In a world driven by the need to protect, preserve, and present products, the packaging manufacturing process is an artistic expression of accuracy and creativity.
From conception to creation, the process of manufacturing packaging blends aesthetics and technology, ensuring that your purchases not only arrive safely but also leave a memorable mark.
Interestingly, we are here with a guide covering all the manufacturing processes of the packaging. Make sure to read the full article for better understanding.
Process of the Packaging Manufacturing
Here are the steps in the manufacturing process followed by almost all the packaging companies given below:
- Producing Artwork
- Stock Selection
- CTP Plates
- Printing
- Lamination
- Add-ons
- Die-making
- Die-cutting
- Binding
Producing Artwork
One of the first and foremost steps in manufacturing custom boxes is selecting the artwork or design for the client. To ensure that the client’s vision translates smoothly into the manufactured box, the artwork must be carefully crafted. Additionally, for the highest level of customer satisfaction, we make all necessary adjustments to ensure accuracy and perfect fit.
Stock Selection
The second step in this process is selecting the packaging material or stock. Notably, materials used in making different types of boxes are called stock. In choosing stock, two factors must be taken into account: the weight of the product and what the client requests. We mainly go with cardboard or paperboard, Kraft paper, and Corrugated stock. One of the main reasons for giving priority to these materials is they are eco-friendly and can quickly decompose in the environment.
Moreover, you can also select the GSM (grams per square meter) for your preferred stock. For instance, usually 300 to 350 GSM is used, but if your products weigh more, we can increase the GSM of the stock as well. Additionally, stock selection is also determined by the client’s printing preference.
CTP Plates
After having done with the material selection, the next step is to develop some branding and packaging designs that will address and engage the audience. For that purpose, we use the printing method. It requires Computer technology to print top-notch artwork on the packaging.
Moreover, every color is depicted by an individual plate. Four different plates would be needed for a four-color job, which typically are CMYK, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key.
Printing
Depending on customer requirements and the printing method used, the printing process for custom boxes may vary. There are a variety of printing techniques available. Here are some printing options that you can choose from
- Offset Printing
- Screen Printing
Lamination
After completing the printing step, it is time to add lamination that will improve the durability and aesthetics of the printing and packaging material.
Lamination involves bringing the lamination sheet and packaging material together and passing them through heated rollers to attach them together. Additionally, it is totally dependent on the customer’s needs and wants.
Based on your needs and requirements, we can apply the following three types of process:
- Gloss Lamination
- Matte Lamination
- Soft Touch Lamination
Add-Ons
The add-ons we can apply to your boxes depend on your further choices and box styles. The purpose of these is to highlight the elegance and attractiveness of your packaging.
Listed below are the add-ons we offer to enhance the overall looks of your packaging.
- Foil Stamping
- Embossing / Debossing
- Spot UV
Die-making
After the lamination and add-ons step, the next thing is die-making. It is used to specify the folds, cuts, and scores in a box or package’s structure. As a result, following these die marks and cutouts, the box is shaped. Aside from that, there are various types of custom die lines, each of which is specific to a particular packaging design.
Die-Cutting
Our second last step in the manufacturing process is die-cutting. By using special tools known as dies, die-cutting can create desired shapes or artwork on paperboard, cardboard, or corrugated.
By placing a die on the packaging material and applying pressure, a die-cutting machine cuts the design into the material. Additionally, you can adjust the machine’s depth and precision to fit your needs.
Binding
The last step of this process includes the construction of the boxes, which is often called binding. During this step, boxes are folded and glued into their actual shape. Additionally, if you want your package unfolded, we will do that as well.
