1. Basic Printing Processes
1. Offset Printing (Lithographic Printing)
This utilizes the principle of water-ink balance to achieve high-precision color reproduction, making it suitable for high-volume production and particularly adept at depicting gradients and detailed layers.
2. Gravure Printing
This utilizes a gravure screen to store ink, resulting in a thicker ink layer. It is suitable for metallic textures or large-area base color printing and is commonly found on high-end gift boxes.
3. Flexographic Printing
This utilizes a flexible resin plate with environmentally friendly inks suitable for food packaging and can print on rough materials such as corrugated cardboard.
4. Screen Printing
This utilizes screen-to-screen ink bleeds to achieve special effects such as spot UV and hot stamping, making it suitable for small-batch customized production.
2. Surface Treatment Processes
1. Lamination
Glossy Lamination: Enhances surface gloss and wear resistance. Matt Lamination: Creates a subtle matte finish. Note that plastic film is less environmentally friendly and has been replaced by UV varnish in some applications. 2. Hot Stamping: Hot-pressed metal foil transfer can create effects like gold and laser effects and requires a laminated substrate.
3. UV Processing: Spot UV: Enhances the three-dimensional effect of the design. Matte UV: Creates a matte area with a delicate touch. UV curing allows for rapid drying.
4. Embossing: Uses a mold to create a relief texture, enhancing the tactile experience of the packaging. This is often used in combination with hot stamping.
5. Reverse Glazing: Utilizing the principle of varnish repulsion, contrasting glossy and matte areas are created on the same surface, enhancing visual depth.
III. Forming Processes:
1. Die-cutting and Creasing: A steel die cuts the box outline. Steel line creases facilitate folding, with an accuracy of ±0.1mm.
2. Paper Laminating: Laminating the printed paper to the corrugated cardboard. The amount of glue used must be controlled to prevent bubbling. 3. Gluing/Stapling
Gluing is suitable for small boxes, while stapling is used to reinforce heavy boxes.
