The following are common label printing processes and their characteristics:
1. Offset Printing
Applicable Labels: Paper labels, premium product labels (e.g., wine labels, cosmetic labels).
Features:
- High printing precision, excellent color reproduction, suitable for complex patterns.
- Ideal for medium to long print runs (thousands to hundreds of thousands of copies).
- Usually requires lamination or varnish protection.
Common Applications: - Wine labels, food labels, pharmaceutical labels.
2. Flexographic Printing
Applicable Labels: Film labels (e.g., PE, PP, PET), self-adhesive labels.
Features:
- Uses flexible resin plates, suitable for high-speed printing.
- Compatible with UV inks for fast drying.
- Ideal for mass production (e.g., daily chemical and beverage labels).
Common Applications: - Beverage bottle labels, shampoo labels, logistics labels.
3. Gravure Printing
Applicable Labels: Premium plastic labels, metallized film labels.
Features:
- Rich printing layers, suitable for gradients, metallic colors, and other special effects.
- High plate-making costs, best for ultra-long print runs (millions of copies).
- Commonly used in food packaging and cigarette labels.
Common Applications: - Potato chip bag labels, chocolate packaging, cigarette packaging.
4. Digital Printing
Applicable Labels: Small-batch, customized labels (e.g., variable data labels).
Features:
- No printing plates required, direct computer output, suitable for short runs and proofs.
- Capable of printing variable data (e.g., barcodes, serial numbers).
- Higher cost, not suitable for mass production.
Common Applications: - Customized labels, promotional labels, electronic labels.
5. Hybrid Printing
Applicable Labels: High-security, multi-functional labels (e.g., RFID labels).
Features:
- Combines multiple printing methods (e.g., offset + screen + digital).
- Enables special effects (foil stamping, laser, 3D effects).
Common Applications: - Luxury product labels, anti-counterfeit labels, smart packaging labels.
6. Post-Printing Finishing Processes
After printing, labels often undergo the following finishing processes:
- Lamination (BOPP/PP/PE film) → Enhances abrasion resistance and waterproofing.
- Foil Stamping (Gold/Silver) → Elevates premium appearance (e.g., cosmetics, wine labels).
- Die-Cutting → Custom shapes (e.g., irregularly shaped labels).
- UV Coating → Adds gloss and scratch resistance.
Let me know if you’d like further details on any specific process!