Each product has its specification in terms of packaging and packaging. Whether by shape, color or details, it is possible to have a unique rendering, totally adapted to your needs. The same applies to the printing technique for your packaging. In this article, we present five techniques used in the packaging world. 

Digital Printing

First, digital printing is a printing technique that uses computer data and allows the computer to be linked to the printer. Adopted by many sectors, it maintains a high level of print quality. It is possible to use several digital processes (inkjet, digigraphy, ionography, electrophotography, etc.) on different supports. However, this type of printing is not suitable for large print runs. The costs of implementing digital printing remain very competitive and therefore make it possible to print small quantities of paper. We have seen some innovative experiments conducted by packaging company Premium Custom Boxes in this regard.  Continuous printing optimizes the time needed to complete it and helps reduce paper waste.

We particularly appreciate the ease with which it is possible to personalize your impression thanks to this technique. It is particularly suitable for POS, packaging, labels, cartons and textiles. Its print quality is often compared to that of offset. However, the color fastness leaves something to be desired and it is often advisable to apply a varnish over the print. Another disadvantage: even if the ink is rather cheap, it still poses recycling problems.

Offset Printing

Frequently chosen to print its support, this technique is based on a water repellency process. Thus, it consists in reproducing the desired image on a cylinder using photogravure. The latter will then make it possible to distinguish the hydrophobic surfaces from those hydrophilic, the ink only depositing on the former. A second cylinder called blanket is then responsible for transferring the image to the support. The latter will have to go through metal plates which will come to affix the color. The number of plates depends on the number of colors you want. Usually rigid boxes are made with this type of printing technique. Most often, we opt for a four-color printing, that is to say with 4 basic colors, namely: cyan, magenta, yellow and black.

Unlike digital printing, offset is intended for large print runs such as for books, advertisements, posters, catalogs, etc. A specific paper is necessary for this technique: offset paper. However, if the formats ordered are larger than those normally used in so-called standard formats, the implementation will require more paper. The ink dries quickly and its quality enables high-end packaging to be printed. Note, however, that the printing plates remain fragile and can cause defects in the event of scratches.

Serigraphy

Suitable for flat or 3D supports, screen printing allows printing in both small and large formats. Similar to the stencil technique, this consists of applying ink to a canvas of metallic or synthetic fibers with a doctor blade. The canvas is stretched and placed on the support to be printed. Free areas are provided to let the ink pass. Each color will require a new application. The end result is reliable, intense and long-lasting. However, screen printing does not give as fine a result as other current printing techniques. In addition, printing takes time and is more expensive as soon as the quantities exceed 1500 copies. However, it remains flexible and can be produced on a wide variety of supports such as POS, textiles, parts for electronic use, etc.  

Flexography

Fourth option: flexography printing is based on a process quite similar to that of screen printing except that the printing is done in relief. This is directly affixed to the support via a cylinder or a plate. Industrialists use this technique to design packaging, labels and newspapers. We will not recommend it for large print runs, even if the quality tends more and more to approach that of offset. Flexography is suitable for supports of all types and which may be non-absorbent. Thus, the impression is similar to that of an ink pad but on a larger scale. In addition, the cost per unit is relatively cheaper and the implementation of printing is quite fast. One of the advantages is that both water-based inks and oil-based inks can be used.

Rotogravure

Finally, like typography, is a direct printing technique on support. To allow printing, we will therefore deposit the ink in the cells of a cylinder. It is debossed and pressing it on the selected support will allow the motif of your choice to be printed directly. Custom Boxes Market is a specialist in this type of printing technique. The print quality is exceptional and allows photos and images to be printed using a color process similar to offset. It is also possible to print long series without deterioration in the quality or colors of the print. In addition, note that the implementation time is long and that it would be better to use rotogravure for fairly large orders.

Finally, our explanations on these five printing techniques should help you to see more clearly and better understand the advantages and disadvantages of each. Take into account the technical aspect of your product to obtain the result you want and choose the most suitable solution.