Custom litho laminated boxes and flexo cartons are the most common form of packages used in printing as wells as packing industries. The processes used in manufacturing such boxes, flexography and lithography, are usually cost-effective, although lithography costs higher than flexography. The article will answer all your questions related to Custom litho laminated boxes and flexo cartons.
What are Litho Laminated Boxes?
These are specialized consumer packaging manufacturing using lithographic printing techniques. Seven to eight colours can be printed on the boxes, along with a gloss coating or an ultraviolet ray coating at one go. This feature increases the versatility for graphic designers. The sturdiness of the package protects it in high traffic and cumbersome package environments.
Flexo Cartons: What are these?
These cartons are manufactured using flexible plates. The boxes do not require much detailing of colour. These can be printed and cut in a single round on a number of materials such as craft paper, corrugated board and ivory papers. The flexographic finish provides an attractive text detailing or graphic surface appearance using a die cut and embossment.
Guide for Handling Litho-Laminated Boxes:
It is important to handle them properly to avoid any damage. Here are few steps related to the precautions to be taken while using them:
- Do not use Cheap, Dextrin Glue: Most manufacturers make the mistake of using dextrin glue which dries and crystallises, then putting pressure on the litho label and causing score crack. Resin glue can be a suitable alternative to this problem. It dries in a film- like manner and does not create pressure on the folded score paper. However, resin glues are quite expensive and have a corrosive effect on the rubber, thus increasing the maintenance cost for the laminators. In that case, hybrid glue having the advantage of both can be used.
- Avoid Bubbles in the Ink While Laminating: During litho-lamination ofcustom litho laminated boxes and flexo cartons, often bubbles form due to heavy coverage of dark ink such as blue or black. The “hygroexpansivity” causes the paper to rise off the panels of the boxes after the glue is applied. Such situations usually occur when there is a light ink coverage surrounding dark ink. To avoid this and achieve “rich blacks”, dark ink should be printed last on the boxes, on top of other ink coverage. It will prevent the exposure of fibre growth. One can use a quick-drying glue to prevent fibre expansion with minimum open time.
Tips to Manage Flexo Cartons:
- Choose a Box of the Adequate Size: The size of the custom litho laminated boxes and flexo cartons are very important as it will determine whether the contents will be delivered undamaged to the destination.
- Ensure that the Carton is properly sealed: Cartons get damaged mostly due to improper sealing. In multiple instances, the weight of the contents within the custom litho laminated boxes and flexo cartons have separated the seal, leading to the breakage of the carton. The problem can be solved best by using a water-activated tape that has been reinforced. Such tapes are embedded with fibreglass for making it strong and durable. While traditional plastic tape is susceptible to tampering, increasing the chances for forging, the water-activated tape is sealed along with the corrugated board, so if there is an unauthorised attempt to replace the contents before delivery, it will be clearly evident.
These tips will help you to handle custom litho laminated boxes and flexo cartons safely. The boxes should be printed keeping the designs in mind. Many companies provide both flexography and litho-lamination for manufacturing of cardboard boxes as per the requirements of the industry. Their high durability and top-notch quality make these boxes highly preferred for transportation of brittle or fragile goods.
