Choosing the right printing method for your packaging can directly affect your brand image, production costs, and speed to market. Between flexographic printing’s high-speed efficiency and digital printing’s design flexibility, each method offers unique strengths. So, how do you know what’s right for you? Below, you’ll find expert insight to determine the best solution: flexo vs. digital printing. Let’s dive in.
What is Flexographic Printing?
Flexographic printing is a fast, cost-effective printing method. It works by using flexible rubber or polymer plates that are wrapped around rotating cylinders. These plates have a raised image or text area that picks up quick-drying ink and transfers it directly onto a range of materials. This might include paper and cardboard, plastic film, or other substrates.
This kind of printing offers high-speed production, making it ideal for long runs. It prints on many surfaces common for packaging materials. In short, flexo is ideal for large-volume, consistent print jobs where durability and speed are important.
What is Digital Printing?
Digital printing is a modern printing method where digital files are printed directly onto a material. Unlike flexo printing, digital printing does not rely on printing plates. Instead, they directly apply ink or toner onto the substrate. Because there are no plates required, digital printing is great for short runs or one-off prints. They’re ideal for tight turnarounds or packaging materials with variable data.
Flexo vs. Digital Printing: Which Should You Use?
When deciding between flexo vs. digital printing, you’ll have to look at the size and nature of your production.
Flexographic printing is often the better choice for high-volume orders. The custom plates it uses require an upfront investment. However, once those are made, the per-unit cost drops significantly. Because of this, flexographic printing is more economical at scale. Flexographic is also great for printing on rough or porous materials like corrugated cardboard.
On the other hand, digital printing is perfect for short runs, custom packaging, or fast turnaround times. Because it doesn’t require plates, it has minimal setup costs and allows for more design flexibility. If you need to produce multiple versions of the same box, digital printing is a great choice. For example, seasonal promotions, localized branding, or personalized customer service initiatives are best produced using digital solutions.
Ultimately, the right printing method depends on your priorities. If you need speed, flexibility, and small quantities, go digital. If you’re looking to print high volumes of consistent packaging at a lower cost per unit, opt for flexo.
We’ll Help You Make the Right Choice
Have questions about flexo vs. digital printing? Reach out to the experts at Jamestown Container. Since 1965, we’ve been helping businesses get the right packaging solutions for their needs. We’d be honored to help you, too.
We offer everything your business needs — including corrugated packaging, foam packaging, vendor-managed inventory, and more. All of these packaging solutions are backed by our extensive experience and industry certifications, holding us to the highest standards in packaging manufacturing. We maintain ISO and FSSC accreditations to ensure we’re providing the best packaging possible.
Additionally, we adhere to rigid sustainability practices to minimize the environmental impact of our packaging solutions. We use recycled linerboard from the Greenpac Mill, which has one of the lowest amounts of paper mill landfill waste in the country. We’re also part of the Box to Nature Program, a transformative initiative led by the Paper and Packaging Board. This initiative aims to help consumers understand the recycling process and encourage them to actively participate.
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Want to learn more about what we can do for you? Reach out to us today.