Digital printing is commonly used across a range of different applications.
You’ve definitely interacted with digital printers before, whether that be at your office, high school or at home.
Commonly used for printing documents, chances are you’ve definitely interacted with digital printers at your office or at home before.
But how does digital printing apply to packaging?
Let’s dive right in!
What is Digital Printing for Packaging?
Digital printing in packaging is the process of transferring a digital file (usually a JPEG or PDF file) directly to a printer for applications on packaging materials.
The digital files are converted into the CMYK color system to communicate more accurate color output from screen to substrate.
Unlike offset printing, digital printers don’t require any manual labor for set up, meaning there are no dies or paper rolls to be installed.
Digital printing is commonly used in packaging for creating cost effective samples and prototypes for custom packaging.
However, digital printing can also be used to create some pretty impactful packaging artwork designs!
The Purpose of Digital Printing in Packaging
Digital printing in packaging is commonly used for cost and time efficiency in manufacturing packaging.
Because of the minimal effort required to use digital printers, they tend to do very well for smaller order runs as set up time and costs are completely cut.
Furthermore, digital printing does extremely well for minimalist packaging designs as it provides a high quality output for less complex artwork.
Short Runs & Sampling
It is typically cheaper to produce small runs in digital printing than offset printing.
When an order of fewer than a hundred pieces is required, digital printing is the way to go!
When it comes to custom packaging samples, digital printing again beats out flexography printing and other conventional forms of printing.
Thanks to its lower costs and faster printing times, it is easier to create package samples with digital printing and then opt for offset printing for your final product.
This way you’re not paying a premium for a sample of your packaging that may need changes and more time in the prototyping stage.
Limitations
The drawback to printing digitally is the loss of image quality and, in some cases, only available in smaller paper sizes.
It cannot print in the PMS Color System, which in turn cannot compete with the color accuracy other printers, like offset and flexographic printing, can produce.
Another disadvantage is the number of stock options.
Digital printing can only be produced on certain types of paper materials, while traditional printing can print on more complex and unique substrates such as corrugated, chipboard, grey boards, and other thicker paper stocks.
Ultimately, digital printing does the best on folding carton and can produce some high quality designs when used sparingly.
What is Flatbed Digital Printing
Flatbed digital printing typically uses an inkjet printer to reproduce digital images.
Inkjet printing is considered to be the future of digital printing.
The process uses ultraviolet (UV) curable inks to print digital images on flat surfaces.
This process is essential as it can print on numerous surfaces such as wood, metal, glass, and tiles.
The technology can also print on materials that have varying levels of thickness making it more versatile in the printing and packaging world.
The Benefits of Digital Printing
Digital printing does not require the usage of plates as offset or traditional printing requires.
The process primarily uses toner and liquid ink.
In many instances of digital printing, unlike conventional ink, the ink used will not permeate the substrate being printed on. The ink creates a thin layer on the surface of the substrate, and the ink further adheres through UV curing or laser heating.
While there are many different printing methods at your disposal, the use of flatbed digital printing is exceptionally effective for small-medium businesses looking to save on their custom packaging investment.
While digital printing is commonly used around the globe, it’s not usually discussed in correlation with packaging.
However, it is an extremely effective method in the packaging industry and saves on a lot of time, especially when working to tight deadlines.
Read more about offset vs digital printing to help you make a well rounded decision.
PakFactory can help you find the best printing method based on your packaging and branding specifications!
Get in contact with us today and get your hands on your very own custom packaging today!
A Brief History of Packaging
Printing and Packaging: a Tale as Old as Time
Printing and Packaging Today
What Does It Really Mean to Print Digitally?
Digital Printing in Packaging
Seamless Automation
What’s Next?
Integrated Digital Printing Solutions
Packaging is one of the most crucial aspects of marketing a product, it catches the consumer's eye and entices them to make a purchase. It's essential to create effective packaging to stand out on the shelf.
Digital printing is becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility and lower price point, We'll look at the benefits of using digital printing in your packaging process and explore its advantages over other printing methods.
A Brief History of Packaging
Packaging has been an essential part of human civilisation for centuries. The packaging industry has roots in the early days of trade and commerce when merchants needed ways to transport and store their goods.
Wooden barrels were the most common storage in the Middle Ages. In the 1900s, people switched from self-made wooden crates and boxes and relied instead on paper and cardboard.
Before the industrial revolution, manufacturers often did packaging by hand. This was time-consuming and expensive and brought about several labour issues. However, new packaging technologies enabled companies to mass produce their products, dramatically reducing costs.
While packaging was primarily used to protect products from damage during transport, the industrial revolution paved the way for mass production and mass marketing. Marketing products to a broad audience became the norm, and as a result, packaging became an essential tool for branding.
