Printing remains vital for mass communication as it conveys meaning in a wide variety of formats and applications. The following describes the various types of printing and their uses as a means to share important information, instructions, and promotional messages to consumers.

Silkscreen printing is highly versatile. In the process, a fine silk or polyester mesh is stretched tightly on a frame. A negative is created on the screen and ink is applied onto that screen. The screen is then pressed on the material being printed. Once the ink has been applied, the product is dried with ultra-violet lighting. Photosensitive screens are used in most applications, which utilize a light sensitive emulsion and exposure to UV light. Silkscreen printing can create images on t-shirts, banners, mouse pads, wood, plastic, paper, and more.

Flexographic printing uses flexible rubber or plastic printing plates with slightly raised images that are spun on a cylinder. The process transfers the image on the plates to the substrate material using a fast drying ink.

Flexographic printing can print on both absorbent and non-absorbent mediums, including foil, paper, plastic, or acetate film. It’s often used to print on packaging materials.

Digital printing is a multipurpose form of printing that makes use of several processes, printing styles, and ink choices. In digital printing, software is used to move data from an art file to the software then the printer. Digital printing is faster than traditional printing techniques.

Digital printing is used on paper, plastic labels, outdoor signs, banners, window decals, and more.

MetalPhoto printing uses light exposure to embed an image onto photosensitive anodized aluminum materials. When the image is embedded, it is sealed and finished. MetalPhoto is used in harsh environments or where durability is a high priority.

MetalPhoto is used for metal tags, labels, military UID barcodes, low-reflection labels on night-vision goggles, landscape architecture and environmental design installations, and more.

Converting and die cutting involve converting raw materials into finished goods that can be used in more efficient manners. This process can make use of a variety of dies, slitting machines, and materials. Laser die cutting uses a laser beam to cut the materials that you would usually cut utilizing a steel rule die.

Converting and die cutting is used to cut specialized gaskets, spacers, and other items that will be embossed or printed with company labels or to cut materials for use as labels.

Injection molding injects plastics into molds to create pre-labeled products. In injection molding, the label becomes a part of the product. Injection molded labels have greater wear resistance and often offer more decorating options as they can be created in any color, size, shape, or depth.

Injection molding is typically used for consumer electronics products, plastic bottles, and a variety of other plastic products.

Offset printing transfers inks from a plate to the substrate. This is one of the older methods of printing, but new technology has expanded its utility. Offset printing provides consistent image quality, low cost, quick and easy production of plates, and ease of ink control.

Offset printing is primarily used for brochures, labels, flyers, cartons, and more.

When choosing a printing method for product labels, consulting with specialists in printing and labeling can help you devise the ideal solution. Southern Coating & Nameplate, Inc. has 40 years of experience providing printing and labeling solutions. With a 50,000 sq. ft. facility and more than 50 employees, SCN has the skills, experience, and capacity to help product manufacturers and marketers create eye-catching and effective labels and marketing materials.

Visit the website at http://www.scninc.com/ Call at 800-430-4554