Comparing Flexographic Printing vs Digital Printing

Have you given enough thought to the appearance of your business labels? Is your digital label printing method accurately reflecting your brand? If not, let’s quickly compare flexographic printing vs. digital printing. The technical differences between the two are pretty straightforward. Flexo label printing uses ink that is applied to rubber printing plates. The plates are attached to cylinders and rolled onto a printing surface. On the other hand, digital label printing is when the image is directly placed on the printing surface through the application of toner. While flexo label printing needs its own custom plates for each color, it can be used with almost any label material and also include label finishing options like lamination or foiling. Digital printing can only be used on certain materials, but it can print a clean, clear and exact image each time without needing to use plates.

Benefits of Flexo Label Printing

Interested in flexographic printing? It has some great advantages like:

  • Flexographic printing is the perfect option for those looking for a label printing process that is cost-effective for any size business. Enjoy lower ink costs as the inks needed for digital printing are more expensive.
  • It is an ideal printing option for any brand that wants to print on a variety of substrates. Enjoy greater flexibility and longevity with printed products of any size, color or substrate.
    You can utilize unique and eye-catching finishing options like foils, metallics and lamination. The perfect finish sticks out to consumers and you can take advantage of multiple finishing options not available with other printing methods.

Benefits of Digital Label Printing

Maybe you are leaning towards digital label printing? These benefits might make up your mind:

  • Digital label printing offers a faster turnaround time than other label printing options. Quickly respond to changes that need to be made in the label copy and also incorporate those changes into future print runs. This saves you from the potential issue of outdated packaging and an inventory of products you can’t use.
  • No matter the size of your current print run, digital printing is an effective choice. Colors remain consistent no matter the number of items being printed. Your design is also reproduced in a crisp manner that is free of blots and dot gain that makes some parts of the printer materials darker than others.
  • Digital printing is ideal when executing variable data printing. Variable data allows you to change the copy or numbering on printed items to provide trackable info about the product life cycle. The ability to print sequential barcoding numbering means you can enjoy improved product monitoring and security.

Which One: Flexographic Printing or Digital Printing

Just like no two snowflakes are alike, the print needs of individual companies are rarely the same. The final decision of flexographic printing vs. digital printing depends on the features and results that are important to your product and brand. After reviewing all of the benefits and differences discussed in this article, you might want to make a list of “pros and cons” between your finishing needs, overall budget, the type of substrate you are using and if you need to alter some of the data on each printed item. Once you consider all of the factors involved in your long-term printing strategy, you will be ready to make an informed and educated final decision.

Reach out to our expert team today so we can help you find the best method for your label printing needs.

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