Printing multiple colours simultaneously, is that possible?
In the vast majority of printing applications in the food industry, we see that information, such as best-before dates and barcodes, is printed in a single colour. Often, this is in black. The information is often printed on a pre-printed label or directly on the packaging. Do you have a printer that can print multiple colours? is a question that comes up regularly. Sales Engineer Remco Krosenbrink answers.
Why print multiple colours simultaneously
First, we ask Remco where the question comes from. “A pre-printed label often has the function, besides giving product information, of making the product more visually attractive with colours and images. When a printer can print in multiple colours, you can dispense with the pre-printed label,” Remco responds. "If no label is used, then multiple-colour printing offers the benefit of using neutral packaging in your production process and then adjusting the entire print to the product being packed each time."
Is there a printer that prints multiple colours simultaneously?
Why you would want to print multiple colours simultaneously is clear. So, is there a printer that can do that? “No,” replies Remco. “Within the range of industrial in-line printing solutions, there is no printer that prints multiple colours simultaneously. If you want to print multiple colours simultaneously, you must choose to pre-print labels separately from your production line.”
Another colour than black
Earlier, we read that information is mostly printed in black. So it is possible to print in a colour other than black? “Yes indeed, there are various colours of ink or ribbon available,” he explains. So when do you choose a different colour? “That is easiest to explain using a practical example. If you print information in black on dark-coloured packaging or transparent packaging with dark-coloured contents, the contrast is minimal. Apart from making it difficult for consumers to search for the information on the packaging, it also creates reading problems for checkout and automated control systems. Besides black, white is the most commonly used colour. We see other colours less often but they are available,” Remco explains.
Another reason for choosing a colour other than black may be that the manufacturer finds it more attractive or it fits better with the corporate identity, for example. As long as readability is not compromised, a colour other than black can be a good alternative from an aesthetic point of view.
Disadvantages of a different print colour
If you choose a colour other than black, it is good to consider the following:
- If printing is done using ribbons, colour ribbons are available in fewer different qualities. Black, for instance, is available in up to 30 different qualities, while other colours are sometimes only available in a choice of two;
- Because there is less demand for colours other than black, colour ribbons and inks are somewhat more expensive.
More information
Would you like to discuss with Remco or one of his colleagues the possibilities they can offer within your production process?
Then send an email to info@automator.nl or call +31 (0)10 415 64 00. Please fill in the contact form, and we will contact you within one working day.