This paper presents an overview of different technological possibilities for making flexographic
printing plates using 3D printing techniques. Through the literature overview, the most promising 3D
printing techniques for flexo platemaking process in the various fields of application were presented.
It has been found that among others Inkjet technology, Stereolithography and even FDM (primarily
for mould manufacturing) has potential in application to platemaking for flexographic printing in
principle. The previous research has shown that the choice of materials used, in conjunction with the
selected 3D printing parameters plays the significant role in the final characteristics of the 3D printed
flexo plate: line, dot, and text reproduction, plate thickness stability, the ink transfer ability etc. Also,
the applicability of the 3D printing techniques in the field of flexo platemaking process is dependable
on the possibility to adjust existing 3D printing devices for large area printing. The benefits of using
3D printing techniques in flexo platemaking that cannot be overseen are reflecting in simplification
of the production process, reduction of the production costs and potentially less environmental
pollution and materials waste in comparison to traditional flexographic plate making process. The
findings presented in the paper showed that at this point of technological development, the 3D
printing technique can at least provide the basis for the flexographic platemaking process.
