What is the difference between digital printing and screen printing when it comes to printing on bags?

Digital printing is faster and more flexible; it can handle multi-colour designs and photographs from as few as 100 items, with express delivery within a matter of days. Screen printing offers the highest quality of sharp printing, with the option of special colours such as gold or silver, but requires longer set-up time and is more suitable for runs of up to 1,000 items.

Which printing method should be chosen for large runs of bags exceeding 10,000 pieces?

For large runs of between 1,000 and 30,000 items, flexographic printing is the best option, as it is the most cost-effective for simple designs such as single-colour logos or lettering. Digital printing is not cost-effective for such large volumes.

Can photographs be printed onto cotton bags using digital printing?

Yes, digital printing can handle photographs and complex designs without the need for vector data. For cotton bags, we also offer revolutionary DTF technology, which provides fantastic elasticity in the print with high durability and is ideal for printing photographs, even on dark-coloured bags.

What are the options for express bag printing?

Digital printing is the fastest option, with express printing available within a matter of days, making it suitable for urgent projects. Screen printing allows for fast delivery from as little as 1 t days. Both technologies are significantly faster than flexographic printing, which requires a longer production time.

Which technology should be used for high-end printing with glossy elements?

For exclusive and luxurious printing, we recommend hot foil stamping, which allows for the application of gold, silver and other high-gloss colours. Alternatively, screen printing offers the option of printing in gold and silver for a high-quality, crisp result.

Do I need a special format for the print data for digital printing?

No, digital printing is the only one of our technologies that does not require print data in vector format. It can handle standard bitmap images and photographs, which significantly simplifies the preparation process and enables projects to be completed more quickly.

A comparison of digital printing with traditional methods: Which to choose?

Digital printing – fast printing of multi-colour designs

Digital printing is a modern technology that guarantees fast and flexible printing on both paper and cotton bags. It is characterised by the fact that it can print with virtually no restrictions on the input print data. This means it is capable of printing photographs and other complex designs without the need for vector curves.

It offers a number of advantages that could be key to

your needs:- From 100 pieces to a few thousand: Digital printing is suitable for various projects, whether small batches of bags or medium-sized volumes

.- Express printing available within days: Digital printing is fast and allows for express printing of bags within a short timeframe, which is ideal for urgent projects

.- Full-colour printing in CMYK: This technology supports full-colour printing in the standard CMYK format, ensuring high quality and vibrant colours on your bags

.- Multi-colour printing, as well as single-colour printing: Digital printing is flexible; it allows for multi-colour printing, but single-colour printing can also be used, which may be cost-effective for certain projects

.- No need for print data in vector/curve format: Unlike some other printing methods, it is not necessary to have print data in vector format. Digital printing can also handle standard bitmap images

.- Larger area of the front of the bag can be printed: Digital printing allows a larger area of the front of the bag to be printed, giving designers plenty of scope for creativity

.- Narrow print margins on the sides and bottom edge of the bag: Digital printing can produce prints with narrow margins on the sides and bottom edge of the bag, ensuring a clean and precise finish.

When should you choose a different printing method?

Although digital printing offers many advantages, it is not suitable for all situations. Let’s look at some specific cases where you should consider a different printing method

:- Not suitable for printing large quantities of bags: If you need large runs of bags, say in the tens of thousands, digital printing may be cost-inefficient

.- Printing on the reverse side is limited to a size corresponding to the depth of the bag: Digital printing allows for printing on the back of the bag, but with a height restriction that depends on the bag’s depth

.- It cannot produce prints on paper bags as sharp as screen printing: If you are looking for extremely sharp printing on paper bags, screen printing may be a better option.

Screen printing – the highest quality in sharp printing

Screen printing has traditionally been one of the most widely used methods for printing on paper and cotton bags. This technology offers a wide range of options and benefits that could be crucial for your project.

