If you are interested in flexible packaging, there are many options that you can use, such as labels, films, and stand-up pouches. There are a variety of curing and printing technologies that can add graphics, texts, and colors to packaging supplies in your business.
Let us look at some of the methods of printing that you can use on the packaging materials that are flexible.
Flexography
This kind of printing technology is also known as flexo. It involves the use of flexible plates instead of the common solid plates used in printing. The technology is an embodiment of relief printing, and it is gaining popularity in the printing industry.
Supplies of flexible packaging that use the flexography technology include pouches (stand-ups) and plastic.
Digital printing
You are probably familiar with the digital printing technology. It uses the ink jet to print brand logos and graphics on substrates made of plastic. Unlike in the past where inserts of cardboard and labels were necessary in order to carry out printing, digital printing has simplified the entire process and reduced the time, waste, and inventory requirements needed, which has boosted the printing market.
Rotogravure
Do you know that it is now possible to engrave graphics on surfaces like forms, plates, and cylinders among others? This type of printing technology is known as rotogravure. After the graphic is engraved, it is then applied to a final substrate. Text and images can also be engraved on the image carrier surface. The surface could be a plate or a cylinder.
The rotogravure technology uses the rotary printing techniques to do the engraving and application. In case you are thinking of printing magazines, cardboard boxes, or newspapers commercially, then this may be the best type of printing technology to consider.
Lithography
This printing technology involves the use of oil graphic that is drawn on the surface of a lithographic plate. After the application, the acid is used to treat the plate. The lithographic plate surface that is not covered by the oil causes the etching of the image. Next, the plate is applied with water, which then leads to the retaining of water in the etched areas.
Afterwards, an ink made of oil is applied to the plate’s surface. Since oil is resistant to water, the ink will stick to the graphic. Finally, the ink is transferred to a substrate that is blank to form a lithographic print.
Lithography is not as common as it used to be, but it is still useful in artistic applications of prints.
So which printing technology is best for the supply of flexible packages?
Before you select the method of printing to use for flexible packaging, you should meet with your prospective printer and discuss the packaging materials. The type of material, graphic, design, and texts will help you decide which the best method to use is.
If you are looking for an affordable printing method, then flexography would be the best option. If cost is not an issue, then you may want to go for lithography because it produces high quality prints.
