Category Archives: Digital Printing

Digital Printing, Displays, Packaging

DIGITAL PRINTING – Opening a World of Customized Options in Packaging.

We all know that computer technology has affected just about everything we do.  It’s hard to think of any facet of society that hasn’t been changed by computers and its tethered partner, the internet. This is certainly true in printing, where offset printing is increasingly giving way to the flexibility and convenience of digital printing.

Digital printing fits today’s multichannel marketing approach 

Businesses today can no longer depend on face-to-face customer interaction with their in-store product(s). Computers and smart phones have opened multiple channels.  These channels allow consumers to view products and make buying decisions with just one quick look.  The packaging and displays have to tell a story fast.

Increasingly, the first contact a buyer has with a product is online. This virtual contact is often quick, so it’s critical the right content is used to package the product in an attractive, attention-grabbing way. A business should strategize about which elements they want to stand out in the product’s online packaging. As important as the packaging is to a product’s brick-and-mortar location, it’s  important that the online images similarly package the product in an attractive way.

Digital printing allows for personalized packaging.

By leveraging the data already available on its customers, a business can use digital printing to their advantage by personalizing their packaging. Perhaps the business could promote a loyalty program and offer coupons as inserts in their packaging within a geographical area. If the campaign isn’t working, digital printing offers the flexibility to make campaign changes easily and quickly.

Digital printing allows you to match the packaging to the location.

Digital printing can personalize the packaging to best-fit the location where the product is being sold. For example, if the product is sold in traditional grab-and-go locations such as convenience stores or mall kiosks, digital printing allows the flexibility to package the product using bold, attention-grabbing design.

More detailed information in the packaging can be printed for those locations such as department stores where leisure shoppers may appreciate a closer examination of the packaging.

In summary, digital printing allows a business the flexibility to customize one packaging for online presentation and another packaging for buyers examining the product face-to-face in a store. This form of printing also allows for aligning the packaging to a geographic location.

Midwest Graphics is a leader in the direct digital printing and design  services for the packaging industry. While digital printing is relatively new, we have over a century of experience in printing and graphics. From conception to production, the Midwest team can help bring your product packaging and displays to life with the flexibility and cost-savings you want.

 

 

 

Digital Printing

DIGITAL PRINTING – offering a low-cost alternative for attractive and flexible packaging design.

Packaging can play a critical role in establishing a product as a brand differentiator, resulting in something functional, attractive and memorable to the consumer. Such was the experience of Mr. Dog, a purveyor of quality products for dogs. They used digital printing to enhance their packaging and create a comprehensive brand experience in the crowded dog market.

 Mr. Dog wanted consumers to “experience” their brand through distinctive packaging.

The goal of Mr. Dog’s packaging was to give both in-store and online customers a brick-and-mortar experience through unique packaging design. As company founder Matthew Morris explained, “packaging became a primary component of communication – our silent salesmen.”

After developing a creative packaging design, Mr. Dog made a regretful decision. In an effort to save on printing costs, they decided to print a single, large run of packages. It was a mistake resulting in 3,000 unused boxes sitting in a warehouse while the business struggled to learn more about its market. The money tied up in the large print run meant less money available for other areas, such as new product research and development.

DIGITAL PRINTING provided the solution needed.

Mr. Dog realized their mistake and turned to digital printing technology for the solution. Instead of pre-purchasing large quantities of packaging to save money, the company began using digital printing for short runs and use the savings to invest in other key areas of product development. This simple change enabled the company to launch new products quicker since the print-production time was shortened.

The company is now using some 20 different made-to-fit packaging systems to accommodate the variety of products offered. There’s been a boost in customer loyalty with a higher percentage of repeat customers than new customers. There’s also been an increase in sales of 60-70% at the retail level.

Midwest Graphics is ready to handle your digital printing needs with no minimum quantities required.

You, too, can enjoy the advantages of using digital printing similar to those encountered by Mr. Dog. Regardless of the size or scope of your project, Midwest Graphics can help bring it to life. From one-off print jobs to lots in the hundreds or thousands, no job is too big or too small.

