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A deep dive into printing technology

Offset printing, flexographic printing, and digital printing

Choosing the right printing technology for packaging and labels is crucial to creating an attractive and sustainable product appearance. In this blog post, we explore the three main types of printing technology: offset printing, flexographic printing, and digital printing.* 

By carefully examining the strengths and weaknesses of each printing method, it is easier to make decisions that are in line with needs and budget requirements.

Read on to discover which printing technology best suits your company’s packaging and label requirements, and take the first step towards creating a memorable product.

 Bottle and box show printing technology
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Printing cylinders in different colors for offset printing.

Offset printing – precision and quality

Offset printing is currently one of the most traditional printing methods used for both packaging and labels.

The technology produces high-quality images and colours with sharp details. This printing method uses sheets on which the image is transferred to a rubber roller, and thereafter to a printed sheet. This makes the method suitable for high quality photographic images or advanced patterns.

Advantages:

  • High image quality / reproduction
  • Cost-effective tool
  • Suitable for small and medium editions
  • Able to work with different effects in the print

Disadvantages:

Restricted format in relation to flexographic printing. 

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Flexographic printing – speed and flexibility

Flexographic printing, also known as flexography, is a method that is often used for printing on packaging materials, such as corrugated cardboard, cardboard, plastic, and labels. It is a flexible method, and the perfect choice for packaging that requires high volumes and fast production. 

In flexographic printing, photopolymer plates are used where the image is elevated. The ink is transferred from a rotating printing roller to the material. As with the offset method, the printing press consists of several printing units for printing the different colours. It is a flexible method, used for everything from simple texts and illustrations to more complex image jobs.

Advantages:

  • Adapted for everything from a simple 1-colour printing job, to a more advanced 7-colour printing job
  • Suitable for high volumes and fast production
  • Able to run large formats

Disadvantages:

  • High initial tool costs
  • Lower image reproduction than offset printing and digital printing
Flexographic printing cylinder
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Colorful cans with digital printing

Digital printing – versatility and adaptability

As the technology advances, digital printing has become increasingly popular. The layout is digitally transferred to the printing press via a PDF file, which means that no films or cliché printing plates are needed. This technique allows you to experiment with small editions and custom designs. It enables quick changes to images and text, which is valuable for campaigns and seasonal packaging, or custom labels.

Advantages:

  • Versatile technology
  • Ideal for small and large editions
  • Can handle unique prints
  • Fast and cost-effective
  • Minimal spillage
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Final thoughts – choosing the right printing technology for the right project

Choosing the right printing technology for packaging and labels is crucial to creating an attractive and sustainable product appearance. When trying to choose between offset printing, flexographic printing, and digital printing, it is important to consider the specific requirements and needs of your company and project.

Offset printing is the best choice when high image quality is crucial.

Flexographic printing is the perfect choice for large production runs.

Digital printing offers greater flexibility and adaptability for smaller editions and special projects.

Regardless of the method you choose, it is clear that printing technologies play a central role in conveying information and creating visually appealing materials.

*Boxon offers offset printing on packaging, and flexographic printing and digital printing on both packaging and labels.

 

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