What’s the Combination

The use of combination printing/processing is not a rarity in package printing—not by a long shot. A printer that has the need could combine any of the printing processes, in addition to converting operations such as foil stamping and embossing.

The value provided by combination printing is that each printing process can bring its own specific attributes to the party, says Andy Colletta, president/CEO of Nilpeter USA. “Flexography and offset printing provide the lion’s share of the coverage on a signature, including the text and four-color images,” he explains. “Rotary screen is often used to provide an opaque background prior to printing, while gravure provides the opportunity for special effects such as high gloss and mirror or chrome-like copy, traditionally used in high-end products such as health and beauty. The digital printing process offers the ability to print variable information, such as numbering or bar codes.”