Ink and Color Management
Plastics and films may utilize UV-curable inks while paper and paperboard often use water-based inks optimized for the substrate. CMYKprocess color separations from designs are blended to create PMS matching spot colors for packaging. Consistent, predictable ink mixing and application is vital for brand color accuracy across print runs and facilities. Color measuring instruments help calibrate and manage ink usage.

Offset and Sheetfed Printing
Offset presses transfer ink from etched plates to a rubber blanket cylinder then onto the substrate in a single pass. Sheets of Packaging Printing stock are fed through at high speed. Multi-color process printing and aqueous inks allow detailed photo-realism. Dies and folders then cut, crease and finish sheets into individual cartons or wrappers.

Flexography and Rotary Printing
Rotary or web fed printing utilized for rolls of film, paper or foil uses printing units with flexible photopolymer plates wrapped around cylinders. Ink is applied directly from the raised image areas before being transferred and dried on the continuous substrate roll as it passes between multiple print units. This high-speed technique works well for flexible packaging.

Digital and Variable Printing
Inkjet and digital printing empowers on-demand, low-run and even variable printing where unique codes, promotions or messages can be added per package. Continuous inkjet technologies utilize piezoelectric crystals to propel ink droplets onto the substrate at high resolutions. For packaging inspection and traceability, these digital options are growing in importance.

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