Whether you have an existing concept or no art at all, our team of designers and computer operators can handle your artistic and structural design requirements. Contact us to start saving on your printing costs today.

 

Digital Printing

Who doesn’t LOVE digital printing?

Its growth can be attributed to the many benefits it offers customers.

For those of us engaged in the business of printing, 1993 was a pivotal year. That was the year digital printing was launched.

Since its inception, this form of printing has rocketed in popularity and is expected to grow 17% compounded annually through 2020. This growth is largely because digital printing uniquely meets marketers demands for new, efficient ways to communicate with customers.

Benefits associated with digital printing

It’s a GREEN process –

Being “green” and environment-friendly is increasingly important to both companies and consumers. If you have to print, digital is much eco-friendlier than the conventional printing.

There are no pre-press stages between the digital document file and the final print, so there is no need for film plates or photo chemicals.

Speed –

In printing, there is often a rush to get the printing done on-time.

Digital offers quicker response time due to its minimal press setup. This is because traditional plates and film are redundant so the press make-ready process is eliminated. With fewer steps and people involved in the printing process, the printing can be done quicker.

Cost effective –

Companies are always looking to cut marketing costs.  Digital printing offers a budget-friendly printing option. Because of its flexibility, digital printing doesn’t have the quotas or minimum orders associated with conventional printing processes. This translates into the company being able to have only the exact amount printed that they need.

Short runs –

Many companies appreciated the ability to have short-to-medium runs of printing done. Once entered into a computer, digital data is easily stored and updated.  Future runs and any needed changes can be made prior to the next printing.  There is no need to bulk stock and no need to dump out of date stock.

Midwest Graphics understands your digital printing needs

At Midwest, we consider digital printing a way to deliver printing “the way you want it!”.  We have the best equipment, including Xerox, Adobe, Apple and more for any digital printing need.

With the ability to digitally print your design directly onto your chosen packaging substrate on-site, we can quickly and efficiently run any size print job you need.  Our designers are ready to help you with your next printing need.

Digital Printing

Star Wars’ “THE FORCE” and its application to the power of POP displays

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I recently visited my local Bed BATH AND BEYOND store. While shopping, I couldn’t help but notice the abundance of POP (point of purchase) displays in use.

And, why not?

Retail increasingly is becoming a place where merchandisers have to market creatively for the loyalty of consumers’ pocket books against online competitors. Those companies that adjust to this reality will look for ways to catch shoppers’ attention in the retail environment with effective point-of-purchase (POP) displays.

While consumers surf online for products, they still have a preference in seeing and feeling the product before any purchase is made.  Statistics show buyers overwhelmingly prefer making this tactile process part of their shopping experience before buying. You might say it’s “the force” driving any purchase.

In the Star Wars movie, A New Hope, Obi-Wan Kenobi described “the force” to Luke Skywalker this way: “The Force is what gives a Jedi his power.” Applying a similar analogy to POP displays, it’s their ability to catch the consumer’s attention and to allow an opportunity to feel and examine the product that is “the force” behind the display’s effectiveness.

At Midwest Graphics, we know a lot about how to make fantastic POP displays. We offer these tips:

  • Understand your audience’s preferences

Are your consumer young? Are they female or male? Demographics about your target audience are critical to choosing the right colors and fonts when designing POPs. Understanding your audience’s preferences is essential to attracting their attention.

  • Engage and appeal on an emotional level

All graphics and text on a POP should be humanized so shoppers can relate to the brand and understand the critical message of why they should buy your product.

  • It’s show-and-tell time

Any great POP will effectively demonstrate why the product is the right choice for the consumer; how it is solving a need, how it is the best choice the consumer can make. Displays using photos or interactive video screens are popular ways to express these thoughts.

  • Remember the tactile desire!

Make it easy for the buyer to touch and examine your product. And remember, POP’s offer the consumer the chance to grab-and-go.  Display POP’s at end of aisles, if possible, to allow the buyer to avoid having to search the aisles for your product.

