Industrial printing is the use of printing techniques to render an industrial item, which could be almost anything including soaps, shampoos, bottles, and cigarettes etc. However industrial printing is not limited to factory products, when you order letterheads, business cards, posters, flyers and other print media stuff in bulk quantity, it is also an application of industrial printing.

Types of Industrial Printing

Generally, industrial printing is divided into 4 types when it comes to print marketing, depending upon the type of customers they serve or print material they deal in. Keep in mind that different printed products use different printing techniques.

  • Packaging printing is mostly related to factory items like boxes bags, bottles, tags etc.
  • Publication printing, as indicated by name is related to newspapers books, magazines etc.
  • In-plants are localized form of printing which is only used for a specific company
  • Commercial printing is the most common form of industrial printing which serves both small and large customers and deals in a wide variety of printing services including stationery, brochures, and magazines. It has become a popular medium for both large and small scale businesses.

What is the difference between Online Printers and Print Shops?

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Actually, there is none. In fact, most of the prestigious online printing companies have evolved from print shops. People take services of both industries; however, comparatively print shops are more like cottage industry while online printers like are fast and convenient to access resulting in orders being delivered much faster.

How does Online Industrial Printers Work?

First you place your order to an online printing services provider over the internet. Your order is reviewed and moved down the pipe to company’s in-house production department, which carries out the printing you ordered.

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Advantage of Online Industrial Printers

The advantage of industrial printing through online services is that they cater to our convenience. We do not need to get in our cars to approach a printer, it’s all done from the comforts of our home, even our bed. They also employ many technological methods for graphic development that simply require a home computer and access to the internet. Physical shops often charge a separate fee for this service and it can take time depending on your needs. In addition, due to economies of scale, (bulk buying), they are able to offer more savings when we purchase printed items in bulk. 

Range of products offered by Online Industrial Printers

The range of printed products can range from few hundreds to thousands including stationary, Leaflets, Folded Leaflets, Letterheads, Postcards, Brochures, Catalogues, Event Tickets, Memo Pads, Desk Pads, Envelopes, Stickers, Calendars, Binders and so much more. Industrial printing services providers also have an exceptional command of large print orders like tarpaulins and rolling banners, board signs, flags, exhibition posters and other extra-large banners used in advertisements.

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Printing Techniques

Printing techniques depending upon the material (substrate) on which printing is to be done. Many printing techniques are used for industrial printing, some have the substrate in common, some have few printable materials while other can print on wider objects.

Offset lithography is used for printing on paper, cardboard, plastic and other flat materials, books, newspaper, stationery, packaging, etc.

Flexography or flexo in short is used to print on plastics, metals, cellophane etc.

Digital printing is a household printing method used by inkjet printers, which offer great flexibility.

Screen printing is used to print on broader range of things like t-shirts,  glass surfaces, wood etc

Rotogravure is also called Gravure, is a dedicated technique for newspapers,  magazines, packaging etc.

3D printing is a relatively new technique which renders 3-dimensional prints

Is Printing Still Alive in the Age of Technology?

Somethings never get old and print media is amongst them.  Whenever you visit a superstore or small grocer, every label or engraving you read is courtesy of some form of print. The age of technology hasn’t only replaced unnecessary processes, it has also refined the needed ones, like printing. It has helped to make printing of all sorts accessible and affordable to all. It has significantly increased the efficiency of print equipment, whether home or industrial applications and has improved the methods of transfer and processing of raw materials.

The advantages of technology in printing have led to greater energy conservation and it has also benefited from the significant recycling of print medium, paper, plastics, even glass in developing countries. Industrial printing is evolving and highly successful online printing companies like Vista Print, Moo or are an example. It is an ageless trade which will never lose its charm.


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