English
Packaging Stickers are an essential part of product presentation, and the printing techniques used for them are diverse and specialized. Here are some common printing processes for Custom Product Labels:
Relief Printing (Letterpress)
Principle:
Relief printing uses raised areas on the printing plate to transfer ink onto the substrate.
Features:
The process requires high pressure, resulting in vibrant ink coverage.
The printed products have rich color saturation and a distinct tactile feel.
The prints appear bold, with a slight 3D effect.
Applications:
Relief printing is typically used for Packaging Stickers that need vibrant colors and texture, such as cosmetics packaging and food product labels.
Intaglio Printing (Gravure)
Principle:
In this process, ink is filled into the recessed areas of the printing plate, and then transferred onto the substrate through pressure.
Features:
High-quality printing with excellent color reproduction and depth.
Fast production speeds, making it ideal for large-scale runs.
However, the setup cost is high, and production cycles are long.
Applications:
Intaglio printing is commonly used for printing on materials like plastic films and paper, and is ideal for cigarette packaging, pharmaceutical labels, and daily product packaging.
Offset Printing (Lithography)
Principle:
Offset printing uses the principle of oil and water repulsion to transfer ink from the plate to the substrate via a rubber blanket.
Features:
It offers easy plate-making, low production costs, and fast printing speeds.
Color-rich and vibrant prints, suitable for high-precision printing.
However, ink uniformity can be an issue, especially with large areas.
Applications:
Offset printing is widely used in the production of various packaging stickers, including book covers, packaging boxes, and self-adhesive labels.
Screen Printing
Principle:
Screen printing uses a stencil or screen to press ink through mesh openings, transferring the design onto the substrate.
Features:
The ink layer is thick, with strong opacity and a high-quality tactile feel.
Ideal for creating unique effects, such as frosted finishes, fluorescent colors, and foil stamping.
While versatile, the printing speed is slower and is not suitable for high-precision prints.
Applications:
Screen printing is ideal for packaging stickers that require special effects, such as textured, shiny, or glittery finishes, and can also print on irregular surfaces.
Digital Printing
Principle:
Digital printing transfers the design directly from digital files to the printing device, eliminating the need for plates.
Features:
Highly flexible, allowing for personalized, variable data printing and short-run jobs at a low cost.
Fast response to market needs, but the printing quality and stability can vary.
Applications:
Digital printing is perfect for short runs and customized packaging stickers, such as for gift packaging, promotional campaigns, and personalized labels.
Conclusion
The choice of printing process for Custom Product Labels depends on various factors, including the product type, print quality required, and the scale of production. Relief and intaglio printing offer high-quality results for mass production, while screen and digital printing are excellent for unique effects and small batches. Understanding these techniques helps businesses select the most suitable method to meet both aesthetic and functional packaging needs.
