Top 5 flexo printer Company List and Products Compared

Top 5 Flexo Printer Companies and Products Compared — A Buyer’s Guide

This guide helps procurement managers, plant engineers, and packaging business owners identify the best flexo printer partners in 2025. The article compares five leading manufacturers with product overviews, realistic technical points, strengths and weaknesses, and typical applications. It focuses on flexo printer solutions for corrugated carton, folding cartons, flexible packaging, and label markets. Commercial intent keywords such as flexo printer selection, flexo corrugated printing, and high-speed flexo presses are used throughout to match buyer search intent.

Keshenglong & Shinko — China-based corrugated flexo specialists

Keshenglong, founded in 1995, specializes in corrugated carton printing and integrated packaging machinery. After merging Japan Shinko into Keshenglong in 2017, Shinko remained the R&D center and production base while Keshenglong expanded manufacturing capacity including a Guangzhou base. The company offers flexo printers and a range of computerized high-speed flexo slotting die-cutting machines, 1-6 color flexo case makers, and large jumbo-size flexo printing slotting die-cutting lines.

Product highlights: Keshenglong flexo printers are focused on corrugated carton production lines that integrate flexo printing with slotting and die-cutting. Typical configurations include 1 to 6 color flexo units, in-line slotting die-cutting, and optional top & bottom printing. Main parts are often imported from Japan and products are assembled and tested under guidance from experienced Japanese technicians to match high-quality benchmarks.

Pros: Cost-effective solutions for corrugated packaging; strong integration between printing and finishing; localized service and spare parts availability in China; proven export footprint to over 70 countries; technology transfer and quality control from Japan Shinko.

Cons: Less global brand recognition in some Western markets compared with long-established European manufacturers; buyers outside Asia should validate local service and spare parts network before purchase.

Technical points: Modules from 1 to 6 colors; in-line slotting die-cutting reduces handling and increases throughput; ability to produce top & bottom printing on corrugated board; emphasis on automation and computerized controls for high repeatability.

Applications: Corrugated carton printing for retail boxes, shipping cartons, POS displays, and integrated printing-slotting-die-cutting lines for high-volume corrugated packaging plants.

Bobst — Swiss engineering for flexible packaging and corrugated markets

Bobst is a major player known for robust engineering in folding cartons, corrugated and flexible packaging. Bobst supplies flexo and hybrid presses, especially targeted at medium to high-end converters seeking precision, automation and global after-sales support.

Product highlights: Bobst offers flexo presses and hybrid solutions for flexible packaging and corrugated sheets, with a strong focus on automation, color registration, and inline finishing. Their lines are designed to integrate pre-press color management and inline quality control systems.

Pros: Strong global service network; high automation and consistency; broad portfolio covering label, flexible packaging and corrugated markets; strong reputation for long-term machine reliability and resale value.

Cons: Higher initial investment compared with some regional manufacturers; spare parts and service in remote regions can be more expensive unless covered by regional dealers.

Technical points: Emphasis on inline color control, automatic register adjustment, servo-driven units, repeatable web handling and modularity to add laminators, varnish or cold-seal units; suitable for high-value flexible packaging where print quality and color consistency are critical.

Applications: High-quality flexible packaging, pouches, laminates, high-value corrugated printing and converters that require integration with finishing and coating modules.

Nilpeter — Danish precision for labels and narrow to mid-web flexo

Nilpeter is known for labels and narrow to mid-web flexographic presses, with solutions spanning from entry-level to highly automated production lines. The company is popular among label converters and those producing flexible packaging on narrower webs.

Product highlights: Nilpeter presses excel in label production, small-format flexible packaging and specialized applications like shrink sleeves. Their platform approach lets buyers configure color stations, drying and varnishing units tailored to product mix.

Pros: Excellent for label converting and short-run flexible packaging; fast job changeover features and automation for quick set-ups; strong color and register control for high-quality label work.

Cons: Less focused on large-format corrugated flexo markets; for very wide web or jumbo applications buyers may prefer other vendors.

Technical points: Modular print units, fast changeover systems (e.g., cassette-based), UV/LED drying integration, and strong inking systems optimized for narrow web widths. Good for high-mix, short-run production models.

Applications: Labels, mid- to small-format flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, and specialty narrow-web applications where fast changeovers and precision are priorities.

Comexi — Spanish provider for flexible packaging and roll-to-roll flexo presses

Comexi focuses on flexo presses and ancillary equipment for flexible packaging converting. The company is recognized for roll-to-roll flexo solutions, web handling, and integrating drying and varnishing technologies for high-speed film and laminate production.

Product highlights: Comexi’s flexo platforms serve flexible packaging, laminates and pouches with multi-station inline printing, coating and drying systems designed for high uptime and predictable quality.

Pros: Strong focus on flexible packaging needs; good value proposition for converters moving from basic to more automated flexo; solid after-sales support in Europe and growing presence in other regions.

Cons: Historically focused on mid-web widths; converters needing ultra-wide corrugated printers might need additional solutions; initial learning curve for converters upgrading processes to account for web behavior on high-speed lines.

