibility to use their existing plate inventory or adopt new plate technologies without changing equipment.

Yes. LayerQuestar flexo printers operate as standalone roll-to-roll machines and are compatible with film rolls produced by any blown film line, provided the roll diameter and core size are within the machine's specification. If you are purchasing a new blown film line alongside a flexo printer, LayerQuestar can configure both machines to use compatible roll specifications, simplifying material handling between the two lines. Contact LayerQuestar's engineering team with your existing film line specifications for a compatibility assessment.

LayerQuestar provides on-site installation and commissioning support, remote troubleshooting via video call and WhatsApp, English-language machine documentation and operator manuals, and direct spare parts supply for all wear items including anilox rollers, doctor blades, plate cylinder bearings, impression rollers, ink pumps and synchronous belts. Every machine undergoes a 72-hour continuous factory run test before shipment. For warranty terms and on-site service coverage in your region, contact info@layerquestar.com.