Offset Printing
Offset printing is a method that uses a metal plate and rubber blanket to set ink upon a form of media. The ink is applied one color at a time where it sticks to specific areas. The printers are either sheet-fed or web-fed. Sheeted is commonly used for shorter run jobs because it is fed a single sheet at a time. Web fed on the other hand is fed by a roll which provides extremely fast production.
Digital Printing
Digital printing is a method of printing from a digital image directly onto media. The main difference between digital printing and the traditional printing method is that with no printing plates used the process is quicker and less expensive. Digital printing is done with inkjet or laser printers. Digital printing has a lower cost base per page than more traditional offset printing methods in short runs. Lower price is attained by avoiding the cost of printing plates. It also allows for on-demand printing, quick turnaround time, and even a modification of the image (variable data) on the fly.
Screen Printing
Silk screening (Screen Printing) is a technique where the printer uses woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil. The stencil has open areas of mesh that transfer ink through the covering. A roller moves across the stencil forcing the ink through the threads of the woven mesh that are not blocked. This method is also known as screen printing, silkscreen, serigraphy, and serigraph. This form of printing is commonly used on vinyl binders, eco-binders, poly binders, and boxes.
Foil Stamping
Foil stamping is the application of pigment or metallic foil, often gold or silver, to paper where a heated die is stamped onto the foil, making it adhere to the surface leaving the design of the die on the paper. It can be combined with embossing to create a more striking 3D image. Foil stamping machines, also known as hot foil stampers, use heat to transfer metallic foil to a solid surface.
Examples of items that are foil stamped include pencils, napkins, matchbooks, photographs, and books. The foil stamp is a permanent process. These machines are popular with wedding businesses, photography studios and other businesses that need to brand or mark products.
Print Coatings
LRBM Packaging offers multiple ways to enhance and protect the graphics applied to your custom box, binder, or blister card. With a print coating, you protect your graphics from exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and the everyday effects of repetitive use. Not only will a print coating protect your personalized packaging, but it also improves the visual appeal by adding a sleek, professional finish to your design. Each type of print coating is applied in its own unique way to enhance your custom packaging. All finishes are available in matte, dull, satin, or gloss.
Each print coating comes with its own pros and cons depending on the project. Be sure to discuss your options with our experienced packaging experts to choose the print coating that is best for your custom packaging.
Embossing Embossing is an artistic technique that creates a pattern on a material such as paper, metal, fabric, leather, or wood. The pattern can be raised or in relief, depending on how it is embossed. Embossing involves the creation of an impression by placing the dies in contact with the stock under high pressure. Embossing will give your packaging a unique look and texture. At LRBM we can customize your boxes, binders, or pads with custom embossing to increase the perceived quality of the end product.
Debossing Debossing is the reverse of embossing. An image such as a logo, a title, or other design is heat-pressed into the surface of the paper with a heated die, creating depressions rather than raised impressions as in embossing. There are different debossing techniques. A blind deboss is used with screen-printing or foil stamping. In screen processing, the art or design is first printed onto the material and then the outline of the print is debossed using a die exactly registered to the silkscreen print. In foil stamping, the foil is transferred to the material using a special die and then the same die is used to deboss the area.
