Flexography or digital printing? A wrong decision can lead to extra costs, delays, or compromised quality. At Adhesivas Ibi, we have been advising various companies for over 40 years.
Therefore, we know that each project is unique and requires a specialized approach. Today, we’ll teach you which is more profitable: digital or flexo? We’ll also explain the differences between two of the most important technologies in the sector.
What each printing technology consists of
Understanding how each printing system works is key to choosing the one that best suits your labels.
Digital printing: speed and flexibility without plates
Digital printing is similar to office printing, but on a larger scale. The main advantage is that it doesn’t require plates. The image is sent directly from a digital file. It’s ideal for quickly producing thousands of labels with different designs.
Flexography: efficiency and power for high volumes
Flexography is a robust printing method that uses a series of flexible plates, one for each different color. Although it takes time to prepare, once completed, it is extremely fast and efficient for accurately producing large volumes of identical labels.
Technical comparison: digital vs flexography
Now that you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to compare these two technologies.
Optimal runs: When is each system most profitable?
Digital printing is ideal for short, medium, and varied runs, as its initial costs are minimal. Flexography, on the other hand, is the best option for large volumes.
Cost per label: the key factor in large productions
For small projects, digital printing offers a lower cost per label due to the absence of pre-printing fees. For large production runs, flexography is more economical, as the initial investment is amortized over thousands of labels.
Color quality and consistency
Both technologies offer print quality. Digital is ideal for gradients and fine details. Flexography excels at reproducing flat, solid colors and using inks such as metallics and fluorescents.
Personalization and variable data (QR codes, batches)
If your labels require customization (QR codes, numbering), digital printing is perfect, as it’s designed to handle changes. Flexography, on the other hand, uses fixed plates, making it difficult to change the data on each label.
Preparation and delivery times
Digital printing stands out for its fast setup times and rapid turnaround times. Flexography, on the other hand, requires more initial platemaking time, but its production speed is faster for large runs.
When to choose digital printing for your labels
Digital printing is the best alternative if your project has any of these characteristics:
For short runs and multiple designs
If you need small quantities of labels or have different designs to print in a single order.
Custom labels or variable data
When each label requires a unique QR code, a different batch number, or any other variable data.
Labels for product launches and market tests
Do you need to test new products or have limited marketing campaigns? Digital printing is your option, as it requires no initial investment.
When to choose flexography as a solution
It is the best choice you can make when you are in the following situations:
For large volumes of the same design
If your product requires millions of identical labels, flexography will offer you an unbeatable unit cost.
If you are looking for labels at the lowest cost per unit
The cost per label in flexography is lower than that of digital printing in mass production.
When your label production is planned and recurring
If demand for your labels is constant and predictable, investing in flexography ensures efficient and cost-effective supply.
Have questions about choosing your labels? Request a technical assessment from Adhesivas Ibi!
Choosing between flexography or digital printing will depend on your project. At Adhesivas Ibi, we’re printing specialists. We’ll guide you through this decision so your labels are not only functional but also reinforce your brand. Contact us for a technical assessment!
Frequently asked questions when choosing your labels
It’s a flexible polymer sheet with a raised design, similar to a stamp. It’s expensive due to its detailed manufacturing.
Yes. Flexography uses premixed Pantone inks, and digital reproduces Pantones using CMYK, achieving a very close approximation.
Flexography excels at special finishes such as relief, as these techniques integrate seamlessly.
It’s simpler and cheaper with digital printing: only the file is modified. Flexography involves making new plates for the affected parts, which involves additional costs and time.
For the food industry, which system offers the greatest sharpness for small text or ingredients?
