| Characteristic | Flexography | Offset | Gravure | Digital |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plate Type | Flexible elastomeric plate | Metal plate | Copper cylinder | Computer-generated image |
| Ink Transfer | Direct contact between plate and substrate | Uses a blanket cylinder to transfer ink | Ink is transferred from the cylinder to the substrate | Electrophotographic or inkjet process |
| Suitable Substrates | Flexible packaging, labels, corrugated cardboard | Paper, cardboard, metal | Paper, plastic, metal | Wide range, including paper, fabric, plastic |
| Printing Speed | High | Moderate | Very high | Variable |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Cost-effective for long runs | Moderate | High initial cost, but cost-effective for very large runs | Variable, can be cost-effective for short runs |
| Image Quality | Good, but not as high as offset or gravure | High | Excellent | Variable, depending on the technology used |