In the modern packaging environment, product packaging is no longer just simple appearance packaging, but a complex process that combines appearance and technology. Packaging printing must not only protect the basic information display of the product, but also attract consumers’ attention through unique design and excellent printing technology.
The choice of printing method mainly depends on factors such as packaging materials, design needs, and cost. Here are some of the best methods commonly used in packaging printing:
Flexographic Printing:
Flexographic printing is a printing method that uses relief printing plates, which are made of photosensitive resin or rubber. The ink is transferred to the graphic part of the printing plate through the anilox roller, and then under the pressure of the impression roller, the ink in the graphic part is transferred to the surface of the substrate to form a printed matter.
Characteristics of flexographic printing:
- Fast printing speed: The printing speed of flexographic printing machine can reach 150-350 meters per minute, which is 2-3 times that of offset printing machine.
- Low printing cost: The production cost of flexographic printing plates is relatively low, and a variety of inks can be used, making it suitable for mass printing.
- Good printing quality: Flexographic printing can obtain fine printing effects and can meet the printing requirements of various printing materials.
- Good environmental protection: Flexographic printing can use water-based ink, reducing environmental pollution.
Flexographic printing uses:
Flexographic printing is widely used in packaging printing in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, electronics and other industries, as well as in the printing of cartons, corrugated cardboard, labels, self-adhesives, etc.
Offset Printing:
Offset printing is a printing method that uses lithographic plates, which are made of photosensitive resin or metal. The graphic and non-graphic parts are on the same plane on the printing plate, but have different ink affinity. During the printing process, the ink is only absorbed by the graphic part, and then the ink is transferred to the surface of the substrate through the impression roller to form a printed product.
Characteristics of offset printing:
- High printing quality: Offset printing can obtain fine printing effects, rich layers, and good color reproduction.
- Moderate printing costs: The production cost of offset printing plates is relatively low and is suitable for medium-volume printing.
- Wide scope of application: Offset printing can print various paper, plastic, metal and other materials.
- Relatively simple operation: The printing process of offset printing is relatively mature, simple to operate and easy to master.
Uses of offset printing:
Offset printing is widely used in printing fields such as books, magazines, newspapers, posters, brochures, and packaging.
Digital Printing:
Digital printing is a printing method that directly outputs digital information onto the substrate without the need for plate making. Digital printing can be personalized as needed and can achieve small batches and fast printing.
Features of digital printing:
- Personalized customization: Digital printing can directly output digital information to the substrate, and can be personalized as needed to meet the needs of different customers.
- Small batch, fast printing: Digital printing does not require plate making and can be printed directly, so it is suitable for small batch, fast printing.
- Low cost: The cost of digital printing is relatively low and suitable for short-run printing.
- Good environmental protection: Digital printing does not require the use of chemicals, so it is environmentally friendly.
Digital printing is widely used in printing fields such as books, magazines, posters, brochures, business cards, envelopes, and stationery.
Thermal transfer printing is a printing method that uses heat to transfer patterns or text to the surface of the substrate. Heat transfer can be done by heat transfer machine or hot stamping machine.
Features of thermal transfer printing:
- Clear patterns and bright colors: Thermal transfer printing can clearly transfer patterns or text to the surface of the substrate, and the colors are bright.
- Wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant: Thermal transfer patterns or text are wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant.
- Simple operation: Thermal transfer printing is simple to operate and easy to master.
- Wide range of applications: Thermal transfer printing can be used on substrates of various materials, such as textiles, ceramics, metals, plastics, etc.
Thermal transfer printing is widely used in clothing, advertising, gifts, electronic products and other fields
Heat Transfer Printing:
Thermal transfer printing is a printing method that uses heat to transfer patterns or text to the surface of the substrate. Heat transfer can be done by heat transfer machine or hot stamping machine.
Features of thermal transfer printing:
- Clear patterns and bright colors: Thermal transfer printing can clearly transfer patterns or text to the surface of the substrate, and the colors are bright.
- Wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant: Thermal transfer patterns or text are wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant.
- Simple operation: Thermal transfer printing is simple to operate and easy to master.
- Wide range of applications: Thermal transfer printing can be used on substrates of various materials, such as textiles, ceramics, metals, plastics, etc.
Thermal transfer printing is widely used in clothing, advertising, gifts, electronic products and other fields
Screen Printing:
Screen printing is a printing method that uses a screen to transfer ink to the surface of the substrate. Screen printing has the characteristics of strong printing adaptability, low cost and fast printing speed, and is widely used in various industries.
Characteristics of screen printing:
- Strong printing adaptability: Screen printing can be used on substrates of various materials, such as paper, plastic, metal, glass, ceramics, textiles, etc.
- Low cost: The plate making cost of screen printing is relatively low and is suitable for small batch printing.
- Fast printing speed: Screen printing has a fast printing speed and is suitable for large-volume printing.
- Thick ink layer: The ink layer of screen printing is thick and has a strong three-dimensional effect.
Screen printing is widely used in the following fields:
- Packaging and printing: packaging and printing of food, beverages, medicine, chemicals and other products.
- Textile printing: printing of clothing, shoes, hats, bags and other textiles.
- Advertising printing: advertising printing such as posters, posters, leaflets, etc.
- Electronic printing: printing of electronic products such as circuit boards and instrument panels.
Summarize
Packaging printing is not only an aesthetic consideration, but also involves the brand positioning and marketing of the product. Through flexible packaging printing, companies can stand out in the fierce market competition and attract consumers’ attention to their products. At the same time, with the trend of sustainable development, packaging and printing are paying more and more attention to environmentally friendly materials and printing.