When looking for a quality printing and packaging company, make sure you research the company's materials, sourcing practices, and design trends. You'll want a company that sources high-quality products and has a wide range of materials available. They should be up to date on material and design trends, as well as global market trends. They should also understand their production facility, as this will be crucial for a smooth printing process.
Cardstock
Besides being used as a carrier for printed documents, cardstock is also widely used as a packaging material. Its weight is different from that of other paper materials, and it is ideal for a variety of applications. Cardstock, for example, is suitable for making invitations, menus, posters, and business cards. The weight, color, and finish of cardstock vary depending on the application. If you're looking for a more cost-effective alternative to cardboard, 80lb cardstock is a great choice.
Cardstock can be thick or thin, depending on the type of printing and packaging services you need to have done. Thick cardstock is more durable and lasts longer under heavy use, and it is perceived as higher quality by customers. Thicker cardstock is best suited for smaller items, such as postcards and business cards, while thinner cardstock is less expensive but has a lower quality. Cardstock thickness is measured in "points" (pt), which are thousandths of an inch thick. A 12x24 sheet is the thickest choice for printing.
Flexography
The environmental impact of the products we consume is becoming more of a concern for consumers. According to a recent study, 43% of consumers choose brands based on environmental values. For example, a specialty coffee roaster could lose a significant portion of their customer base if it does not offer a sustainable coffee product. Flexography printing uk plates are wipeable and reusable, and flexography inks are low-VOC, ensuring that they can be recycled when applied to recyclable packaging.
With the increased demand for flexible packaging, flexography has evolved into a viable solution for many businesses. Its flexibility with a variety of substrates and its ability to print seven passes on a single substrate, makes it an appealing alternative to offset printing. It also allows for more process colors, spot colors, and effects than offset printing. The name 'flexibility' is not the original name for flexography, however. Its predecessor, Analine Printing, was named Gummidruck. In Germany, a similar process was called Gummidruck, and even today, modern flexography is referred to by its predecessor.
Lithography
When you need high-quality printouts, lithography is the best choice. While offset lithography is a popular option for printing packages, litho has its drawbacks. It is not always practical to use it for small-scale printing, but it is suitable for large-scale packages. Offset litho is also fast, making it an excellent choice for high-volume production. Lithography can be used for both packaging and printing, and its benefits include the ability to produce a variety of finishing techniques and the ability to print large volumes.
Although lithography is the most expensive printing method, it also yields high-quality images. It is particularly useful for printing books, posters, and catalogues, as it requires a great deal of skill in mixing and applying the inks. While it requires a longer setup time, lithography is an excellent choice if you want a high-volume, repeatable product. Lithography printing is often the most expensive option, so it may not be the right choice for every project.
Digital Printing
The growth of digital printing for packaging is attributed to the increasing presentability of products. Many purchasers make purchasing decisions based on the appearance of a product. This growing demand will be supported by the cost-efficiency of digital printing. However, variations in raw material costs will impede growth. The future growth prospects of this industry are quite positive. In this article, we shall discuss some of the key drivers of this industry. Moreover, we shall discuss some of the key challenges faced by the digital printing and packaging industry.
One of the most important advantages of digital printing and packaging is its flexibility. Digital printing provides the opportunity to incorporate variable data, inexpensive color, and customization options into products. These capabilities help the companies to explore new market segments. Moreover, the use of water-based and UV inkjet is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period (2017-2022). This trend will further benefit the manufacturers in these regions. However, the future of digital printing for packaging services will also be characterized by a number of challenges.
Silkscreen
Silkscreening is a process wherein specialized inks are pressed through a photographic screen. This process is used for the customization of products and services. Various types of inks can be used, including UV-curable and epoxy inks. The screen is created for each color of the image and is stored for future orders. Silkscreening also allows for flexible label dimensions. The process is typically completed in six to eight weeks, depending on the size of the order.
One of the key advantages of silkscreen printing is its durability. While traditional paper labels are prone to moisture, scuffing, and shelf wear, screen-printed labels can last for years. Waterproof paper can also improve label durability. The inks used in silkscreen printing are scratch-resistant, so they make the decoration last longer. The process also uses epoxy inks, which make decorations more durable. Action Packaging provides both web and sheet services.