The digital printing of folding boxes offers many advantages to manufacturers. Among them are speed to market, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with various substrates. Here are some of them:
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Advantages of digital printing
The advantages of digitally printed folding boxes go beyond appearance. As a modern approach to packaging, digital printing allows for greater flexibility and quality control. The process also speeds up the turnaround time from the design concept to the final product. Lastly, digital printing is environmentally friendly, making it an excellent option for packaging. To learn more, read on:
Compared with offset printing, digital printing is more flexible. It allows for short runs and one-offs and enables carton converters to work with brands on packaging projects that are not feasible with traditional methods. As a result, digital printing reduces the need for re-stocking and saves money on materials and setup time. It also allows for lower print thresholds, which makes it an excellent option for smaller run quantities.
As one of the first companies to adopt digital printing in the folding box segment, McBattas Packaging and Printing has used its expertise in technology to help brand owners create deeper customer relationships through their packaging. Another company that has embraced digital printing in its folding box business is ABOX Packaging. Thompson says digital options were incompatible with their board size and calliper requirements. But he is happy with the results of digital printing.
Another major advantage of digital printing is its low production cost. Unlike traditional printing methods, this process can be done quickly and is perfect for small-run campaigns. Unlike conventional printing, there are no print minimums, which makes digital printing an ideal option for marketing campaigns. Further, the flexibility of digital printing means that you can be ready in the market in a short timeframe. The advantages of digital printing folding boxes are many!
While digital printing is flexible and fast, it still poses some challenges for business owners. In addition to speeding up production, it can also help business owners with their budgets. With digital printing, the business owner can even change the material used for packaging. Furthermore, this printing method can be applied to various rigid and flexible materials, including wood, cotton, and metal. Moreover, it can be applied to clear films, which are widely used for packaging foods and fruits.
Cost-effectiveness
There are several advantages of digital printing in the box production process. The process is flexible and low-cost. Unlike offset printing, which involves multiple colours and a printing press operator, digital printing does not require an operator. Digital printing can produce high-quality boxes with an even lower unit cost. However, it may take longer to complete a small printing job. For this reason, many companies find digital printing for folding boxes a more practical option.
Digital printing can also produce short runs and allow for intricate decorative touches. It is a cost-effective packaging solution that allows for on-the-fly changes to the design and eliminates the need for costly plate sets. As a result, digital printing is an excellent choice for short-run packaging and high-volume production. Additionally, it can easily handle variable data and design elements. For example, a dry pasta manufacturer can use digital printing to produce boxes with an average length of 2,000 cartons.
Speed to market
Inkjet technology enables faster print speeds and a variety of substrates. Digital folding carton and package applications offer shorter lead times and less expensive printing with improved inks and smaller plate costs. The cost of inks is also lower, and more UV ink is available. With digital printing, companies can also integrate their existing finishing platforms. Inks and substrates continue to improve, making it easier to print a variety of colour gamuts and reduce the carbon footprint of their production.
Another benefit of digital folding cartons is that they are a sustainable alternative to plastic containers. Digital printing is an ideal option for small-batch production. The technology enables short-run production after packaging design approval. It also allows for customization and versioning of folding cartons, enabling companies to add security features, serialized codes, regional regulatory content, variable marketing elements, and variable design elements. These factors help a business achieve speed to market.
While offset dominance in the folding carton market persists, digital printing has become an attractive option for smaller businesses. Digital printing presses, such as the Kodak PROSPER 6000S simplex inkjet web press, can deliver 12,000 B1 sph at 600×900 dpi. They also offer fast turnaround times. This is an exciting trend in the packaging industry. So get ready to see more innovations in digital printing folding boxes.
With the growth of variable print, the number of digital printing presses in the market will continue to increase. The trend towards shorter run lengths will further benefit folding cartons. Post-press finishing and ink types are also important factors. Inkjet and electrophotography systems will continue to gain share from analogue presses. Variable data printing and high-speed presses will complement each other, adding flexibility and efficiency to folding carton production.
Compatibility with a wide range of substrates
The growing popularity of digital printing has opened new possibilities for packaging manufacturers. Not only is it able to print on a wide variety of materials, but it is also highly versatile. Whether a two-up E-flute wine box or a complex, layered structure, digital printing is a great choice for packaging needs. In addition, these versatile boxes are compatible with a wide variety of substrates, ensuring the printing process is a breeze.
