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.

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.

Queenly Packaging 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!

The Benefits of Digital Printing

1.Consistently higher quality: True digital flatbed technology does have a higher initial cost than its competition,

    but it does print in greater detail and has a higher level of accuracy & repeatability.

2.Environmentally friendly: Flatbed printing is also more eco-friendly than conventional printing as it produces a lower amount of waste cartridges and creates lesser air pollution.

   It leaves behind a smaller carbon footprint.

3.Flexible and low cost: Flatbed printing is excellent for custom and commercial packaging.

   Its lower cost increases the ease of customization and allows customers to develop their designs at a lower price.

4.Quick and efficient production time: It saves a lot of time compared to conventional printing as there is no need to continually change plates considering the technology does not use any plates at all.

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.