REF. 10
Digital and offset printing are optimal for printing on cardboard and paper, which is why they are two widely used techniques for the design of commercial boxes, such as screen-printed boxes. The two main printing methods that you can use for packaging jobs are offset lithographic printing or digital printing. From our workshop in Madrid we work with both types of printing on a small and large scale. Get the best quality prints for your products.
DIGITAL AND OFFSET PRINTING COMPANY
As a packaging company we are specialized in the manufacture and printing of luxury containers, packaging, boxes and cases for sectors of all kinds, providing the necessary technical and human resources for the production of high quality packaging.
In L.F.G. Cartonage we propose various printing methods, among which you can choose offset and digital printing. Our specialists will be in charge of advising you to achieve the desired results. Tell us what you need and we will find the best option for your printing
WHAT IS DIGITAL PRINTING?
Digital printing is one that is made by means of a digital file using ink in injection, being perfectly fixed and reflecting the digital file on a physical surface. Digital printing is a non-contact printing process. This means that a separate print medium is not required because the print image is transferred directly to the printing press via the computer.
In terms of resolution, digital printing is comparable to offset printing. Therefore, digital printing is ideal for high-quality packaging and boxes. This type of printing is particularly well suited to small and medium runs in different formats. Its low setup costs translate into good value for money compared to other printing processes. This means that it is no longer necessary to place consolidated orders for long runs or maintain high stock levels. Be flexible and save on printing costs.
Digital printing is essential for a quick time to market, as you can purchase cost-effective test production runs for your market research. As it is a contactless printing process, it is possible to make quick image changes and, therefore, reduce delivery times.
HOW DO OFFSET PRINTING SYSTEMS WORK?
Offset printing, also called lithography, is another highly demanded advertising printing technique, which consists of applying ink using a metal plate. The inked image is transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket and then onto the printing surface. The process can be used to print on paper, cardboard, plastic, or other materials, but these must have a flat surface. It is called offset because the ink is not transferred directly to the paper.
Offset printing presses use four basic colors of ink: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). Each color is applied separately, one plate per color. Tiny CMYK dots are pressed into specific patterns that form what appears to be a wide range of colors. Specialty offset printing can also use pre-mixed inks such as Pantone and metallic colors to create shades outside of the standard print color gamut.
Offset printing is the best option when large quantities are required, providing accurate color reproduction and sharp, professional-looking printing. It is very common that most of the high quality packaging is produced using offset printers.
We will take care of advising you to guarantee the best printing quality according to your needs.
OFFSET VS DIGITAL PRINTING: WHICH TO CHOOSE?
As we have seen, both systems have different characteristics. Offset printing offers superior image quality (although digital is giving better results every day) with excellent color fidelity, but it takes time and is less profitable for small print runs. By contrast, digital printing offers fast turnaround times and makes low-volume jobs more affordable.
However, these two printing methods can complement each other for most packaging orders.
For example, it is easier and more cost-effective to use digital printing to prototype packaging and then subject the final packaging product to quality offset printing in full production. So, take into account the estimated print volume and choose the right printing method for your packaging material.