This updated edition of Package Printing reflects changes in the packaging industry since the book first appeared in the early 1990s. These include expanded use of UV inks, especially in flexography, incorporation of holograms, digital proofing and digital workflow, nonimpact and digital printing, hybrid inks, and technological advances in proofing, coating, embossing, diecutting, metallization, and other processes involved in the production of printed packaging. The new edition also features an in-depth look at intelligent packaging and RFID labels, and expanded discussions of management issues and environmental concerns. Recommended.

From the Introduction: “...[This book] discusses technical trends in package printing around the world. The book presents the conventional methods of printing common packaging materials: corrugated, folding cartons, labels, flexible packaging, metal and glass. It points out the characteristics of each of the major printing processes and how these characteristics make the process suitable or unsuitable for each kind of packaging product. We discuss design and preparation of artwork for the press. We explain color and color printing and describe how printing equipment, printing inks, and coatings affect decisions about printing a package...”

Target Audience: Package printers, package buyers, graphics and design artists, materials suppliers, and students of packaging and printing.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Package Printing: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Packages, Packaging Materials, and How They Are Printed

The Printing Process

Design for Printing

Color and Color Printing

Prepress Operations

Plates and Other Image Carriers

Printing Presses and Auxiliary Equipment

Printing Inks

Coatings, Laminates, and Adhesives

Nonprint Decoration of Packages

Intelligent Packaging: Barcodes and RFID

Technical Challenges to Management

Choosing a Printer of Graphic Arts Service

Glossary

Index