Creative Labels is proud to offer high-end digital printing to a wide range of industries. Our Epson SurePress has a six color enhanced color gamut for bright, vivid colors and is capable of matching over 90% of all Pantone colors. Our Xeikon CX3 is the most productive 5-colour digital label press in its class. Both digital presses are capable of printing on just about any label material you might want, be it a paper or a film and along with those options, we are not limited to only the adhesives that are available on special coated materials. We also have the Mimaki CJV 54” digital printer for large format printing.
The Benefits of Digital Printing
Digital printing first of all offers lower quantity print runs without the expense of printing plates. Even with some higher quantity print runs that have a wide variety of products, all with the same sized label, digital is the best option as there is no press downtime changing from one product version to the next.
Often, with new product launches, by the time the labels are re-ordered, there have been changes made to the ingredients or nutritional information so if not done digitally, new printing plates would have to be purchased. Some industries, such as the wineries, neutraceutical product lines and cannabis are always going to have some changes so digital is the best solution.
Some files that the designers create come in with very small serif type knocked out of a full color, four color process image. These labels could not be printed flexographically because there can be some movement, color to color and it takes so little movement for the type to either fill in or just not be sharp. Digital, on the other hand, can produce high quality labels from these same files although we always recommend keeping the white, knocked out type large enough for someone to actually be able to read it.
Being able to get a print sample on the actual material you plan on having your labels made on is also a big benefit. You can cut this out and apply it to your product and know, pretty much what the finished product is going to look like, something we are normally not able to do with flexographic printing due to the costs for printing plates and much more time to set up and break down the printing press.
Common Applications for Digital Printing
Wine labels are one of the major product lines we produce digitally printed labels for. Bath and body labels, labels for essential oils, fancy, specialty foods and beverages, nutraceuticals, and other labels with variable information such as cannabis with various strains and products are only a few that benefit from Digitally printed labels.
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Creative Labels digital printing staff are some of the best in the field, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience from various backgrounds and with the extensive cross-training we do, they all better understand the meaning of TEAM and are able to achieve more for our customers, from concept to design to finished product, they can guide you through the process.
Since 1980 Creative Labels has always understood the value of listening to our customer’s needs, asking questions to fully understand each project, and with that information delivering the best, quality product suited for that particular purpose.
To learn more about our high-end digital printing options or discuss your project with an expert reach out to the team today. We’re on hand to answer any questions you may have.
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How can one choose the right label printing partner for their company?
Choosing the right label printing partner for your company is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your brand’s image and product appeal. To ensure that you make an informed choice, consider the following factors:
Experience and Expertise: Look for a label printing partner with a substantial amount of experience in the industry. A company that has been in business for several years has likely gained valuable knowledge and expertise that can contribute to the success of your label printing project. It is also beneficial to find a partner that specializes in digital label and graphic overlay printing, as they will be well-versed in the latest techniques and technologies.
Customization Options: Your label printing partner should offer a wide range of customization options to meet your unique requirements. Consider factors such as material choices (paper, polypropylene, vinyl, polycarbonate, polyester, and foil), finishes (matte, high gloss, semi-gloss), and printing techniques. A versatile partner will be able to adapt to different applications and provide custom labels that convey ownership, convey branding, and improve shelf appeal.
Quality and Durability: Ensure that the label printing partner you choose maintains high standards of quality and durability. Labels should be able to withstand various environmental conditions, including moisture, heat, and UV exposure. Ask for samples or examples of their previous work to assess the quality of their products.
Customer Support: A reliable label printing partner should have a dedicated team of experts who are readily available to assist you throughout the process. They should be responsive to your inquiries, provide guidance on material selection, and help with any challenges that may arise.
Reputation and Reviews: Do some research on the label printing company’s reputation in the industry. Look for customer reviews and testimonials to gauge their level of customer satisfaction. A reputable and trusted partner will have positive feedback from their clients.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right label printing partner for your company. Remember to reach out to potential partners and discuss your specific needs to ensure they are the right fit for your project.
What are the considerations for run size, ink usage, cost, and turnaround time in flexographic and digital label printing?
When deciding between flexographic label printing and digital printing, several factors should be considered, including run size, ink usage, cost, and turnaround time.
For run size, flexographic label printing is more advantageous for large runs with little variation. It is particularly well-suited for handling large-scale label printing projects efficiently. On the other hand, digital printing offers greater cost savings for short or medium runs with frequent copy changes. It is most effective and economical in these types of applications. Even for short runs without copy changes, digital printing still provides cost savings.
In terms of ink usage, flexographic label printing provides a broad range of ink solutions that can be customized for specific substrates. The ink trays used in flexographic printing are easily filled, eliminating the need for expensive cartridges. In contrast, digital printing does not offer as much flexibility when it comes to ink options.
Considering cost, flexographic label printing is generally more cost-effective for large runs, while digital printing provides significant cost savings for shorter runs. The cost advantage of digital printing is further enhanced when there are frequent copy changes involved. However, the overall project size should still be taken into account when choosing between the two methods.
Turnaround time is another important consideration. Digital printing typically has a faster turnaround time compared to flexographic label printing, especially for small-scale projects. Flexographic labels require additional time as the process involves creating a printing plate, filling the ink tank, and assembling the ink roll and plate cylinder. Therefore, if time is a crucial factor, digital printing may be the preferred option.
In summary, the choice between flexographic label printing and digital printing depends on various factors. For large runs with limited variation, flexographic printing offers the best value. On the other hand, digital printing is more cost-effective for short or medium runs that require frequent copy changes. Additionally, digital printing generally has a faster turnaround time for small-scale projects.