  • Design for Durability 

Packaging and displays should be able to withstand lots of hands that will handle it. The best displays are made of durable materials to withstand this and the abuse of store staff members potentially bumping into it.

  • Install it correctly

The best POP display is only good if it’s installed correctly. Display management solutions need to be followed and tracked to ensure the displays are installed right.  Marketing dollars are wasted on POP displays that are not installed correctly or never make it to the sales floor.

Just as Obi-Wan Kenobi knows “the force” is what gives the Jedi his power, businesses know “the force” of POP displays lies in meeting a sensory experience their buyers desire.

At Midwest Graphics, we have years of experience designing attractive POP displays for companies. We can handle everything from prototypes and mock-ups to production, assembly, packing and drop-shipment. We welcome the opportunity to partner with you on your next POP display.

Digital Printing

Digital Printing – the BFF of any small business!

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Any small business needs to practice a strategic approach to the marketing of its products and services.  After all, the budget may be limited and business owners want to get the most bang for their buck.

But, advertising can be an expensive proposition!

Television and radio ad costs can eat up budget dollars quickly. Then, there’s also the nagging concern whether such ads will be effective in reaching the select audience you want to reach at the right place and time.

 Digital printing has emerged as one of the most effective mediums and can help improve the bottom line of any business. 

 Increasingly, small business owners are making digital printing their advertising medium of choice. You might say, it’s become their marketing budget’s BFF (best friend forever)!

“Why is digital printing such a popular choice for advertising,” you ask?

Three reasons stand out:

  1. Digital printing offers a cost-effective solution to squeeze the most out of marketing dollars

We’ve already said that television and radio advertising can cost a fortune.  And, the same is true for billboard advertising. Online advertising is only as effective as the number of people that it reaches (SEO) and takes time to build viewership.

Digital printing, on the other hand, is cost-effective and convenient. You can strategically print only the quantities you need. There isn’t the minimum order requirement often encountered when using the more expensive offset printing process.

At Midwest Graphics, we handle the digital printing needs for your business regardless of the size. From one print job to lots in the hundreds or thousands, no job is too big or too small.

  1. A plethora of choices exists in digital printing

With digital printing, print advertising means a variety of options far beyond just flyers and business cards.

Midwest Graphics can digitally print to multiple substrates (multiple paper types) onto brochures, packaging, letterheads, posters, banners, POP displays, etc.

 Digital printing is high-quality. At Midwest Graphics, our digital printers churn out high-end prints comparable in quality to lithographic printers.

  1. Digital printing is efficient

 You can thank computers for the efficiency available in digital printing!

Contrary to the tooling set-up time associated with traditional printing methods, digital printing is fast and efficient. You can call Midwest Graphics, order your high-quality prints and receive them within hours!

When time is of the essence, Midwest Graphics has the equipment, the quality control, and the expertise to deliver your product the way you want it.

 If you are a small business not currently using digital printing, give us a call. We’re sure it can easily become your marketing department’s BFF!

Digital Printing

UV coating – adding that touch of class to any printing!

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When it comes to packaging, the old adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” has real meaning! That’s because packaging provides the first impression any customer experiences when buying a product. Savvy companies recognize this fact and package their products using the most attractive printing possible in an effort to impress.

Cosmetic companies are the perfect example of an industry that realizes the importance of packaging. You’ll never see their expensive perfumes packaged in plain cardboard!

But, even the most mundane products benefit from the inherent advantages of vibrantly-printed packaging. One cost-effective way to achieve this is through the application of UV coating in the printing process.

What is UV Coating and what is it used for?

UV coating is applied to the paper surface and cured using ultraviolet radiation. Offline, its applied using silkscreen. Inline, UV varnish is applied as a liquid on press, and is usually used to highlight specific areas of a page such as the images, logo or slogan.

UV coating is versatile in its application and can be used for all types of paper products. However, it works best for thicker and heavier weights of paper. Finishes include gloss, matte, pearlescent, and orange peel.