Printing and Packaging: a Tale as Old as Time
In the early days of printing, product packaging was often simple and functional, with little focus on aesthetic appeal. It was initially for practical purposes, such as identifying the content of a package or providing instructions for use.
Early examples of printed packaging date back to the 15th century, when block printing was used to decorate cloth bags and sacks. In the 17th century, lithography was developed to print large-scale images. It soon became famous for printing pictures on paper sheets which workers then glued to containers.
It wasn't until the 19th century that advances in printing technology made it possible to print diectly onto glass, metal, and other materials. The introduction of colour printing in the early 20th century transformed packaging design, making it more eye-catching and effective at conveying information about the product.
Printing and Packaging Today
Packaging has come a long way since the days of simply wrapping products in paper or cloth. Over time, packaging has evolved to meet the needs of both consumers and businesses. It is now an integral part of the manufacturing process, and the packaging industry is a major player in the global economy.
Packaging plays a critical role in protecting and preserving products. Additionally, you can also use it to enhance the marketing and branding of a product. Packaging has become increasingly sophisticated; manufacturers now use new materials such as plastic and aluminium. It can be highly specialised, with different designs for various products and purposes.
Technological advancements, particularly digital printing, make all of these possible.
Packaging is now an integral part of the manufacturing process, and the packaging industry is a major player in the global economy.
What Does It Mean to Print Digitally?
Digital printing is a versatile and convenient option that is perfect for businesses of all sizes. Here are a few reasons you should consider digital printing for your next printing project:
Digital printing is fast and efficient.
Digital printing offers high-quality results.
Digital printing is cost-effective.
Digital printing is environmentally friendly.
Digital printing is versatile and can efficiently handle short runs or personalisation.
To create modern, forward thinking packaging we have seen the drive of digital printing with the following.
Embellishment Printers
Embellishment printers such as DuSense create intricate textures and finishes to enhance the engagement of print materials like boxes, carton, bags or labels.
Cutting and Creasing Machines
Cut paper, cardstock and more into almost any shape, also creating creases for fold lines. Machines like the PFi Blade are are a staple in any print shop but are proving particularly popular do ton their digital nature lending them to speed, short runs and personalisation.
Digital Printing in Packaging
In a world where consumers are bombarded with advertising messages, it is more important than ever for brands to make their products stand out on the shelves. One way to do this is to use digital printing for product packaging.
Efficiency and Affordability
Unlike traditional printing methods, digital printing offers businesses greater flexibility in terms of design and cost. Digital printing generally requires less setup time and labour costs, making it more affordable for small businesses. It doesn't require the use of plates, making it much faster and more efficient.
This means that brands can now order smaller runs of customised packaging, which is ideal for limited edition products or test marketing campaigns.
One-of-a-Kind Designs
But digital printing isn't just about speed and efficiency–it also offers brands a range of creative possibilities. With digital printing, brands can now create truly unique packaging designs that set them apart.
The latest advances in inkjet technology let brands print in full colour on almost any type of material. As a result, businesses can create highly customised packaging that will grab shoppers' attention.
However, digital printing is not just for businesses — you can also use it for personal projects, such as wedding favours or customised gifts. Whether you're looking to save money or add a personal touch, digital printing is the way to go.
Accuracy and Precision
Another advantage of digital printing is that it offers a much higher degree of accuracy and precision than other printing methods. This means that images are less likely to be blurred or smeared, and you can reproduce colours with greater fidelity.
Finishes and Effects
Digital printing can also produce custom finishes and effects that add value and aesthetic appeal to your packaging. From high-gloss UV coatings to soft-touch laminates, there are endless ways to give your packaging the extra pizzazz it needs to stand out.
Seamless Automation
One of the many advantages of digital printing is the speed and quantity with which businesses and manufacturers can produce high-quality prints. With a digital printing system, you can print materials on demand, eliminating the need for costly inventory and ensuring that every print job is of the highest quality.
What’s Next?
Digital printing is one of the most disruptive technologies to hit the packaging industry in recent years. As businesses increasingly turn to digital printing for their product packaging needs, it's clear that this technology is here to stay.
The benefits of digital printing are simply too hard to ignore, and with more innovations coming, it will even be easier and more cost-effective to produce top-notch, beautiful, and distinct packaging. Promoting eco-friendly and biodegradable materials is necessary as companies look for ways to reduce their environmental impact.
Integrated Digital Printing Solutions
At Duplo International, we offer a reliable product line of digital printers and workflow and connectivity software that equips our clients with a fully integrated printing system. Our high-precision equipment will revolutionise the product packaging industry.
We hope this article has given you more insight into digital printing and its relation to product packaging. Visit our website or fill out the contact form to learn more about us.
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