Certification Practice Exam Questions

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

• What is the primary reason for performing a fingerprint test on a

flexographic press?

a) To determine operator skill

b) To check press cleanliness

c) To document the press’s optimal print capability

d) To calibrate color density

Rationale: A fingerprint test establishes the press’s best performance

parameters for consistent color and print quality.

• Which factor most affects ink laydown on non-porous substrates?

a) Ink temperature 1 / 4

b) Anilox cell shape

c) Surface tension and dyne level of the substrate

d) Doctor blade pressure

Rationale: On non-porous substrates, proper surface energy (dyne level)

ensures ink adhesion and uniform laydown.

• What is the correct sequence for setting impression on a flexographic

press?

a) Plate to substrate, anilox to plate, substrate to impression

b) Anilox to plate, plate to substrate, substrate to impression

c) Impression to plate, plate to anilox, anilox to substrate

d) Substrate to plate, plate to anilox, impression to plate

Rationale: Proper setup ensures even ink transfer and minimizes plate

wear or dot gain.

• When measuring dot gain, what standard reference is typically used?

a) Pantone book

b) Ink viscosity

c) Tone value increase (TVI) chart

d) Densitometer gray balance chart

Rationale: TVI measures the difference between intended and printed

halftone dot size to monitor gain. 2 / 4

• Which variable most influences anilox roll volume accuracy?

a) Doctor blade sharpness

b) Ink formulation

c) Cell depth and wall angle precision

d) Substrate roughness

Rationale: The cell geometry determines how much ink is carried and

transferred per revolution.

• What causes “gear marks” or “bounce” on a press running at high speed?

a) Low ink viscosity

b) Dirty plates

c) Mechanical vibration and gear wear

d) Excessive impression pressure

Rationale: Mechanical inconsistencies in the gear train cause periodic print

defects.

• When calibrating color, which instrument is most commonly used?

a) Viscometer

b) Gloss meter

c) Spectrophotometer

d) Micrometer 3 / 4

Rationale: A spectrophotometer measures color accurately based on light

wavelength reflectance.

• A flexographic press is producing mottled solid areas. What is the most

likely cause?

a) Too much impression

b) Dirty plates

c) Inconsistent ink transfer from the anilox roll

d) Over-dried ink

Rationale: Uneven ink delivery from clogged or worn anilox cells causes

mottle.

• What is the function of a chambered doctor blade system?

a) To hold the substrate in position

b) To cool the anilox roll

c) To meter ink consistently across the anilox surface

d) To clean the plate cylinder

Rationale: The chambered system regulates ink delivery and minimizes

splashing or evaporation.

10. The term “repeat length” refers to:

a) Total press speed

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