Are you involved in the packaging process like pouches or labels? If so, there are many more printing processes available than you might realize. A smooth packing of the item tends to allure the customer. Picking the right type of printing process might be confusing if you are not aware of the printing process and its pros and cons. In this article, we will discuss different types of printing methods for packaging.
Printing methods for packaging
Rotogravure
The rotogravure method refers to printing engraved graphics onto the plate, form, cylinder, or any other surface before applying to the final substrate. The image, graphic, or text are engraved upon the surface of the image carrier(plate, form, cylinder) in the gravure printing method.
Rotogravure is not only limited to printing magazines, and newspapers, but also some types of flexible printing can be done. In the case of flexible printing, the rotogravure method is commonly used for stand-up pouches.
Lithography
Lithography is a planographic printmaking process, which allows the artist to draw or paint directly on the surface of the stone. The greasy material and water-based material is used on the grease-sensitive-surface to create the image. Lithography is an “off-set” printing process and requires a long bed on which paper and plate are positioned side by side.
Lithography is not preferred for flexible packaging, but the labels can be printed from it which later these labels are applicable to flexible packaging materials.
Digital Printing
Digital printing refers to printing digital-based images directly onto the media substrates. The printing plates aren’t needed, in contrast to offset printing. Digital files like PDF or any other file can be sent directly to the printing press to print on paper, fabric, canvas, and other substrates.
With the digital printing technology flexible packaging is possible. Due to this a vast array of graphics and text is possible for targeting subgroups of customer and buyer persona.
Flexography
Flexography or also known as “Flexo” is a printing process in which flexible relief plates are made. Flexography uses rubber or polymer plastic plates; thus, these plates are flexible and less expensive.
In the packaging industry, flexography is known for printing graphics, text, and images on non-porous materials used for food packaging.
