Printing Process
- Post Printing
- Print and Converting (Spot Printing)
- Hot Stamping
- Process Printing
When we imprint our bags we use a number of different printing methods depending on a number of factors. Type of bag, quantity of bags, and number of colors to be printed are a few examples of determining factors. Here are some brief explanations of the different processes we use.
Post printing
This is a process in which we take bags that have already been manufactured (finished bag) and run each bag through an ink printing press 1 bag at a time. This is used with small quantities of paper and plastic bags. Inks are used on this process.
Usually 1 to 2 colors with this process. When printing 2 colors we will need a minimum of 3/8? between colors to allow for movement when printing the 2nd color.
Limitations
This is a process in which we take bags that have already been manufactured (finished bag) and run each bag through an ink printing press 1 bag at a time. This is used with small quantities of paper and plastic bags. Inks are used on this process.
Usually 1 to 2 colors with this process. When printing 2 colors we will need a minimum of 3/8? between colors to allow for movement when printing the 2nd color.
Limitations
- No light colors printed on dark bags
- No edge to edge printing
- No tight registration
- No heavy coverage or reverse outs
Print and converting
This is a process in which we begin with large rolls of paper or plastic. These rolls are run through printing presses where the material is printed with the specified colors and art. The printed material will then pass through bag machines which will fold, cut, and seal (convert) the material into a finished bag. This process is used when printing larger quantities of paper and plastic bags, starting around 3,000 bags. This is also known as Spot Printing.
Spot printing is when specific colors are chosen to be printed on the bags. Colors are picked from the PMS chart (Pantone Matching System). This is the universal color chart in the printing industry. If we do not have your specific PMS color in stock a PMS ink match charge may be applied to your order. Please ask your Affinity Bag Representative and they can assist you.
We can print up to 4 colors with this process.
Limitations
This is a process in which we begin with large rolls of paper or plastic. These rolls are run through printing presses where the material is printed with the specified colors and art. The printed material will then pass through bag machines which will fold, cut, and seal (convert) the material into a finished bag. This process is used when printing larger quantities of paper and plastic bags, starting around 3,000 bags. This is also known as Spot Printing.
Spot printing is when specific colors are chosen to be printed on the bags. Colors are picked from the PMS chart (Pantone Matching System). This is the universal color chart in the printing industry. If we do not have your specific PMS color in stock a PMS ink match charge may be applied to your order. Please ask your Affinity Bag Representative and they can assist you.
We can print up to 4 colors with this process.
Limitations
- No light colors printed on dark bags
Please ask your Affinity Bag Representative about your project and they can assist you with the limitations; if any.
Hot Stamping
This is a process in which we take bags that have already been manufactured (finished bag) and run each bag through a hot stamp machine 1 bag at a time. This is used with small quantities of paper and plastic bags. Foil is used in this process instead of ink.
Usually 1 to 2 colors can be stamped with this process. When printing 2 colors we will need a minimum of 3/8? between colors to allow for movement when printing the 2nd color.
Limitations
This is a process in which we take bags that have already been manufactured (finished bag) and run each bag through a hot stamp machine 1 bag at a time. This is used with small quantities of paper and plastic bags. Foil is used in this process instead of ink.
Usually 1 to 2 colors can be stamped with this process. When printing 2 colors we will need a minimum of 3/8? between colors to allow for movement when printing the 2nd color.
Limitations
- No edge to edge printing
- No tight registration
- No heavy coverage or reverse outs
 |
| A variety of kinds of colors to choose from. |
Process Printing
Process printing is used when the art is greater than 4 colors. The art is usually very intricate or complicated with multiple colors with gradations or screens. For example if we wanted to recreate a color photo on a bag we would have to print 4 color process. Process colors are CMYK, (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). With this process the colors are created when very small transparent dots of each of the above colors, in varying percentages, are laid on top of one another. The different percentages of the colors on top of each other create the different colors required in the artwork. Process printing is always done on large rolls of paper or plastic (print and convert). These rolls are run through printing presses where the material is printed with the specified colors and art. The printed material will then pass through bag machines which will fold, cut, and seal (converted) the material into a finished bag. Minimums for the above are 25,000 bags with the exception of laminated paper shoppers which are less. Please ask your Affinity Bag Representative for more info.
Limitations
Process printing is used when the art is greater than 4 colors. The art is usually very intricate or complicated with multiple colors with gradations or screens. For example if we wanted to recreate a color photo on a bag we would have to print 4 color process. Process colors are CMYK, (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). With this process the colors are created when very small transparent dots of each of the above colors, in varying percentages, are laid on top of one another. The different percentages of the colors on top of each other create the different colors required in the artwork. Process printing is always done on large rolls of paper or plastic (print and convert). These rolls are run through printing presses where the material is printed with the specified colors and art. The printed material will then pass through bag machines which will fold, cut, and seal (converted) the material into a finished bag. Minimums for the above are 25,000 bags with the exception of laminated paper shoppers which are less. Please ask your Affinity Bag Representative for more info.
Limitations
- No light colors printed on dark bags
Please ask your Affinity Bag Representative about your project and they can assist you with the limitations; if any.
