Packaging designers are continuously exploring new print finishing options to give their designs that little extra creative edge. Metallic embellishments and embossing always prove particularly popular when the holiday season is right around the corner, while intricate die-cut patterns make for alluring packaging designs all year round. In terms of print finishing technology, analog is slowly but surely moving over for digital finishing. Surprising? Not really.
Digital print finishing saves time
Having surpassed the speed of digital for many years, analog is now no longer the sole ruler of the finishing industry in terms of timesaving. Digital print finishing technology has caught up by reducing the amount of steps needed to set up a job, making it possible to combine all the stations so operators don’t need to go roll-to-roll. Next to decreasing the amount of man hours, digital finishing technology also produces less waste during setup.Creative packaging paradise
Next to logistic innovations, digital finishing technology also provides packaging designers with a whole new range of creative possibilities that cannot be achieved with analog. For instance, a Kongsberg digital cutting table is able to create digital Braille finishes using a special tool that interprets the language. Other examples of unique digital finishing effects possible these days include:- designs lasered into the substrate one layer at a time, creating a vintage look
- adding unique security features to individual packages
- adding names or special decorations for limited edition or personalized packaging