Flexographic label printing is still the most common form of label printing today as it produces high quality labels and is ideal for long runs involving hundreds of thousands of labels. Labels are printed on a continuous roll at speeds of up to 7,000 metres per hour. The inks are water-based and dry quickly. Preparation costs are high with four printing plates required for four colour process label printing. The plates are soft and flexible and are laid on large cylinders which allow a rotary process. This is more than off-set by speed and quality. The label stock is fed through a number of inking stations. Flexographic label printing machines also provide the option for lamination, die-cutting and waste stripping.

Letterpress label printing technology also produces high quality but lacks the speed of flexographic label printers so it is more suitable for medium length runs. Plates are adhered to a flat surface but the label stock is still fed through continuously. Again, preparation costs are high as four printing plates are required for four colour process label printing. The label stock passes over the printing plate and goes back to its starting position to enable continuous printing.

Screen printing is another process that is used for highly durable labels such as vinyl labels. The disadvantage of this method [click to continue…]

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