Printing technologies

Since now, two main printing technologies have been used for flexible packaging, flexo and gravure printing. Both or these printing technologies use rotary printing press and involve the image to be printed on an “image carrier”.

We use new digital printing technology, which offers an alternative printing technology without the need for plates or cylinders.

There are certain technical advantages and limitations to each technology.
LabelProfi offers the best in the world of digital flexible packaging printing technology.

Digital flexible packaging printing

Digital printing has many advantages compared to the old-school, analogue printing processes. A major reason for this is that digital printing devices do not rely on printing plates to transfer images onto a given media substrate. Rather, digital printing presses can directly print the image onto the substrate. The fact that you do not need printing plates results in quicker turnaround times, ability to print variable data (counting, codes, QR codes, etc.) or customized packaging products and no additional set-up time is required to produce multiple versions of artwork. In addition, you do not have fixed costs before you start printing, which makes it beneficial for small runs. 

The printing flexibility and superior quality is offered by this form of printing.

We use it in cases, where are required:

  • cost-effective solutions;
  • faster job turnarounds;
  • printing many versioning and variable data;
  • just-in-time and on-demand printing;
  • small run lengths;
  • personalization;
  • sustainability and recyclability.

 

Flexographic printing

With flexographic printing, the image to be printed is rested on a rubber-based printing plate (cliché) which is positioned around web press cylinders that rotate. The plate is inked, with the inked image being moved to the printing surface afterwards. Flexographic printing works effectively on a variety of absorbent and non-absorbent materials, including metals, cellophane, paper and plastics.

Flexo printing is a great choice if you require a higher volume order with high-quality results. Due to the production of printing plates (clichés), flexo printing, compared to digital printing, has very high initial costs and longer preparation of printing machines.

We use it in cases, where are required:

  • large-scale production of one product type;
  • special color models (PANTONE).

 

Gravure printing

Gravure printing is a process where the desired image is engraved into a cylinder designed for printing. The printing cylinder is inked, and the ink is moved onto the paper medium. This process is used in high-volume web fed printing products such as magazines, newspapers, brochures, packaging and in other products.

We use it in cases, where are required:

  • large-scale production of one product type;
  • high printing quality.