The production department often goes unnoticed in many companies, although it’s the most important part of any business. The production department includes everyone who assembles products, from workers to machines that create packaging to designing artwork used on packaging.
Ever wondered how production works in various packaging companies? Manufacturing a perfect box takes skill and attention, as it’s a true art of work.
Let’s explore how the manufacturing process works!
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While you’re likely acquainted with various business sectors like sales, marketing, and HR, the production department is where it all begins.
Without product creation, there’d be nothing to market or sell! Take a look at the production department of a packaging company. We’ll reveal the manufacturing process and demonstrate how our packaging design and production teams collaborate seamlessly to transform your product ideas into reality.
Packaging Production Process
As a packaging company, we are fully responsible for producing containers/boxes containing food, pharmaceuticals, and other products.
Below are some steps of the packaging manufacturing process:
- Producing Artwork
- CTP Plates
- Stock Selection
- Printing
- Lamination
- Die-making
- Die-cutting
- Binding
Producing Artwork
The first step that goes into the manufacturing process of custom boxes is the artwork, also known as design.
The artwork of the packaging must be created carefully to ensure a smooth transition to the box. Ensure accuracy and perfect fit by making all necessary changes.
CTP Plates
Once you have finalized the artwork, the next step that goes into manufacturing custom packaging is to create CTP Plates, which will help later with the printing process.
A design or artwork is imaged on the plates, and then it is transferred to the desired packaging material through the printing process.
Stock Selection
After the creation of CTP Plates, the next step is to select the appropriate packaging stock that will determine the rest of your packaging procedure.
The selection of packaging material depends on what your requirements are, how much the product weighs, and if they want to add any other options to it.
For instance, if you are looking to store products that weigh less but still want to make an appealing impact, then using cardboard is the ideal choice. Or if you want to provide an earthly texture to your packaging then using kraft paper is the optimal choice.
But if you are looking to store heavier items or want to ship fragile items, using corrugated cardboard boxes makes the perfect choice.
Given that packaging material stands as the cornerstone of any box, it merits a thorough inspection, especially when crafted for a custom package.
Printing Process
The printing technique that is used to manufacture custom boxes depends on the requirements of the customers.
Various printing techniques are accessible for incorporating artwork into your packaging, depending on the design you desire. Here are the printing options available for selection:
- Offset Printing
- Screen Printing
- Digital Printing
Lamination
Following the initial packaging stages comes “Lamination.” This process enhances the durability, strength, and appearance of packaging materials.
There are primarily three types of lamination commonly used in packaging:
- Matte Lamination
- Gloss Lamination
- Soft Touch Lamination
Each type of lamination possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from the others. The choice of lamination depends entirely on the client’s requirements.
During lamination, the lamination sheet and packaging material are combined and passed through heated rollers, applying pressure to bond the materials. This results in a robust and resilient laminated material.
After lamination, additional finishing processes, such as embossing and debossing, may be applied.
Die-making
Die-making involves the creation of a die, a crucial element in the box design process. A die line serves as a template or outline indicating where the box or package should be folded, cut, or scored.
Custom die lines are tailored and specific to each packaging design. They are crafted to ensure the precise fitting of the packaging to the product, offering adequate protection during shipping and handling.
Die-cutting
In packaging, die-cutting is employed to produce custom shapes and designs on materials like cardboard, paperboard, or corrugated board. Specialized tools called dies are used for this purpose.
The die-cutting process entails positioning a die onto the material, after which a cutting machine applies pressure to cut the desired design into the packaging material. The machine’s settings can be adjusted to control the depth and accuracy of the cut.
Binding
Binding marks the final stage of manufacturing, involving the assembly of boxes. At this point, the box is folded appropriately, and the process culminates with the application of glue.