Pros of UV coating

  • It’s striking and bold – it provides a visually-enhancing appeal and adds a perception of value to the packaging or product.
  • It provides a scruff resistant coating – it resists the abrasion commonly found in standard aqueous coating and varnishes.
  • Fast drying – printing lead time is reduced, leading to a more efficient process overall.

Cons of UV coating

  • Chemical Burning – depending on the PMS color used, UV coating can be susceptible to chemical burning.
  • Compromised Quality and Appearance – if the process of printing is not set-up properly, the output of the print may come out a bit defective.

Midwest Graphics can handle any UV coating job you might have!

Midwest Graphics has over a century of experience in the printing business. We offer UV coating on runs up to 60 inches wide. Call our in-house design team for help in designing a premium UV coated package guaranteed to make a noticeable first impression!

 

 

Digital Printing

The Advantages of Digital Printing

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Having been in business for almost 30 years, Midwest Graphics has seen the growth in popularity of digital printing. Before the advent of computers, the only printing done on a large scale was called offset printing. Still used extensively, offset printing involves a plate on which the material to be printed is engraved, which is transferred with ink onto a rubber blanket, then to the material on which it is printed.

Digital printing, on the other hand, skips the use of plates entirely, as the printing is done directly onto the material. While offset printing is known to produce higher quality than digital printing, it’s higher initial set-up costs require really large print runs for it to be the most cost-effective option.

That’s where digital printing comes in, and here are its advantages:

  • It’s a “greener” way to print

Since digital printing bypasses the need for the plates, chemicals and extra materials associated with offset printing, it is a more environmentally-friendly way to print.  You are printing directly onto the material.

  • It’s quick and efficient

Not having pre-press procedures or plates means the set-up time is less and you can get your printing done quicker

  • The costs and set-up fees can be less

Because there are no costs associated with creating plates, digital printing can save you money. As stated, this is especially true for small, multiple batch printing. However, with large print runs, offset printing is usually a better option for a lower overall cost per unit.

  • Customization is easy

Offset printing involves printing the plate’s content onto the printing material. As such, the content cannot be changed without changing the plates. Digital printing allows for customization of each print unit without too much hassle. For example, a name or word can be changed for each printing to personalize that piece.

  • Digital printing is accurate

Digital printing allows for easy “tweaking” of colors and their properties to get the exact tone desired.

Midwest Graphics uses the best equipment in the industry for digital printing. This includes three full 4×8 Flatbed printers, two digital control cut tables, roll lamination – both PSA and Thermal, Liquid UV Coating up to 60 inches wide. In short, our equipment allows us to handle nearly any type of project from start to finish.

Give us a call to discuss your next digital printing job.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Digital Printing

The four critical points to consider when designing your POP displays!

At Midwest Graphics, our in-house graphics design team is experienced in creating eye-catching display and point of purchase (POP) products. Working closely with the customer, we are committed to designing a display that is so attractive it instantly becomes a revenue machine, silently working to move product off the shelf and into the customer’s shopping cart as they head to the check out.

We know how effective a custom point-of-purchase display and signage can be in influencing buyer decisions and increase sales. That’s why we handle every step along the way.

From your first call to our design team, we’ll work quickly to create the perfect display you want, handling everything from prototypes and mock-ups to production, assembly, packing and drop-shipping the displays for you.

An article by Allegra Marketing highlighted four “musts” when considering the use of POP displays:  They are as follows:

  1. Location, location, location

Like any good Realtor knows, location is KING. End-of-aisle, floor stands, cardboard sidekick and power wing displays are effective in making the display stand out and get noticed.

  1. Creative design

Bright colors are needed to contrast against the surroundings. First impressions are everything, as consumers make 90% of their purchasing decisions based on visual appearance alone!

  1. Relevancy

Grab the consumer with a catchy offer, special event or holiday promotion. A relevant message makes the buyer feel the offer is personal and attractive.

