If you’re trying to build the correct customized packaging, you’re not alone. It’s tough to figure out the best ways to start. It’s really important to figure out where to start, and also the right types of customized boxes for the job. Here, we’ll give you the best ways to print on corrugated boxes, and why they matter.
Flexographic
This is known as relief printing types. Basically, this is broken down using different plates. Each of the plates that are used get coated with a polymer that’s light-sensitive, and from there, you make a technique that’s similar to a darkroom photographer. You basically apply different colors to a box that’s custom. The plates then get mounted into large cylinders that rotate, and then, you transfer this ink completely onto the board that’s corrugated as it’s then pushed through.
This is something that’s called flood coating, and also edge to edge types of printing, and also different designs that utilize a lot of text in them. As with every color on there, it’s not something recommended for some designs that are very detailed. But, it does have a higher speed and higher types of volume, which makes it good for those who wish to print directly onto some boxes.
Lithographic
This is known as litho lamination, or offset printing. This is similar to flexo in that it does get broken into different plates that are specific to colors. Once they’re developed, the plates are then charged, and from there mounted completely onto a cylinder for the plates. The image that’s positive on the plate then accepts that ink from the roller, while the negatives then repel this ink. This also means that the images are free of any blemishes and other problems as it goes through what’s called the basket cylinder.
From this point, the finished type is then further laminated directly onto a board that’s corrugated. It’s then assembled and cut. Lithographic is great for colorful, detailed, and high-res graphics. It also provides the biggest flexibility and the potential for branding and design. It also is the most expensive type for you to print directly onto boxes.
Digital
This is the one that’s pretty new. It’s one that gets rid of the plates for printing, and further lamination. Using an ink spectrum, it basically replicates accurately and quickly various digital images onto a surface that’s printed. There are some caveats however especially when using this.
A lot of color does flood this, creating what’s called color imperfections, and if you have certain types of corrugated paperboard there, it can impact the vibrancy of the colors, and also how the edges end up looking too. So if you’re going for a print that looks better on smaller items, this is it, but for larger jobs, the color quality can be affected. But, digital printing is the best for business, especially those getting ready to do customized packaging, and it can help you take advantage of some of the printing methods and the drawbacks too.
There’s a lot for a person to consider though when they’re getting boxes printed. The speed, the costs, and the quality all provide their own limitations and various requirements. You need to further decide what’s the most important part of those printed boxes.
Take this into consideration and be mindful. You’ll be able to, through this, get the best printing that you can do;, and for a lot of customized packaging solutions, you’ll notice that there is a lot there to offer. You can try as many as you need to satisfy those packaging concerns.
