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??
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!
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.
