About

Flexography

Flexography is a printing method that uses a flexible printing surface instead of a solid plate. It is a widely used printing option. Common flexible packaging supplies that use flexography include stand-up pouches and other outer packaging supplies made of plastic. Most of the packaging companies use flexography to print graphics, text, and images on non-porous materials. Flexible materials used for food packaging also benefit from flexography.

Digital printing

Digital printing is a method that uses inkjet printers to print graphics and other branding elements on plastic substrates. With modern digital printing, you do not need labels and cardboard inserts. As a result, you can reduce wastes, lower inventory requirements, and speed up the printing process.

A digital printer sources the data it needs from a computer. That makes digital printing an option that packaging companies can use to print anything they want.

Rotogravure

Rotogravure is a method of printing that first involves the printing of any graphics onto a surface. Then, that surface becomes a printing plate that strikes the final substrate. Companies use this printing method when they have to be more versatile while printing graphics onto the packaging materials.

The rotogravure uses rotary printing techniques. This method is ideal for the printing of newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and several types of flexible packaging materials. The most common flexible packaging application of this printing method is the printing of stand-up pouches.

Lithography

This old-fashioned way of printing uses a graphic made from oil. This oil-based graphic is drawn on a lithographic plate. This plate is then treated with acid.

The part of the graphic unprotected by the oil develops results in the etching of the image. Then the water is applied to the graphic, which results in the etched areas to retain water.

Oil-based ink is applied to the plate’s surface. With water in the etched areas, the ink sticks to the graphic. The printing takes place when a blank substrate is applied to this surface. This method of printing is outdated, but many companies are still using it for different printing applications.