How Labels are Made

Labels have evolved significantly over time, from traditional methods to modern digital printing techniques. Here’s an overview of how labels are made, encompassing both historical practices and contemporary technologies like HP Indigo and Epson SurePress.

Traditional Label Making Methods

• Handcrafting and Letterpress:
• In the early days, labels were often handcrafted or printed using letterpress techniques. This involved setting type and images in reverse, applying ink, and pressing paper against this arrangement to create the label.
• The process was labor-intensive and time-consuming, with limited options for color and design complexity.
• Flexography:
• Flexography, a more advanced form of letterpress, uses flexible printing plates made of rubber or plastic. It’s suitable for printing on a variety of materials, including paper, plastic, and metallic films.
• Flexographic presses can print labels in large quantities and at high speeds, making them ideal for commercial production.

Modern Digital Printing Technologies

HP Indigo

• HP Indigo presses use electrophotography technology, where ink is electrically charged and transferred to the label material. This method allows for high-quality, detailed prints and is excellent for short to medium-run jobs.
• HP Indigo offers flexibility in terms of substrates and color options, including the use of white ink and metallic colors.

Epson SurePress

• The Epson SurePress is a series of inkjet-based label presses. Inkjet printing involves propelling droplets of ink onto the label material, a process that allows for high precision and vibrant color reproduction.
• SurePress printers are known for their efficient production of high-quality, customized labels, especially suitable for small to medium-sized label runs.

Older Generation Printing Methods

Offset Printing

• Offset printing involves transferring ink from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then to the printing surface. While not as flexible as digital methods for short runs, it’s highly efficient for large-volume label printing.
• It offers excellent quality and is cost-effective for high-quantity orders.

Screen Printing

• Screen printing is a technique where ink is pushed through a woven mesh stencil onto the label material. It’s particularly useful for labels requiring vibrant, opaque colors.
• This method is great for labels that need to withstand harsh conditions, as the ink layers are typically thicker and more durable.

Modern digital printing technologies like HP Indigo and Epson SurePress have revolutionized label making, offering unprecedented flexibility, efficiency, and quality. They allow for more intricate designs, rapid production, and cost-effectiveness, especially for smaller batches. The ability to quickly change designs without the need for new physical printing plates makes these technologies particularly appealing in today’s fast-paced market.