Advantages of screen printing

:- High-quality, sharp printing on all bags: Screen printing is suitable for printing on various types of bags, including kraft bags, luxury laminated bags, narrow wine bags and fabric bags, including cotton rucksacks

.- Fast delivery from as little as 1 t weeks: Screen printing enables fast delivery of printed bags, which is ideal for projects with tight deadlines

.- Printing with 1 to 8 spot colours, including gold and silver, and full-colour CMYK: This technology supports a wide range of colours and allows printing in more than one colour

.- Seamless printing even on laminated bags, coloured bags, cotton bags and wine bags: Screen printing is suitable for various types of bags, which increases its versatility

.- Printing is possible on both the front and back: This technology allows both the front and back of the bag to be printed, providing more space for the design.

Disadvantages of screen printing

:- Limited print area: A margin of 2 cm must be maintained from the edges and the bottom of the bag, and 8-9 cm from the top: Screen printing has a limited print area and requires certain margins from the edges of the bag

.- Slower printing: Screen printing is suitable for printing up to 1,000 bags, or up to 500 for luxury bags. Screen printing is not as efficient for printing large runs of bags

.- Cannot print halftone graphics (colour photographs): There are other printing methods available for printing raster graphics

, such as colour photographs.- Pre-press: Screen printing requires preparation for each colour, which involves creating a printing screen and other steps. This can increase costs and the time needed for preparation.

Flexo printing – cost-effective printing on paper bags

Flexo printing can be used for orders ranging from 1,000 to 30,000 pieces. It is the ideal choice if you need large quantities of bags with simple designs, such as single-colour logos or text. Flexo printing offers excellent value for money, particularly for large volumes. This technique uses a flexible printing plate which is rolled over the bags to transfer the design onto the surface. Although it does not offer the same flexibility as digital printing, it excels in speed and low costs for large runs. If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution for simple prints, you’ll be satisfied with flexo printing.

Hot foil stamping – striking lettering and logos

Hot foil stamping is a technology that adds a touch of exclusivity and luxury to prints. This method allows you to create prints with a glossy finish that catches the eye. Customers looking for a distinctive and exclusive look for their bags should consider hot foil stamping. This technology allows for the application of gold, silver and other high-gloss colours. It is ideal for luxury bags designed to convey an exclusive experience. Hot foil stamping is applied to high-quality material and gives the bags a radiant finish.

Revolutionary DTF transfer printing on cotton bags

In 2023, we installed a new, revolutionary printing technology – DTF (digital transfer) – for printing on cotton bags, to complement our DTG (direct-to-garment) technology. The advantage is the fantastic elasticity of the print, which is pleasant to the touch and highly durable.

What is DTF technology?

DTF technology is a new printing method in which a special film (PET film) is printed on a printer; the print is then dusted with powdered adhesive, which is melted using heat, thereby creating an ‘iron-on transfer’ ready to be applied to a cotton bag.

full-colour digital printing with eco-friendly ink-

colour accuracy, vibrancy and durability-

smooth and flexible print with a long

lifespan- printing on both dark and light-coloured bags-

ideal for printing photographs, colourful patterns, graphics and fine art-

low production costs

DTF printing — *DTP preparation for DTG and DTF digital printing*

DTF transfer film — *Digital inkjet printing onto a special PET film, followed by overprinting of the design with white ink, which then serves as a base for applying powdered adhesive.*

DTF bag printing — *Finally, we heat it in the press. Once it has cooled down, we remove the cling film and it’s ready.*

How to choose the right technology?

When choosing between these printing technologies, it is important to consider several factors. The first factor is the number of bags you need. For large runs, flexographic printing may be a suitable option. Screen printing is suitable for smaller runs of up to 1,000 bags. You should also take into account the number of colours in the print design. Flexo printing does not allow for close colour registration and is suitable for single-sided printing with a maximum of two colours.

With digital printing – the only printing technology we offer – there is no need to supply print data in vector format (curves). This technology can print raster graphics, which may even include photographs. Printing using this technology is fast and affordable.

Last but not least, choices should be made with the customer’s specific needs and objectives in mind. Each technology has its place and advantages, and the decision should be based on what is most suitable for the specific project.

Not sure which printing method is right for you? Let us help you choose the best solution for your needs. Contact us and we’ll be happy to advise you and draw up a personalised quote for printing your bags.

Are you interested in custom-printed paper or fabric bags?

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