8 Types of Printing Methods Used by Web-to-print Industry
- Pratik Shah
- Jul 25, 2023
- 2 min read
In the modern online stores, personalized printed products have become increasingly popular, giving customers the freedom to create their own designs using web-to-print software. Once the designs are finalized, they are printed on various items such as t-shirts, mugs, mobile skin covers, business cards, and more. For those just starting with web-to-print, it’s essential to understand the different printing methods used in the industry.
Digital Printing: Digital printing reproduces digital images on physical surfaces like cloth, plastic, magnets, labels, and cardboard using industrial and desktop-sized printers. This method allows for a wide range of colors and is ideal for designs with a resolution of at least 300dpi for high-quality results.
Screen Printing: Screen printing uses various colored inks and is commonly used for printing posters, t-shirts, and promotional items. The process involves creating a stencil on a screen and pulling the ink through it using a squeegee.
Flexography Printing: Flexography printing is carried out using web presses on long rolls of paper. It utilizes water-based inks and rubber plates, allowing for faster production rates and efficient results on materials like plastic.
Litho Printing: Similar to digital printing, litho printing enables full-color prints on various physical surfaces, making it suitable for personalized promotional products requiring multiple printing runs.
Transfer Printing: Transfer printing is used when applying an image to curved or uneven surfaces like porcelain and cloth. High-resolution digital images with vectors and bitmaps are used for this method.
Engraving: Engraving is a costly and time-consuming printing method often used for exclusive items like royal invitation cards or high-ranking officials’ business cards. It creates a three-dimensional crisp image by engraving a design onto a metal plate and filling it with ink.
Embossing: Embossing creates an impression of the design on the product’s surface by applying pressure, leaving marks after releasing it. It comes in two types: blind embossing (same color as the product) and foil block (filled with metallic paints).
Embroider Printing: Embroider printing decorates fabric with stitched designs using a needle and a special printing machine for bulk production. Color references are provided to match the hues closest to the provided sample.
As the web-to-print industry continues to expand, online store owners have adopted various printing methods. It’s essential for ecommerce business owners to invest in a versatile printing solution that caters to different surfaces and ensures high-quality results for their personalized products. By choosing the right printing method, you can offer unique and attractive custom products to your customers.
Comentários