Abstract: Flexographic printing using a processor to apply a control value to an ink pumping and control system responsive to the control value, where the control value sets an operating mode of the ink pumping and control system, where the ink pumping and control system includes a stepper motor coupled to a peristaltic pump. Ink is pumped through the rotary coupling into a rotating diffusion cylinder and metered through a plurality of passages so as to contact a permeable membrane covering the diffusion cylinder. A dual blade assembly cleans the permeable membrane and ink passing through the permeable membrane is metered onto a printing plate or printing sleeve.

Abstract: A method for flexographic printing includes applying a control value to an ink pumping and control system responsive to the control value, where the control value sets an operating mode of the ink pumping and control system. Ink is pumped according to the set operating mode through a rotary coupling into a rotating diffusion cylinder, where the diffusion cylinder has an inner channel, an outer surface and a plurality of passages. Ink is first metered through the plurality of passages so as to contact a permeable membrane covering the diffusion cylinder and secondarily metered by passing through the permeable membrane onto a printing plate or printing sleeve which is impressed onto a printing medium to produce a printed output, where the printed output is sensed to provide a modified control value that is then applied to the ink pumping system.