Printing Methods
We use three different print methods to apply to your box:
Flexographic Printing
Flexographic Printing is the most common way to print your box (normally 1-3 colors) and is perfect for simple logos and artwork. This process requires print plates that are similar to rubber stamps that apply ink directly to the print areas.
Digital Printing
Digital Printing is commonly used for short runs and prototypes. Corrugated sheets are run through a large four-color process printer similar to your desktop printer. This is a slower process that could be more costly.
Litho Laminating
Litho Laminating is where a full colored, photo quality label is printed and then adhered to the corrugated board prior to making your box. This process is used when a high quality printing process is required.
Colors
GCMI ink is the standard in used in the corrugated industry. You can see the standard ik color chart here. A PMS color can be matched with this ink for a additional charge.
Not all color formats are the same. When creating artwork, it’s important to convert your colors to CMYK. Colors that are RGB (often the default) won’t match the colors used in the printing process period. By converting to CMYK, you’ll have a much better idea of how the final product will look like.
File Formats
We require a vectorized file. Your file needs to be “workable” as we often need to resize and split apart your graphics to fit centered to the panel it is printing on.
Additionally, images that are not vectorized will distort if they need to be blown up to size.
Make sure to outline all your fonts and save your artwork in either EPS, PDF or AI format.
Fonts
A font that is legible on your monitor may not be on your box. Try to keep your fonts larger than 9 point and avoid script fonts as much as possible to keep your text sharp and crisp. Cardboard tends to absorb ink and will distort smaller or more intricate fonts.
Die Lines
Once your sample is approved, we will send you the dieline. We ask that you or your graphic artist place your artwork on the dieline using a separate layer. Please add a 1/4” bleed to your cut lines. Additionally, if your job is being print with flexographic method, print should be ⅛” inch away from score lines.
