Have you ever wondered how production works in various packaging companies? The production department often goes unnoticed in many companies, although it’s the most important part of any business. The production department includes everyone who assembles products, from workers to machines that create both the artwork and the packaging.
Manufacturing a perfect box takes skill and attention as it’s a true art of work. Let’s explore how the manufacturing process works in the packaging industry!
How Do We Proceed With Your Order Processing?
While you’re likely acquainted with various business sectors like sales, marketing, and HR, the production department is where it all begins. In fact, without product creation, there’d be nothing to market or sell!
If you’re wondering how we proceed with your order processing, we will reveal our manufacturing process here. Check out how our packaging design and production teams collaborate seamlessly to transform your product ideas into reality!
Packaging Production Process
As a leading custom packaging company, we are fully responsible for producing containers/boxes to pack food, pharmaceuticals, and other products.
Below are some steps of our packaging manufacturing process:
- Producing Artwork
- CTP Plates
- Stock Selection
- Printing
- Lamination
- Die-Making
- Die-Cutting
- Binding
Let’s break it down!
Producing Artwork
The first step in the manufacturing process of custom boxes is producing artwork, also known as design.
The artwork must be created carefully to ensure a smooth transition to the packaging. Most importantly, our packaging experts will ensure accuracy and perfect fit by suggesting some necessary changes.
CTP Plates
Once you have finalized the artwork, the next step is to create CTP Plates, which will help with the printing process. In this process, the design or artwork is imaged on the plates. Then, it will be transferred to the packaging material through the printing process.
Stock Selection
The next step is to select the appropriate packaging stock that will determine the rest of your packaging procedure.
The selection of packaging material totally depends on what your requirements are. Of course, you should consider the product’s weight and any other options you want to add.
For instance, if you are looking to store lightweight products but still want to make an appealing impact, then cardboard is the ideal choice. Or else, if you want to provide an earthly texture to your packaging, kraft stock is the optimal material.
But if you are looking to store heavier products or want to ship fragile items, using corrugated cardboard boxes will be perfect.
Remember, packaging material stands as the cornerstone of any box. Hence, you need to decide the suitable material for your custom package.
Printing Process
The printing technique to manufacture custom boxes depends on your needs and requirements. Various printing techniques are accessible for incorporating artwork into your packaging, depending on the design you desire.
Here are the printing options available for you to choose from:
- Offset Printing
- Screen Printing
- Digital Printing
Lamination
Lamination comes following the initial packaging stages. This process enhances the durability, strength, and appearance of packaging materials.
There are primarily three types of lamination commonly used in packaging:
- Matte Lamination
- Gloss Lamination
- Soft-touch Lamination
Each type of lamination possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from the others. Again, the choice of lamination depends entirely on your requirements.
During lamination, the lamination sheet and packaging material are combined and then go through heated rollers. This process applies pressure to bond the materials. This results in a robust and resilient laminated material.
After lamination, additional finishing processes, such as embossing and debossing, may be applied.
Die-Making
Die-making involves the creation of a die, a crucial element in the box design process. A die line serves as a template or outline indicating where the packaging should be folded, cut, or scored.
Custom dielines are tailored and specific to each packaging design. These lines help to ensure the precise fitting of the product packaging. Moreover, the precise fitting helps to provide adequate protection during shipping and handling.
Die-Cutting
In packaging, die-cutting is employed to produce custom shapes and designs on materials like cardboard, paperboard, or corrugated board. Specialized tools called dies are used for this purpose.
The die-cutting process entails positioning a die onto the material, after which a cutting machine applies pressure to cut the desired design into the packaging material. The machine’s settings can be adjusted to control the depth and accuracy of the cut.
Binding
Binding marks the final stage of manufacturing, involving the assembly of boxes. At this point, the box is folded appropriately, and the process culminates with the application of glue.
Wrapping Up
No doubt, manufacturing a perfect box takes skill and attention as it’s a true art of work. By knowing the complete production process, you can rest assured that our packaging design and production teams collaborate seamlessly to transform your product ideas into reality!
