Printing Cylinders vs. Sleeves: What’s the Difference?

Print cylinders and sleeves are two types of components used in various printing systems, especially in flexography. They both serve the same function of transferring the inked image onto the substrate, but they have different characteristics and advantages. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two products and explain when and why to use them. 

Print cylinders are metal cylinders that are often used in more traditional flexographic systems. They are durable and resistant to wear and tear. Print cylinders are widely used in different industries and printing processes, such as flexography, intaglio, offset lithography, and others. 

Sleeves are a newer technology used in flexography. They are flexible tubes that can be slid over a mandrel, where they conform to its shape and size. The main advantage of sleeves is their flexibility and ease of changeover. They can be quickly replaced or adjusted to suit different printing requirements. Sleeves are used in flexographic, offset, and digital printing technologies, as well as in some labeling applications. 

Sleeves are often used as alternatives to traditional printing cylinders, as they are more flexible and easier to install. They can be used to print on different surfaces, including irregular or profiled substrates. This allows for using different sleeves with different patterns on the same axis or shaft, which enables fast switching between different printing tasks.  

The final choice between printing cylinders and sleeves is mainly dictated by the adaptation of the machine to a specific type of cylinder. Nevertheless, both of these products are key components that enable transferring the printing pattern onto the substrate in a precise and repeatable way. 

If you would like to check if your machine can use print sleeves, please get in touch.