Combination label printing refers to the combination of two or more than two types of printing methods or post-press processing technology combined into one label production line, and several printing and post-press processes are accomplished in a single pass on paper (or plastic film and other substrates) online.

Combination printing technology was first used in securities printing, such as banknotes, securities, lottery tickets and more, to increase the difficulty of imitation and improve the level of security. After 30 years of practice and development, combination printing technology is applied in label industry and is becoming more and more mature.

Combination label printing technology is currently being rapidly promoted within the global label printing market.

Commonly Used Combination Label Printing Technology

With the rapid development of offset, flexographic, letterpress, gravure and other label printing technologies, the combination of label printing methods are becoming more and more diverse.

Combination Label Printing Methods

At present, the common combination of label printing methods:

• Digital Printing & Gravure Printing
• Digital Printing & Flexo Printing
• Flexo Printing & Silkscreen Printing
• Flexo Printing & Gravure Printing
• Flexo Printing & Offset Printing
• Flexo Printing & Letterpress
• Letterpress & Silkscreen Printing

Combination of Label Printing Methods and Post-press Process

In addition, different printing methods are commonly combined with post-press process for BEST embellishment effects. Common operations has:

• Any one label printing technology and foil stamping (hot and cold), laminating, pressure concave-convex, die-cutting, creasing and other post-press process;
• Any two of label printing technologies and post-press processes;

Why Combination Label Printing Technology are Popular?

Combination label printing technology is popular because it allows for greater flexibility, efficiency, and quality in label production, meeting diverse needs and exceeding customer expectations.

Efficient and Stable Label Production

The diversified combination of label printing methods, in the final analysis, is the result of many years of exploration of the modular design of printing equipment suppliers. Modular design allows different equipment units to connect with each other to reduce many obstacles. For example, label printing speed by mechanical is a problem in the past and is not easy to solve. But now it is no longer a problem through the electronic servo control. In addition, the single machine failure rate in the past has been high, and now in-line compatible production is now available through equipment component upgrades.

Flexible and Cost-effective Label Production

Combination label printing utilizes the advantages of different printing technologies and selects the best combination of printing technologies for different needs. It can not only meet various label design and production needs, but also improve production efficiency and reduce production costs.

Enhanced Quality and Visualization

Combination printing technology revolutionizes the quality and visual effects of labels. For example, it is possible to combine personalized and rapid-format digital printing with high-precision and high-durability gravure printing to achieve accurate color reproduction, sharp details and long-lasting durability.

With flexibility to choose the most suitable combination of label printing technologies, we can meet various special requirements, such as hot stamping, silver stamping, 3D varnish, UV varnishing, embossed, debossed, glossy film, matte film and so on. Combination label printing can not only create more visually impactful labels, but also convey stronger brand values. If you are interested in knowing more visual effects by combination label printing, just contact us directly!

Combination Label Printing Revolution in China’s Printing Market

China’s printing equipment market is ushering in a technologically mature, functionally advanced combination of label printing equipment boom. A few equipment vendors launched modular, multi-functional combination of printing machines, support for a variety of printing methods and color configurations, equipped with intelligent register system.

In addition, more and more equipment vendors launched a growing combination of printing equipment, including supporting hardware (color groups and functional modules) and software can be increased and upgraded according to the user’s needs in the later stages, in order to reduce the label printing enterprises because of changes in the business brought about by the replacement of the equipment produced by the huge cost pressure, so that the label printing enterprises have more business scope of the race track, a multi-functional machine, more competitive.

Combination Label Printing Technology Applications

The combination label printing technology diversification has enriched label printing ideas, in line with the market requirements for exquisite label.

High-end Labels for Daily Chemicals and Bath Products

These labels are usually made by combining the technologies of letterpress, flexographic printing, screen printing, ink anti-counterfeiting, texture anti-counterfeiting and 2D code anti-counterfeiting and more, which not only enhances the aesthetics of the products, but also improves the anti-counterfeiting effect of the labels.

Anti-counterfeit Labels for Wine

High-end wine labels combine different printing methods with anti-counterfeiting technologies, such as letterpress, flexographic, screen printing, variable information, hot stamping, plate pattern, microfilm and more, which makes the wine labels have very good anti-counterfeiting effect.

Conclusion

Currently, combination label printing technology is still facing a number of problems, such as high cost of equipment, ink compatibility, poor level of operators, printing standardization and so on. But, the label printing market in the furture will move towards diversification of demand, high-grade products, exquisite, anti-counterfeiting. With the continuous improvement, combination label printing will be more competitive and will be the ideal choice for customers.