Need to Know What is Digital Printing in Custom Packaging

No matter what you do or the product you are looking for, you must have come across the term "digital printing". It is used all around us, whether it is in an office setting, education, or custom packaging.

What is Digital Printing?

In simple terms, it is a method of printing where a digital file is sent directly to the printer. There is no need for die-plating, sampling, or extra physical labor. A PDF file goes directly from the computer to the machine for printing. Usually used for taking a print of documents in different settings. It cuts the setup time to a fraction of what is required in other printing methods. The job is done using inkjet or high volume printers.

How is Digital Printing Done for Custom Packaging?

Now that you know what is digital printing, let's see how is it applied in custom packaging. The digital design or file is usually in PDF or JPEG mode, higher resolution gives better results. The files are then converted into the most popular CMYK system and sent for printing for accurate results. It is as simple as that, without the need to install any dies and paper rolls!

It is preferred for low volume jobs, prototypes, and sampling in custom packaging. It makes it so much easier to modify or redesign a prototype before moving to the final job. It is also preferred for better results in minimal design prints. Sometimes, a sample can be made using digital printing, and then the final high volume order can be produced using offset printing.

Inks Used for Digital Printing

Digital printing is done using CMYK toner and inks. Which refer to the primary colors cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Sometimes orange, blue, and green are also used as extended color ranges. Special dry inks are used for white, clear, or metallic effects.

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Types of Digital Printing

Digital printing refers to a number of different types of printing. It is not just limited to one specific type of printer. Some of the types are as follows.

Laser and Inkjet 

It is the most commonly used form of digital printing. Inkjet and laser printers are mostly used in homes and offices.

Digital Press 

If a high volume is required, then digital press is the way to go. It is used for printing larger quantities of leaflets, booklets, business cards, and labels in packaging.

Dye Sublimation 

If prints on a fabric surface are required, then dye sublimation is done. In the method, heat transfer is used along with digital printing to print images on the fabric.

Solid Ink 

If a large scale print is required then a waxy resin polymer is used to transfer a long lasting image on the surface. It is mostly used by graphic designers. The most used method of digital printing for custom packaging is a digital press.

Advantages of Digital Printing in Packaging

Digital printing is a more modern approach to getting results quickly, here are some of its benefits.

Easy Changes 

It is more flexible in editing and making changes to the design. It can be easily updated without the need for new plates. Great for sample making.

Convenient to Set Up 

It does not require extra machinery to set up the station. You just invest in a proper machine and get the required inks. Cutting the cost of labor and die plates. The inks are also easier to get.

Flexible Order Volumes 

It gives the flexibility to print as low as just a single piece, making it cost effective. It is great for print on demand services and product prototypes for custom packaging.

Fast Printing Process 

The steps involved for a design to go for printing are very less, making it quicker. You just need to set up your machine, place your packaging materials, and send the design for printing. Making it possible to get high quality prints in very little time for creating samples.

Disadvantages of Digital Printing in Packaging

Digital printing has many benefits but it does have a few drawbacks as well.

Higher Cost Per Page

It can increase the cost per page as compared to the traditional offset printing. But the price breakdown almost comes to an equal because of the saving on cost setup.

Loss of Details

Another small disadvantage can be the loss of very tiny details in the final design. It is better for minimal designs as compared to the high detail ones. Although it has some drawbacks, the advantages outweigh them by far.

Conclusion

Now you know all about what is digital printing and its details. You can have a better idea about what method of printing you want for your custom packaging. It is high efficiency, cost effective way to get the final results in very little time. If you are still confused about the suitable printing for your custom packaging then contact us at Boxit Packages. You can get free design and printing assistance from our experts. We provide top-notch custom packaging services at reasonable prices with free delivery all across the USA and Canada.

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