Certification Practice Exam Questions

Flexographic Press Operator Level I Certification Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the main function of the anilox roll in a flexographic printing

press?

a) Transfer ink from the plate to the substrate

b) Meter a consistent amount of ink from the ink chamber to the

plate cylinder

c) Dry the ink between colors

d) Apply adhesive to the substrate

Rationale: The anilox roll meters a precise, consistent ink film to the

plate, ensuring uniform ink transfer and color density.

• What is the primary purpose of the doctor blade?

a) To apply ink to the substrate 1 / 4

b) To remove excess ink from the anilox roll

c) To clean the plate cylinder

d) To apply coating

Rationale: The doctor blade scrapes off excess ink from the anilox roll

to maintain a uniform ink film on its surface.

• Which part of the press holds and rotates the printing plate?

a) Impression cylinder

b) Plate cylinder

c) Anilox roll

d) Fountain roll

Rationale: The plate cylinder carries the flexible printing plate that

transfers ink to the substrate.

• What is the function of the impression cylinder?

a) Holds the plate in place

b) Applies ink to the plate

c) Presses the substrate against the plate cylinder for ink transfer

d) Meters ink to the anilox roll

Rationale: The impression cylinder provides pressure to transfer ink

from the plate to the substrate.

• In flexographic printing, which material is typically used for printing

plates?

a) Aluminum

b) Steel 2 / 4

c) Photopolymer

d) Plastic film

Rationale: Photopolymer plates are commonly used due to their

flexibility and precision in reproducing fine details.

• What type of substrate is commonly used in flexographic printing?

a) Heavy cardstock only

b) Flexible materials like plastic film, paper, and foil

c) Metal sheets

d) Wood veneer

Rationale: Flexography is ideal for printing on flexible substrates

such as films, foils, and paper.

• What does “CPSI” refer to when describing anilox rolls?

a) Cells per square inch

b) Coating per substrate inch

c) Cylinder pressure surface index

d) Color precision scale index

Rationale: CPSI indicates the number of cells engraved per square

inch on an anilox roll, affecting ink volume and resolution.

• What determines the amount of ink an anilox roll transfers?

a) Plate hardness

b) Doctor blade angle

c) Cell volume and cell count

d) Substrate type 3 / 4

Rationale: Cell volume and count define how much ink is carried and

transferred from the anilox to the plate.

• Which drying method is commonly used in water-based flexographic

inks?

a) Infrared curing

b) Chemical drying

c) Hot air drying

d) UV curing

Rationale: Water-based inks are dried primarily through hot air

systems that evaporate the water content.

• What is the main advantage of UV-cured flexographic inks?

a) Lower cost

b) No need for UV lamps

c) Instant curing and reduced VOC emissions

d) Longer drying time

Rationale: UV inks cure instantly under ultraviolet light and emit very

low volatile organic compounds.

• What type of ink is most environmentally friendly for

flexographic printing?

a) Water-based ink

b) Solvent-based ink

c) UV ink

d) Oil-based ink

• / 4