Tag Archives: Digital

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

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.