Digital vs. Flexo Print: Which Should You Choose?
If you ever had to customize a package with your logo, brand colors, or with any design to help make your product more appealing and well-branded, then you probably had to determine how you wanted your package printed. With today’s technology, you have a choice of selecting the right printing technique based on your budget, volume, and quality. In this guide we will introduce you to two popular printing methods digital and flex print to help you select the best printing option for your packaging needs.
However, before we begin it is important to explain why purchasing a custom package is much more complex than it would be buying a standard or stock product.
Custom packages can consist of boxes, pouches, labels, cartons or any other form of packaging. Usually, they are custom made with specific structure (size and dimensions), graphics, prints, materials, features, and more. Custom packages come with the advantage of improving a product’s packaging protection, efficiency, and marketability. However, creating a custom package takes much more time, planning, effort, and capital to make than standard products.
What Is Digital Print?
Digital print is a printing technique that uses a digital based image or file such as a PDF, Ai, or EPS and transfers it directly to a printer for applications on packaging material. This process requires minimal set-up or plates to be made. Which makes it the ideal printing solution for quick turnaround projects.
Typically, digital print is used for more short run and low volume orders due to its higher cost per unit but low initial investment.
What Is Flexo Print?
Flexographic printing is the traditional form of printing. It requires more setup time than digital print due to special plates needing to be made for a specific package. It is the process of applying ink to printed material as it passes through an impression roller and plates. Plates can be rubber or plastic.
Ultimately, flexo print is used for more long run and high volume orders due to its high initial investment but low cost per unit.
When to Choose Digital Print?
Digital print has been a popular printing solution for businesses due to its flexibility in lead times, product sampling, artwork changes, and high quality prints.
Despite digital print being the cost effective choice for shorts runs, many businesses still turn to digital prints for large orders. Unlike traditional printing methods, digital print has variable printing capabilities which enables the digital press to change the information, labels, and design of the print in a single run. For example, the SKUs, serial numbers, target audience, and more.
You Should Use Digital Print If:
- Your design is complex: Digital print creates ease of use in printing the most complex designs.
- You have the same die lines but different SKUs: The production of product variations will save you time and money with everyone thing being completed in one order. This is because cost per unit decreases as quantity increases.
- You are looking to personalize your packaging: if you are looking to make each package unique then digital print should be your ideal solution due to the cost savings of not having to make all of those plates.
- You’re looking for product samples and prototypes: Digital print is always the safe option if you are unsure about what you want. You can always make changes without have to invest a large amount of capital.
- You want a quick one time turnaround: If your project is time sensitive or urgent, then you probably want to go with this printing method.
- You’re only looking for a small quantity or short product run (seasonal): From a financial standpoint it makes sense to invest in a printing method that has a low startup cost, versus the alternative.
When to Choose Flexo Print?
Despite having a slower set up time and high start-up costs, many find investing in flexo print to be worth the investment due to its long term value. For example, production can be rapidly done after setup. In addition, it can provide product artwork with the most pantone color accuracy.
You Should Use Flexo Print If:
- You know what you are looking for: Since plates need to be made, it can be difficult and costly to change artwork later on.
- You’re looking for high volume and/or routine purchases with little variation: Flexo print is the cheaper alternative over digital printing due to its lower cost per unit.
- You want exact color accuracy: Flexo can match with GCMI or PMS colors.
If you are interested in flexo or digital print custom packaging, then contact Brown Packaging today to get started.
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In the diverse world of retail and e-commerce, managing multiple Stock Keeping Units (SKUs) can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to packaging.
In the complex journey of consumer decision-making, packaging plays a more significant role than many businesses might realize. It’s not merely a container for your
In the competitive marketplace, packaging can significantly impact the overall cost of your product. However, efficient and budget-friendly packaging options can help maintain quality without
