Why is inkjet making inroads in flexible packaging?

You must be seeing a number of packets of items in a supermarket and reading labels and instructions on it are vital, before buying. The printed labels tell a story… reading material done with flexographic inks which are used to make the content eligible to read and item to be consumed. How does this happen? Through the process of inkjet flexible packaging is in demand. However, if the contents cannot be read properly, it is a shoddy job done. 

As reputed PVC Label Inks Manufacturers, India, Z-inks follows the best industry standards to get repeat orders from its wide network of customers. We explain why we are the best for this job for many decades.

Set up and factors to consider before printing

Flexible packaging is a process by which ink printing is done on paper, aluminum foils, coated paper or a film. The process is also done on a combination of these surfaces and materials. In a few sectors like the food & processing industry it is important to have proper printing of expiry dates, codes, labels and instructions. Each consumer needs to know if the edible item is safe to eat after it is purchased. That is why the right inking process is of significance. Before the actual operations of the printer and ink type the considerations required for checking are:

1. Characteristics of the production line-different substrates and packaging according to which the inkjet will be used.
2. Choice of codes required for printing. They are used to inform the customer about the manufacture, best by dates and also lot codes.
3. All QR codes need a scannability option. This means the hardware or equipment used should give high resolution results for better reading of labels.
4. When scanning is not needed then a continuous inkjet printer is used.
5. A thermal inkjet works well for scanning of QR codes or any other barcodes.

Most of the flexible packaging is done through Flexographic presses. In some cases, Gravure is also pressed into action. If the volumes are small, then electrophotogrpahic prints are better. Flexible Packaging Inks, are used for clarity instead of using UV Flexo inks as they compromise the food safety due to penetration.

Huge market of flexible packaging

As the market increases for flexible packaging sector, the print technology also has been stepped up. It is extremely essential for laminating and pouch making too. All inkjet solutions provided by us give low to medium solutions. How does it impact the overall equipment and machinery usage in the production line? Everyone looks for a higher output and fast moving chains for optimal functionality. The continuous inkjet printers rate is about 300m/per minute (980 f per minute). TIJ printing gives an output of 100m/minute or 330 f/minute. The CIJ printers contain a larger separation of the product for encoding.

The right inks are chosen once the material category is chosen. As experts we can guide you to use Water Base Inks or Plastic Printing Inks. The only limitations could be due to the method of printing.

Z-inks uses the best Flexible Packaging Inks for its customers. Our hardware and machinery is the latest in the industry to yield impactful results. Let us know how we can assist your operational and production values.