Technical points: Advanced web tension control, integrated drying strategies (IR, hot air, UV/LED), inline coating and lamination options, and servo-driven registration for multi-color flexible packaging. Comexi emphasizes production repeatability and waste reduction.

Applications: Flexible packaging, pouch making, laminate lines for food and non-food flexible packaging where inline coating and controlled drying are required.

Uteco — Italian flexo specialists for flexible packaging and rotogravure hybrid systems

Uteco provides flexo and hybrid press solutions for flexible packaging, with capabilities that include multi-color flexo, rotogravure integration and coating solutions. Uteco targets converters seeking high-end printing performance and a broad range of finishing options.

Product highlights: Uteco offers high-speed multi-color flexo presses and hybrid solutions that combine flexo and gravure to meet demanding print quality and substrate requirements across food and technical packaging.

Pros: Strong reputation for print quality and hybrid press technologies; comprehensive integration options including coatings and in-line finishing; suitable for converters targeting High Quality packaging markets.

Cons: Higher capital cost for advanced hybrid solutions; may be over-spec for basic label-only operations or small converters focused only on corrugated cartons.

Technical points: High-precision cylinders, hybrid integration capability, advanced drying and coating modules, and extensive automation for register and color control. Emphasis on print quality for brand-sensitive packaging sectors.

Applications: High-end flexible packaging for food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics where superior print quality and coating are required; hybrid applications that need gravure-quality solids with flexo efficiency.

Five Company Product Comparison Table

How to choose the right flexo printer for your business

Match the machine to your substrate and market

Begin by listing the substrates you run today and expect in the next 3 years. Corrugated box printers need specialized flexo-slotting-die-cutting lines like those from Keshenglong. Label converters should prioritize Nilpeter. Flexible packaging converters often find Comexi, Uteco or Bobst a better fit.

Prioritize automation and uptime for long runs

If your volumes are high, prioritize automated register control, waste-reduction features and reliable drying systems. Bobst and Uteco are known for deep automation; Keshenglong focuses on integrated finishing to reduce handling in corrugated plants.

Consider local service, parts and training

Machine uptime depends on rapid access to parts and trained technicians. Check the vendor’s dealer network in your region, response SLAs, and available training packages. Keshenglong’s export footprint to 70+ countries suggests global reach, but verify local support in your country.

Evaluate total cost of ownership, not just purchase price

Estimate energy consumption, spare parts costs, tooling (plates/cylinders), and expected waste. Higher initial investment can be justified by lower waste and higher throughput over machine lifetime.

Conclusion

Choosing the right flexo printer depends on your substrate focus, production volume and quality expectations. For corrugated carton converters seeking integrated printing and finishing, Keshenglong & Shinko offer cost-effective, Japan-assisted solutions. Bobst is a safe choice for converters requiring top-level automation and global service. Nilpeter is ideal for label and narrow-web converters. Comexi is strong for roll-to-roll flexible packaging lines, while Uteco serves High Quality flexible packaging and hybrid requirements. Use the comparison table and application guidance above to align vendor capabilities with your production needs before initiating supplier evaluation and site trials.

Next steps: create a short RFP highlighting your substrate, max web width, target speeds, required color stations, preferred drying technology, and service expectations. Request onsite demonstrations, reference customer visits, and a detailed TCO analysis before purchase.

Published by a flexo industry expert to help buyers make informed, EEAT-compliant decisions. Data reflects manufacturer portfolios and industry norms as of mid-2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between flexo printers for corrugated and flexible packaging?
Corrugated flexo printers are designed for thicker board handling and often integrate slotting and die-cutting. Flexible packaging flexo presses focus on web handling, drying, and lamination for films and pouches.

How many colors do typical flexo presses support?
Flexo presses can range from 1 color for simple jobs to 8 or more colors for complex flexible packaging. Corrugated lines commonly use 1 to 6 colors.

Is LED-UV drying important for flexo printing?
LED-UV reduces energy consumption and allows faster curing with less heat, beneficial for heat-sensitive films and high-speed operations. Evaluate if substrate and ink system support LED-UV.

Should I buy from a regional manufacturer or a global brand?
Consider local service availability, parts lead time, and budget. Global brands offer robust service networks and resale value; regional manufacturers can offer cost-optimized solutions and faster local support.

How do I compare total cost of ownership between different flexo presses?
Include purchase price, installation, tooling, energy, spare parts, maintenance contracts, expected uptime, waste rates, and expected useful life. Ask suppliers for TCO models and reference customers.

Can one machine handle both corrugated and flexible packaging?
Not typically. Corrugated and flexible packaging require different web handling and machine architectures. Hybrid solutions exist for some niches, but most converters run dedicated lines.

What is the expected lead time for a new flexo press?
Lead times vary widely: off-the-shelf smaller presses may ship within weeks to months; larger, custom lines often require 6 to 12+ months for engineering, build and installation. Confirm lead times in the RFP stage.

How important are local trials and sample runs?
Extremely important. Sample runs validate color, substrate behavior, waste rates and line speeds under your specific production conditions. Request trials or pilot runs whenever possible.