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.
In flexographic printing, therefore, we position the artwork on the stencil so that it encroaches as little as possible on these folds. With flexographic printing on the reverse side, the print area is limited due to the bag’s gusseted base. We position designs on the reverse side of the bags above the folded base; see the previous article on flexo printing here.
Double-sided printing on laminated bags
Glossy laminated bags must be heat-sealed after printing, otherwise the print would be scraped off the slippery surface. The bags pass through a heat-sealing machine whilst folded. The rear side is exposed to a sufficient temperature for heat-sealing, but problems can arise at the folded base of the bag. The temperature may not always reach this area sufficiently, meaning the ink may not be fully heat-sealed. Although this is a rather rare occurrence, 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.
