All you need to know about packaging printing techniques!
By the shape, the colors or the finishes, there is something unique in each custom vape boxes packaging. A dimension that is also found through printing techniques and on this side there are a host of options to choose from! From digital to offset printing and flexography, how do you get the unique rendering that is fully adapted to your needs?
Follow the guide, and the printing processes will no longer hold any secrets for you!
Digital custom vape boxes packaging printing
Suitable for: Traditional stationery, packaging, books, textiles.
In 1992, the very first Xerox 4700 digital printer appeared. The HP Indigo followed in 1993 and digital printing boomed throughout the rest of the decade.
Digital printing relies on the transmission of computer data between a computer and a printer. Unlike traditional printing, which requires specific accessories that must be changed for each print run, the digital process operates in a continuous flow without any preparation step.
We particularly appreciate its print quality and the ability to modify your document along the way. Ideal for multiplying the series adapted to certain specific targets without having to start from zero for each print!
Mainly suited to small runs, digital custom vape boxes printing comes in two main techniques:
Digital inkjet printing
Here, an inkjet is projected onto the paper via an electromagnetic charge. While the cost of purchasing the printer remains affordable, cartridges last less than toner from laser printers, which could ultimately become more expensive. This is the reason why you will avoid this technique for large custom vape boxes series.
Digital laser or graphic printing
It relies on the use of powdered ink (toner) applied by static electricity. We like the quality and speed of printing here despite a higher purchase cost and a little more complex maintenance. Best for large prints, text and graphics.
Pros
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Ease of use.
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Quick charge.
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Flexible design.
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Good resolution.
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Economical cost for small runs.
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Reduced paper waste thanks to continuous flow.
In addition to a reduction in paper waste, we also appreciate the reduction in chemical waste made possible by this custom vape boxes printing technique. And since ecology is a central issue for today’s printing, we will rely on cardboard casing for the lowest possible impact! Discover now the range of ecological packaging Silver Edge Packaging.
Cons
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Low printing speed.
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High purchase cost of inks.
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Limited deinking capacity.
You will not hesitate to apply a varnish at the end of printing for a clean result and optimal color retention!
Offset printing of custom vape boxes packaging
Suitable for: Books, advertisements, posters, catalogs, packaging.
Offset printing? If it tells you anything, it’s just that it’s the most widely used printing technique in the world.
Based on a water repellency process, it reproduces the document or pattern to be printed on an engraved metal plate. Plate which will be passed against a cylinder covered with rubber (the blanket) in order to transfer the ink to the support.
The number of plates used will depend on the number of colors desired. Generally, it is the four-color custom vape boxes printing that wins all the votes. This works with 4 basic colors, cyan, magenta, yellow and black.
The transfer will be reproduced several times in order to superimpose the layers of ink and obtain the desired result.
Each printing technique has its own specific functions and it will be particularly suitable for large prints. However, it will not allow modification along the way as with digital printing for example.
Pros
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Good resolution.
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High production speed.
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Possibility to print on paper of different grammage for a high-end rendering.
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Good aptitude for deinking.
Cons
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Variable cost depending on the inks and plates to be replaced.
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Relatively slow drying by oxidopolymerization.
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Solvent-based inks.
Flexographic custom vape boxes packaging printing
Suitable for: packaging, labels, newspapers. Ideal for polyethylene film, paper, corrugated cardboard and boxboard
Flexography, or flexo for close friends, is a custom vape boxes printing technique based on a flexible printing form in relief called the cliché. Similar to offset in many ways, the image is affixed to the support via a cylinder or a photopolymer plate whose dimensions can reach 1.30 mx 2.00 m as well as a thickness of 0.76 more than 6 mm.
The print quality depends on the fineness of the cliché.
Flexographic printing
Generally not recommended for large runs, flexography generally adapts to all types of media and all color needs. This is what today offers it great flexibility of use and allows it to have a much wider range of inks than that of other printing techniques.
What to forget the sometimes complex realization of the photographs which require a very important material: exhibition frame, engraver, dryer, processing unit.
Flexography is the fastest growing printing technique today. To be continued!
Pros
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High production speed.
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Low production cost.
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Possibility of in-line shaping.
Cons
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Difficulty reproducing semitones.
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Long preparation of the plates.
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Long drying due to water ink.
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Limited deinking capacity.
Screen printing of custom vape boxes packaging
Suitable for: Textiles, electronic parts, glass jars, plastic, aluminum. Flat or 3D supports.
Similar to the stencil technique, screen printing involves the use of a polyester fabric or metal fiber canvas placed on a wooden frame called a screen printing frame. The ink will be applied to it using a squeegee, color after color.
Screen custom vape boxes printing
The result will be reliable and durable.
A very interesting process because it is suitable for many formats and materials, but which will not make it possible to obtain a result as fine as with digital or offset pressure for example.
Pros
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Printing in small and large formats, for small, medium or large prints.
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Unlimited number of colors.
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Reliable color rendering.
Cons
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Lack of finesse in the rendering of colors.
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Higher cost beyond the 1500 copies due to the slowness of the print run.
Rotogravure custom vape boxes packaging printing
Invented in the 1820s, it is the gravure or rotogravure that brings up the rear of our tour of today’s printing techniques. Here, the metal cylinder which will transfer the ink to the support is debossed, unlike the offset which is based on elements in relief.
Rotogravure custom vape boxes printing
The inks used, very liquid, will fill the cells of the cylinder before being affixed to the support to print the chosen pattern. It is the depth of these cells that will determine the intensity of the color rendering.
Rather recommended for very large prints because of a sometimes long drying, this printing technique guarantees you an exceptional rendering of your cbd products, without deterioration of the colors or of the smoothness of the rendering even in the event of a long series.
Think about the specifics of your product and the quantities you will need for your next campaign!
Pros
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Richness of colors.
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Quality of reproduction of photos.
Cons
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Difficult corrections.
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Cost of copper cylinders used.
Enhancement techniques for custom vape boxes
Do you want to go a little further in personalization? Nothing like a special touch or a small hint of relief to give an almost 3D effect to your packaging or your labels.
Here again, you are spoiled for choice!
Will it be more of a film coating? This is a thin plastic film applied to all of your custom vape boxes empty cartridge packaging to provide optimal protection. Offered in mat, soft touch, shiny or sometimes embossed to give relief, the visual effect is most impactful.
To put only a few elements of your packaging forward, you will opt for a silkscreen varnish. Apply it over text or artwork for a nice glossy or matte effect that will help make them stand out from the set.
Conclusion
All that remains is to determine which custom vape boxes printing and embossing technique is best suited to your project! Do not hesitate to call on the Silver Edge Packaging team, we will be happy to provide you with our advice and expertise!