Packaging is a very important part of the marketing process. It is used to protect, preserve and display products or goods for sale.
Many different types of packaging exist, but one type that has become increasingly popular in recent years is printed packaging.
Different methods of printed packaging
Printed packaging can be done by several methods:
1. Lithographic Printing
Lithographic printing uses a plate with an image printed on it to transfer ink onto paper.
This method is usually seen on retail store signs because it's inexpensive and fast enough for short runs of just a few hundred prints at most.
2. Flexography
Flexography involves pressing cloth or paper against an etched rubber plate which then transfers the ink from the plate onto the surface being printed on.
This method produces high-quality results, but it is also the most expensive of all four types to use.
3. Screen Printing
Screen printing utilizes a frame covered in mesh material that holds ink and then transfers that ink onto the surface being printed on.
This method does not involve any solvent-based solvents because it uses water-based inks to produce images on surfaces such as paper and plastics.
4. Offset printing
Offset printing is one of the most common types of printing in the world and involves transferring ink from a plate onto another printable surface.
This method can be seen on retail store tags, business cards, letterheads, and even online shopping sites. The type of printer you use depends on what kind of material you are using for your packaging.
Questions to keep in mind before doing printed packaging
If you are thinking about doing your own printed packaging, keep in mind that before you start on the project, it is best to ask yourself a few questions:
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What kind of material am I using?
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How big does my design need to be?
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What colors do I want my design to have?
Once you answer these three questions, you will be ready to start exploring the different types of printers available for your cardboard and mailer boxes.