We print 2 cm from the edge
When placing the preview, it is necessary to maintain a distance from the edges and bottom of the bag, at least 2 cm.
From the top of the bag, a distance of approximately 7-9 cm must be maintained. This is due to handle adhesions, see photos below. Not all bags have handle adhesions, but for example bags with cotton handles finished with knots create bumps when printing on the bag, so the graphics need to be moved lower.
Positioning preview over bag fold
The bag fold is the place where it is bent for folding the bottom on the back side. With silkscreen, where the bag is unfolded and placed on the printing palette, this doesn't matter. However, it's different with flexography, where the bag is printed folded. The cylinders in flexography roll over the (bumps) fold of the bag, and it's precisely in these places where the print may be imperfect.
With flexography, we therefore position the graphics on the template so that they interfere with these folds as little as possible. With flexography on the back side, there is limited space for printing due to the folded bottom of the bag. We place motifs on the back sides for customers above the folded bottom of the bag, see previous article about flexography here.
Double-sided printing on laminated bags
Laminated glossy bags must be baked after printing, otherwise the print would scrape off the slippery surface. The bags pass through the baking machine folded. Sufficient temperature for baking still reaches the back side, but problems can occur in the area of the folded bottom of the bag. There, sufficient temperature may not always reach and the color may not be completely baked. Although this phenomenon is rather exceptional, we prefer to avoid this area.
Conclusion
We check the submitted artwork from customers in our template to ensure they follow these three basic rules. If necessary, we adjust them and send them for approval. We will send you the template for a specific bag upon request by email.
