When You’re Hot, You’re HOT
Large-format inkjet is proving its mettle in packaging environments.
August 2007 by Jean-Marie Hershey
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Digital technology is rapidly changing the way consumer packages are conceptualized and proofed. Digital drop-on-demand (DOD) proofing using color-calibrated large-format inkjet devices (typically 24˝ to 44˝ in width and roll-fed) has made significant headway in packaging environments. This is because manufacturers continue to develop aqueous, solvent, and UV-based solutions capable of precise color accuracy and increased substrate flexibility at higher speeds and lower costs than ever before.
Are there limitations? Of course, and for higher-end, color-critical applications, a digital halftone proof may be preferable, but the quality gap is closing. Digital wide-format flatbed inkjet devices up to 100˝ in width are also finding a place in packaging environments for proofing, comping, package prototypes, sample runs, and the production of short-run point-of-purchase (POP) displays where the first copy is also the proof.
Digital large-format is said to be well suited for package proofing because of its high-quality output, flexibility, and relative affordability. Unlike their brethren in publication and commercial printing that focus on color and imposition, packaging printers aim to create a color-accurate mockup of the final product—a much more difficult challenge than anything in commercial printing.
In many cases, package printers and brand managers want to see the proof on the actual substrate that the final product will be printed on. Wide-format printers—especially those based on UV inks—offer the flexibility to output on a wide variety of substrates that can be folded, scored, wrapped, heat sealed, etc., and are therefore especially well suited for the production of comps. Some also have the ability to add opaque white to their assortment of proofing colors.
Better all the time
Widely installed in design houses, packaging converters, and trade shops, large-format digital inkjet proofing engines continue to improve in terms of both quality and productivity. According to Deborah Hutcheson, senior marketing manager, digital solutions for Agfa, “With proofing resolutions approaching 2880 x 2880 dpi, inkjet has now reached imagesetter/platesetter resolutions. In addition, the introduction of greyscale printheads in UV printers continues to expand the quality level even further. Finally, color management really has opened the door for wide-format inkjet, enabling users to produce high-quality color proofs that accurately predict what the final jobs will look like on press. No longer do users have to compromise on color.”
Finally, says Hutcheson, “I think the most interesting evolution of wide-format inkjet is the integration into the workflow. No longer does proofing stand alone in production. It is an integral part of the workflow and proofs using the same digital data that will make the final film or plate. Data integrity is guaranteed.”
Are there limitations? Of course, and for higher-end, color-critical applications, a digital halftone proof may be preferable, but the quality gap is closing. Digital wide-format flatbed inkjet devices up to 100˝ in width are also finding a place in packaging environments for proofing, comping, package prototypes, sample runs, and the production of short-run point-of-purchase (POP) displays where the first copy is also the proof.
Digital large-format is said to be well suited for package proofing because of its high-quality output, flexibility, and relative affordability. Unlike their brethren in publication and commercial printing that focus on color and imposition, packaging printers aim to create a color-accurate mockup of the final product—a much more difficult challenge than anything in commercial printing.
In many cases, package printers and brand managers want to see the proof on the actual substrate that the final product will be printed on. Wide-format printers—especially those based on UV inks—offer the flexibility to output on a wide variety of substrates that can be folded, scored, wrapped, heat sealed, etc., and are therefore especially well suited for the production of comps. Some also have the ability to add opaque white to their assortment of proofing colors.
Better all the time
Widely installed in design houses, packaging converters, and trade shops, large-format digital inkjet proofing engines continue to improve in terms of both quality and productivity. According to Deborah Hutcheson, senior marketing manager, digital solutions for Agfa, “With proofing resolutions approaching 2880 x 2880 dpi, inkjet has now reached imagesetter/platesetter resolutions. In addition, the introduction of greyscale printheads in UV printers continues to expand the quality level even further. Finally, color management really has opened the door for wide-format inkjet, enabling users to produce high-quality color proofs that accurately predict what the final jobs will look like on press. No longer do users have to compromise on color.”
Finally, says Hutcheson, “I think the most interesting evolution of wide-format inkjet is the integration into the workflow. No longer does proofing stand alone in production. It is an integral part of the workflow and proofs using the same digital data that will make the final film or plate. Data integrity is guaranteed.”
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