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It’s easy to take for granted that in any type of printing, ink will meet the substrate as it passes through the press and a printed product will come out on the other side. But, what often gets overlooked is the path the ink takes on its journey to and through the press and eventually, onto its intended surface. Ink systems, whether pumps, dispensers, tanks or formulations, are crucial elements that play a major role in print quality, efficiency, color accuracy and plant and product safety.

Embossing elements on labels and packages can — literally and figuratively — add a new dimension to a substrate. A raised surface, especially when combined with foil or varnish, does provide visual enhancements, but can also enhance the chances a consumer will touch the package, greatly increasing the likelihood of a purchase.

Though they are often overlooked in the flexographic and gravure printing processes, doctor blades are essential to high-quality print results. Experts in doctor blades and chambers shared their insights on how to care for and maintain these important tools in flexo and gravure printing.

Conventional and LED-UV curing each offer their own distinct advantages, giving converters a lot to explore when making a decision.

Technological advances have yielded drastic improvement in color matching precision, regardless of the substrate. This uptick in quality assurance, coupled with the better known benefits of printing POP displays directly on corrugated — most notably, significant cost-savings and greater speed to market — has helped Sutherland Packaging, turn many potential customers into actual ones.

The benefits of digital printing are becoming well-established in the industry. But, without the proper finishing processes in place for digitally produced output, converters may find that those digital advantages are being sacrificed.

With a high level of scrutiny placed on food safety regulations and compliance standards, package printers and brand owners are taking measures to ensure their food packaging is up to par.

By keeping static under control on press, converters can maintain print quality and safety during the packaging process.

Using inspection systems to analyze and understand data can improve efficiency and reduce waste.

Better ink transfer, tighter registration and a longer lifespan can be achieved through proper cleaning and maintenance of flexo plates.