When it comes to packaging products, choosing the best printing method is paramount as it can make or break your brand’s image in customer’s eyes. It is best to never compromise on the quality of your cardboard packaging boxes as customers appreciate brands that take time to package and send their products. This meticulousness shows how much you care about your customer base and leads to brand loyalty that ultimately translates into a brand’s growth.
Printing methods and processes play a vital role in elevating your product's packaging and modern technology has made it easier for brands to choose the best one that suits their needs. Printing on the packaging boxes instantly transforms the blank canvas to a powerful marketing tool. Simply adding the brand logo or product information immediately enhances your brand’s recognition. So, which type of printing is best for custom cardboard packaging boxes? Let’s find out.
Top 3 Printing Methods For Cardboard Boxes
Crafting unique cardboard boxes can definitely showcase your brand’s product and give your customers a memorable unboxing experience. While there are several printing methods available in the market, let’s talk about three best ones that will enhance your brand’s presence.
Offset Printing
The first method we’ll talk about is the offset printing method otherwise known as offset lithography or litho lamination. This is an excellent and very cost-effective method if you want to give your cardboard package box a premium look and feel. It works best if you have high-quality images or want to create a unique design for your packages. Offset printing allows you to replicate the exact design of a package regardless of the software you used to design it.
- This process of printing goes through the following steps.
- The process of printing begins with creating a printing plate with the chosen image.
- The next step is attaching ink to the image area followed by transferring the ink onto a rubber blanket.
- The last step in this process is pressing the rubber blanket onto the surface of the cardboard box.
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of this process so you can make a well informed decision.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Best for crafting boxes with high-quality detailed images |
Costly initial set up and takes longer to setup as compared to digital printing |
|
A very cost-effective method and best for larger print runs |
Not very cost-efficient where less printing is needed |
|
Popular for its versatility and works well on various surfaces |
Not very quick in changing designs between printing runs |
|
Very reliable and consistent printing results |
Skilled operators are needed for optimal performance |
|
Crisp and detailed reproduction of colors |
Limited variable data printing capabilities |
Digital Printing
As per its name, digital printing is cost-effective, quick to set up, can be used to print on a variety of surfaces making it versatile and gives high-quality results. This is a simple two-step process and the steps involves are as follows:
- It begins with a digital image that is first sent to a printer.
- That image is translated into a series of electronic impulses which control the deposition of ink onto the printing surface.
Now let’s look into its pros and cons as well.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Less time taking as no plate setup is needed |
Higher cost for larger print runs |
|
Versatile in printing capability and cost-effective for shorter print runs |
Color range is limited as compared to offset printing |
|
Low setup costs making it suitable for on-demand printing jobs |
Limited compatibility for textured surfaces |
|
Wide array of customization options |
Slow output speed for larger quantities |
Screen Printing
The last of the three printing methods commonly used for cardboard packaging boxes is screen printing also called silk printing. This is the oldest method when it comes to printing cardboard boxes. This type of printing is best if you are using bold illustrations, graphics, or printing cardboard boxes with solid colors. This is the most cost-effective method for printing but only for smaller or medium sized printing runs.
- The process of screen printing includes the following steps.
- This one begins with preparation of a mesh screen that is tightly stretched over a frame.
- That frame is then coated with a light-sensitive emulsion.
- Next, a film positive of the design is placed on the screen which is exposed to light.
- The next step is washing and the screen is ready for printing.
- Lastly, ink is applied to the top of the screen which is spread evenly across the cardboard surface with the help of a squeegee.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of screen printing as well.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Best results with quality prints and vibrant colors |
Very time consuming if designs are complex |
|
A very versatile method and works well on various surfaces |
Not very detailed if fine text or intricate designs are required |
|
Prints are durable and long-lasting |
High setup costs and time taking |
|
Can print even on dark surfaces with specialty inks and finishes |
Offers limited color options compared to other methods |
|
Suitable for medium to small production runs |
Not as cost-effective large custom runs |
Why Join Hands With Custom Boxes Only?
If you are still unsure about how to make a cardboard packaging box that is best for your brand or don’t know which printing method will suit your needs, get in touch with Custom Boxes Only. Our experts are here to help you 24/7. We help our clients design the best cardboard packaging boxes that take their packaging game up a notch and help them bring in more customers. Are you ready to get started? Let’s go!