  1. The message should be direct and to-the-point

Studies show any display only has .9 seconds to convince the consumer to look at it. The magnet drawing them in will be smart copy that is direct, clear and persuasive enough to create a quick understanding by the buyer.

At Midwest Graphics, we know how to make fantastic POP displays! With our ability to print in full four-color directly to your corrugated material, your next display will be sturdy, colorful and sure to stand out from the pack.

If you need help creating a plan for your custom point-of-purchase displays, give us a call to put our graphics design wizards to work for you!

 

 

 

Corrugated, Digital Printing

Cardboard versus Corrugated – there ARE distinct differences

At Midwest Graphics, we pride ourselves in being able to print directly to various substrates.  While corrugated is the most commonly requested substrate, many other options are available and used by our customers. This could include substrates like PVC, Transilwrap, Foam Corr, Tile, Magnetic, Mylar/Acetate and Acrylic among others.

While corrugated is the most popularly-used substrate, there is a tendency for people to confuse corrugated with cardboard.  Many people will use the two terms interchangeably, thinking they are referring to the same thing.  That’s simply not true.

So, what is the difference between corrugated and cardboard?

While it’s common for people to refer to corrugated and cardboard interchangeably as “paper packing material”, any professional in the packing industry will tell you there are distinct differences.

Cardboard typically refers to a thick paper stock or heavy paper-pulp This could apply to the material used to make greeting cards or playing cards, for example. It could also apply to the thin cardboard that is used to manufacture cereal boxes.

The secret to corrugated strength lies in its fluted center.

Corrugated is made up of three layers of paper that includes an inside liner, an outside liner, and fluting with a ruffled shape, which runs in between the two. This substantially increases the durability, alleviating the worry that your products will be damaged during shipping.

Some of the characteristics that makes corrugated so attractive as a packing medium include:

  • Durability
  • Lightweight with a high strength-to-weight ratio
  • Provides for greater product protection
  • Cost-effective
  • Environmentally friendly

Any manufacturer desires to minimize the risk of damage when shipping their product. Corrugated is always the right choice over cardboard when seeking to reduce the possibility of damage during shipping. Corrugated sheets formed into boxes are ideal because they are very strong and durable, and are easily recycled.

At Midwest Graphics, we can print onto corrugated flat substrate up to 1 3/8” thick. Give us a call for your next printing need.

 

 

Digital Printing

Options Determine the Cost of a Point Of Purchase Display

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Manufacturers know the value of a great Point of Purchase (POP) display. The savvy ones know it’s one of the best investments of their marketing dollars that they can make. These displays allow them to dramatically increase the impact of their product at the moment it counts most—at purchase time.

 

“But, what is the cost for a great POP,” you might ask?

The usage will affect the price.  Is the display temporary and used for only days or a few weeks? Or, is it meant to last for months?

Temporary Corrugate POP displays are the least expensive

The most common displays are made of corrugate.  Commonly found at grocery stores, they include free standing floor, shelf and counter displays. They are also popular at big box stores at the end of the aisles.

Digital printing capabilities keeps costs down.

With Midwest Graphics digital printers, large sheets of corrugate can be printed and cut without the need for printing plates and mechanical die cut plates. In addition, full color can be used to create exciting, eye-catching graphics.

But the biggest cost savings factors are that small quantities can be printed in a very short time.  Once the die line and artwork is approved, displays can be printed in as few as 7 business days.

Pricing is based on the square foot it takes to produce your display and pass through the press. So, size of the display ultimately determines price. Also, customized POP sizing uniquely designed to fit a product could affect pricing.

POP displays designed to last a year or longer cost more

As you might expect, long term displays need to be constructed out of material that can last. Usually they are made from plastics, acrylic and even metals. With these type of displays and the printing process needed for each, the cost will rise dramatically. These displays are considered permanent and meant to last up to 3 years.

If you are thinking about a POP display for your product, give us a call. Midwest Graphics has in-house designers ready to help you create you next POP display. Using our four-color printing directly onto your corrugated material, we guarantee it to be sturdy, colorful and sure to stand out from the pack.