Comprehensive Overview of Printing Techniques

  • offset printing
    Offset Printing
    Process:Uses printing plates to transfer ink via a rubber blanket onto the substrate
    Key Attributes:
    Superior color accuracy (up to 200 LPI resolution)
    CMYK+Pantone spot color capability
    Typical speed: 10,000-15,000 sheets/hour
    Applications:
    Pre-printed metal sheets for three-piece cans
    High-end cosmetic packaging
    Pharmaceutical containers
  • Gravure Printing

    Gravure Printing

    Process: Uses engraved cylinders (150-400 LPI) with ink-filled cells.
    Material Compatibility:
    Aluminum coils (0.20-0.25mm)
    Tin-free steel (TFS)
    PET laminated metals
  • digital printing

    Digital Printing

    The imaging system is directly controlled by a computer to convert digital files into physical printed matter
    Emerging Technologies:
    UV inkjet systems (Xaar, Durst platforms)
    Toner-based electrophotography
    Hybrid digital/analog systems
    Capabilities:
    Resolution: 600-1200 dpi
    Color gamut: 90% Pantone coverage
    Minimum feature size: 50 microns
 

 Aerosol Can-Specific Printing Solutions

Three-Pieces Aerosol Tin Can Production

Click the link to get the product introduction of the 3-piece aerosol can

Manufacturing Flow:

Sheet printing (4-6 color process)

Varnish application (2-5μm coating)

Stoving (150-180°C for 8-12 minutes)

Bodymaking (DWI or DRD processes)

Quality Benchmarks:

Adhesion: Cross-hatch test (ASTM D3359)

Chemical resistance: MEK rubs (50+ cycles)

Sterilization: 121°C/30min steam treatment

Two-Pieces Aerosol Tin Can Production

Click the link to get the product introduction of the 2-piece aerosol can

Inline Printing Systems:

Dry offset (litho) presses (6-8 stations)

UV-LED curing (365-395nm wavelength)

Hot foil stamping integration

Performance Standards:

Line speed: 800-1,200 cans/minute

Registration accuracy: ±0.1mm

Ink cure: 95%+ polymerization in <0.5s

Aluminum Aerosol Tin Can Production

Click the link to get the product introduction of the aluminum aerosol can

Surface Treatments:

Corona discharge (48-52 dynes/cm)

Base coat application (3-5μm)

Overprint varnish options:

Matte (20-30 gloss units)

Gloss (70-80 gloss units)

Soft-touch (special effect)

Decoration Methods:

In-mold labeling (IML)

Shrink sleeve application

Direct-to-shape digital printing