Pre-press and platemaking
We prioritize the quality and effectiveness of the finished package, which is why we handle the critical processes of prepress and platemaking in-house. We have the expertise and resources to take on any level of complexity in the transformation of your graphics from digital form to physical, vibrant packaging that perfectly matches your approved proofs.
Flexible Packaging Prepress: quick answer
Flexible packaging prepress should confirm dielines, bleed, trapping, color targets, barcode size, varnish, white ink, and print-method constraints before production.
TL;DR
- Prepress decisions affect print quality, barcode scanability, color repeatability, and production delays.
- Confirm dieline, bleed, trapping, white ink, varnish, barcode size, and proofing before cylinder or plate work.
- Match the artwork workflow to digital, flexo, or rotogravure printing before approving files.
Decision table
| Decision area | Why it matters | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Dieline and bleed | Prevents cut/trim issues | Panel size, seal area, folds, gussets |
| Color and proof | Controls brand match | Target, tolerance, proof type |
| Barcode | Protects retail readiness | Size, quiet zone, contrast, distortion |
| Print method | Changes setup | Digital, flexo, rotogravure, labels |
Related resources
Digital printing vs rotogravure packaging, Rotogravure printing guide, Packaging flexible guide, Flexible packaging films, Low MOQ packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is flexible packaging prepress?
It is the artwork and print-readiness process before flexible packaging production.
Why does prepress matter?
It prevents print defects, poor barcode scanning, color mismatch, and production delays.
When should prepress start?
Start before final artwork approval, especially if the project uses custom dielines, metallic layers, varnish, or rotogravure cylinders.
Platemaking
By investing in the latest plate technology, we are able to consistently deliver top-quality results that are characterized by bright, vibrant images, enhanced highlights and fade-to-zero effect, and impressive solid ink density. It enables us to offer you the highest level of repeatability, ensuring that you can count on us to consistently produce outstanding results.
To produce high-quality prints of your artwork on our HD flexo presses, we will follow this process:
- Optimize your graphics files for high-definition printing to ensure the best possible results.
- Set up your artwork for extended gamut printing to achieve a wider range of colors.
- Numerically define the process and spot color targets to accurately reproduce your desired colors.
- Conduct grid tests and pre-distort the graphics for stretch and shrink sleeves to ensure proper fit on the final product.
- Apply your graphics to the die line, a template that outlines the shape and dimensions of the final print.
- Create proofs for review and approval before moving on to the next step.
- Generate flexographic plates using our advanced HD plate imagers. These plates are used to transfer the ink onto the substrate during the printing process.
- Define the necessary print parameters to achieve consistent results on the production substrate.
- Take any additional steps necessary to guarantee the highest quality output.
Start your packaging production