Printing technology is developing rapidly. Digital processes are conquering areas long reserved for offset printing. Finishing is going digital, and packaging is becoming an interface to the digital world. Which technologies are shaping the future of printing, and what do they mean for companies? An overview.
Modern digital presses are becoming faster, larger and more versatile. Powerful inkjet systems now print folding carton board and corrugated board at industrial speeds. This makes medium runs economical digitally too. More in our article Digital printing for small and medium runs.
Hybrid systems combine conventional and digital technology in one line. A base design is printed by offset or flexo, for example, and variable elements or personalisation are added digitally. This combines the economics of large runs with the flexibility of digital printing.
Spot varnish, raised varnish and even foil effects can now be applied digitally, without screens or embossing tools. This makes premium finishes possible even for small runs and personalised products. More about finishing in our article Special surface finishes.
Every pack can carry a different design, a different name or an individual code. Limited editions with numbered packaging, regional variants or personalised gift packaging are possible. Algorithms can even generate thousands of unique designs from one base pattern.
Conductive inks make printed antennas, sensors or simple circuits possible. In the future, packaging could show temperature or freshness, for example. Most of these technologies are still in development or used in niche applications.
LED-UV systems cure inks and varnishes with considerably less energy and heat than conventional UV lamps. This saves costs and makes printing on heat-sensitive materials possible. More in our article Sustainability in the printing industry.
Connected workflows link online ordering, prepress, production and logistics. Automatic data checks, intelligent sheet layout and inline quality control speed up processes and reduce errors. AI-based tools increasingly support data checking, colour control and planning.
Read how printing technology and the packaging industry are growing together in our article The future of the packaging industry. For an overview of today’s processes, see our article The most important printing processes at a glance.
We print in our own production with offset, digital, screen and UV printing and will advise you on which technology suits your project. You will receive a binding quote within 24 hours.
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