New Free Premium Guide About Label Printing

What Is Label Printing?

Label printing consists of the act of printing custom labels professionally or non-professionally through various methods. Depending on the look, feel, and purpose of the label the following printing methods are all options for achieving different results:

• Flexographic Printing
• Digital Printing
• Offset Printing
• Screen Printing
• Letterpress Printing
• Thermal Transfer Printing

What Is Flexographic Label Printing?

Flexo printing uses the rotary printing method, where printing plates are custom-made from rubber molds and then are attached to cylinders. Flexo printers press on the label media to achieve the desired image. Flexographic printing has been a major factor in the evolution of printing labels due to its speed and long run time. Flexo printing is capable of producing quality labels on virtually any label paper. Each CYMK color must be created on a custom plate, as well as the mold must be manufactured prior to the printing process. Due to this disadvantage, Flexographic printers tend to avoid quick runs or small jobs.

What Is Digital Label Printing?

Digital label printing involves taking your design digitally and printing it directly onto a selected label material on the press. Colors and images are produced in one step, unlike flexographic printing. Digital printing offers economical options for printing high-quality custom labels with crisp text and vibrant colors. Digital printing is less labor-intensive and reduces setup waste over flexographic printing, making it ideal for smaller orders. The digital printing method is ideal for labels using at least 4 colors. Digital labels address color consistency, image registration, and color vibrancy and offer a significant advantage in terms of their artwork flexibility. You need to ensure that your label is printed to assist in selling your product and communicating your brand. If your label is going to be used for branding then it is likely to be a good fit for digital printing.

What Is Offset Printing?

Offset printing uses plates, usually aluminum, which are used to transfer an image onto a rubber "blanket", before rolling the image onto the paper. The ink is not transferred directly to the paper in offset, hence the name. The process of offset printing is also known as offset lithography. Since offset presses operate so efficiently after setting up, offset printing is the most popular option when large quantities of labels are required. The result is accurate color reproduction and crisp, clean, professional looking printing.

What Is Screen Printing?

In screen printing, the ink is applied through a stencilled mesh screen to create a printed design. It is sometimes known as serigraphy or silk screen printing, but all of these names refer to the same basic method. Although paper and fabric are the most common materials used in screen printing, metal, wood, and plastic can also be used. This technique is highly popular because of many reasons, but the most compelling reason is the variety of colors that can be used.

What Is Letterpress Printing?

Letterpress printing is a form of relief printing where the text or image is placed on a raised surface, like a rubber stamp. On the raised surface, ink is applied and paper is pressed directly against it to transfer the text/image. Today, many people value letterpress printing for its ability to leave a tactile and visual impression on the paper. This practice is unique to contemporary letterpress printing, but it conveys an elegance and handcrafted quality that rivals any other printing method.

What Is Thermal Transfer Printing?

Thermal transfer printing takes place when the elements within the thermal print head produce heat that melts thermal transfer ribbon ink. It is caused by the melting process that the ink is transferred onto the substrate to produce the desired image. The ink in the ribbon is either wax, resin, or a wax-resin compound, which can be used for making the ribbon. Ribbon types should be selected based on the project, as they each produce different print quality.

Thermal transfer is a fast printing procedure that allows you to print variable data directly through dedicated software. The software connected to the printer transmits the data and printing information that ensure that each product is unique. Thermal transfer technology is widely used for label printing and is compatible with a wide variety of surfaces and media. The quality and durability of printed labels depend on the perfect match between ink ribbons and the label material used. However, the ribbons are intended to be used only once.

Who provides those printing methods?

WILUX PRINT offers the most competitive and quality labels regardless of whether they are printed or unprinted. With more than 40 years of experience, we are able to assist you with all of the printing methods listed above. Whether it is label content, price, expiration date, address, transport, hazard information, or textile care symbols - we guide our customers through the process.

We like having fun, but when it comes to printing, we mean business.

WILUX PRINT offers custom labels and stickers in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as affordable recycled paper alternatives. If cut-to-size labels or roll labels - We cover them both.

Custom labels will enhance your branding, attract customers, and maintain their loyalty.

Contact our team today to get your labels produced to the highest standards at a fair price. Have a question? Please let us know by emailing us at media@wilux.ch or by calling our direct line at +41 55 253 24 24.

We will help you choose the right surface stock material, label adhesive, inks, and coatings for your label application.

Get in touch with us!