What You Need to Know About Digital Printing in Packaging

1. What is digital printing on packages?

Digital printing in packaging refers to the process of printing a digital file (typically a JPEG or PDF) onto packaging materials using a printer.

The computer files are translated into the CMYK colour system to achieve more precise colour reproduction from screen to substrate.

Unlike offset printing, digital printers do not require manual installation and do not use dies or paper rolls.

Digital printing is also used to produce cost-effective samples and prototypes of custom packaging.

It is also possible to produce high-impact packaging artwork designs using digital printing.

2. Digital printing in packaging: purpose

Digital printing is a useful tool in the packaging industry due to its cost and time efficiency in production.

Due to the low effort needed to operate digital printers, they perform very well with small order runs, as set-up time and costs are reduced to zero.

Moreover, minimalist packaging designs are highly successful with digital printing as it produces high-quality output for less complex artwork.

Short runs and sampling

Digital printing is usually less expensive for small runs than offset printing.

Digital printing is the solution when the order is fewer than a hundred pieces.

When it comes to custom packaging samples, digital printing once again proves superior to flexography printing and other traditional methods.

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Digital printing makes it simpler and cheaper to produce package samples, and you can then switch to offset printing for the final product.

This way, you won't pay a premium for a sample of your packaging that may require modifications and extra time in the prototype phase.

Limitations

The disadvantages of digital printing are that image quality is lost and, in some cases, printing is only possible on smaller paper sizes.

Digital printing is unable to print using the PMS Colour System, which cannot compete with the colour accuracy achieved by other printing methods, such as offset and flexographic printing.

The limited number of stock options is another disadvantage.

Digital printing is also limited to certain types of paper, whereas traditional printing can print on more complex substrates, such as corrugated cardboard, chipboard and grey board.

Finally, digital printing is most effective for folding cartons and can be used to some extent for high-quality designs.

3. What is flatbed digital printing?

Flatbed digital printing involves using an inkjet printer to print digital images.

Inkjet printing is thought to be the future of digital printing.

This process involves printing digital images on flat surfaces using ultraviolet (UV) curable inks.

This is necessary because it can print on a wide variety of surfaces, including wood, metal, glass and tiles.

This technology can also print on materials of different thicknesses, making it more adaptable in the printing and packaging industry.

4. The advantages of digital printing

Always better quality: True digital flatbed technology is more expensive than its competitors; however, it prints with greater detail and accuracy, and is more consistent.

It is ecologically friendly: Flatbed printing is more environmentally friendly than traditional printing because it produces fewer waste cartridges and generates less air pollution. It has a lower carbon footprint.

Inexpensive and versatile: Flatbed printing is ideal for personalised and commercial packaging. Its low price makes customisation easier and enables customers to create their own designs at a lower cost.

Fast and efficient production time: It saves a lot of time compared to traditional printing, since there is no need to keep changing plates — after all, the technology does not use plates at all.

Unlike offset or traditional printing, digital printing does not require the use of plates.

Toner and liquid ink are used in the main process.

In most cases of digital printing, the ink does not seep into the substrate being printed on as conventional ink does. Instead, the ink forms a thin coating on the surface of the substrate and is further bonded by either UV curing or laser heating.

Although there are numerous printing techniques available, flatbed digital printing is particularly effective for small to medium-sized businesses looking to save money on custom packaging.

Digital printing is a widespread practice in most countries worldwide, but it is not normally associated with packaging.

Nevertheless, it is a highly efficient technique in the packaging sector, saving a considerable amount of time, particularly when dealing with tight deadlines.

Read more about offset vs digital printing to help you make a well-rounded decision.

Winpack Printing can help you identify the most appropriate printing technique for your packaging and branding requirements!

Contact us now to create your own custom packaging!