Packaging printing is the process of printing graphics, text, colors, etc. on packaging materials. According to the different properties of printing plates, printing is usually divided into four basic types: flat, convex, concave and silk. Each basic type has different characteristics in actual production. Next, I will give you a detailed introduction to the types of packaging printing and their characteristics.
1. Lithographic printing
It refers to the printing method in which the height of the second inking area of the printing plate is basically the same as that of the non-ink surface area. At present, the widely used F printing method is offset printing, which can make the ink produce a fine and accurate I-column shape on the printing plate through the principle of ink separation. After transferring it to the blanket cylinder, use the blanket cylinder to transfer it to the stock. The offset printing plate-making process is more convenient and fast; the printing accuracy is high, and it can better express rich color levels; its printing efficiency is also high. Offset printing occupies a high proportion in daily printing, especially paper printing.
2. Letterpress printing
Refers to the printing method in which the inking area on the printing plate is higher than the non-inking surface area, and the graphic part is obviously higher than the blank part. The common method is etching plate printing. Due to the popularization of computer plate making technology and offset printing technology, the application of traditional etching plate printing has gradually disappeared.
3. Gravure printing
Refers to the printing method in which the inking area on the printing plate is lower than the non-inking surface area, and the graphic part is lower than the blank part of the printing plate, including engraving gravure, gravure, etc. The printing plate directly contacts the printing material for printing, which is often suitable for spot color printing with strong graphic outlines. The printing accuracy is high, the ink has a certain coverage, and the ink color is thick and flat.
4. Screen printing
Also known as leakage printing, the part with mesh holes on the printing plate is the inking area, which is a printing method in which ink is leaked and printed on the printing material through the mesh holes. The screen printing ink has strong coverage, and the printing plate is made of soft mesh material, so the printing material has a wide range of adaptability. Silk screen printing is suitable for spot color printing on the surface of molded products and special printing materials.
