Glossary Category: Printing and Finishing Processes
A
- Bleed – Paper Processing Techniques
- Extend the background graphic elements by approximately 2–3 millimeters beyond the die’s theoretical cutting line. This safety margin compensates for the inevitable, millimeter-scale variations in machine operation during die-cutting, preventing unsightly, unprinted white edges from appearing along the edges of the finished box.
C
- Creasing – Paper Processing Techniques
- A non-cutting linear incision made by locally compressing the cardboard using rounded blades. This process flattens the paper fibers, creating a structural guide channel that facilitates the subsequent clean and precise folding of the box during assembly, preventing the outer paper liner from cracking or tearing.
F
- Flexography (flexo) – printing techniques
- A direct rotary printing method that uses flexible relief plates (photopolymer plates) to transfer fast-drying ink directly onto corrugated cardboard. It is the standard technology for shipping boxes and industrial cardboard boxes . It offers high production speeds and extremely low operating costs for medium and large runs, using eco-friendly water-based inks.
- Die-cutting – Paper Processing Techniques
- A process for cutting, perforating, and creasing cardboard performed under high pressure using a "die" (a wooden mold that houses shaped steel blades). It allows for the production of packaging with complex shapes, transparent windows, ventilation holes, carrying handles, and millimeter-precise interlocking elements for self-assembling boxes and displays.
G
- Embossing – Finishes and Decorative Effects
- A mechanical process that cold-forms cardboard using a die and a counter-die, creating three-dimensional embossed designs, patterns, or logos that are distinct to the touch and to the eye. It is widely used in high-end packaging (luxury goods, cosmetics, jewelry) to enhance the perceived value of the product.
P
- Pantone (spot colors) – printing techniques
- A standardized international color identification system. Unlike four-color process printing, each Pantone code corresponds to a specific premixed ink to ensure exact color consistency across different production runs and on various printed surfaces. It is essential for the precise and consistent reproduction of client brands’ logos and corporate colors.
- Lamination – Finishes and Decorations
- Application of an ultra-thin transparent plastic film (glossy, matte, or with a velvety Soft-Touch finish) to the printed cardboard using heat and pressure. This process protects the packaging from water, dirt, and moisture, and prevents the cardboard from tearing along the fold lines, giving it a luxurious feel and appearance.
Q
- Four-color process (CMYK) – printing techniques
- A color reproduction process based on a combination of four basic inks: Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), and Black (K). By overlaying halftone screens composed of microscopic dots in these four colors, it is possible to reproduce any color photographic image and a wide range of visual tones.
V
- Coating (acrylic, UV) – finishes and surface treatments
- A protective and decorative coating applied to the printed surface of the cardboard. The water-based acrylic varnish protects the print from abrasions, scratches, and dust during shipping. The UV varnish, cured using ultraviolet lamps, offers a highly distinctive finish (ultra-glossy or ultra-matte) and extremely high resistance to wear and abrasion.