We often receive questions from customers about printing plates – what they are, why there’s a charge for them, and when payment is required.
Printing plates are essential tools used to transfer images and text onto various surfaces. Whether you’re printing on bags, magazines, catalogs, or clothing, some form of printing plate or block is typically involved.
Since each plate is customized to the specific artwork it carries, it can only be used for that particular design. This means even minor changes to your design will require a new plate. However, the upside is that reusing the same design for future print runs allows you to avoid additional plate charges.
Why Printing Plates Come with a Cost
We list printing plates as a separate charge on our quotes because their cost is distinct from the price of the bags themselves. Typically, there’s a one-time fee for plates, regardless of the order quantity, especially for new customers or brand-new designs.
When comparing quotes, it’s important to check if plate costs are included. If they’re not mentioned, be sure to ask. This way, you can avoid unexpected expenses.
The cost of printing plates depends on your print specifications. For example, full-color prints require more expensive plates compared to a simple logo on a plain bag. The number of colors in your design also plays a role – more colors mean more plates are needed.
A key consideration is finalizing a design you’ll be happy to reuse for future orders. If it’s a one-time order, ordering in larger quantities can help justify the plate cost, ensuring you get the most value.
At The Printed Bag Shop, we store plates for our clients. This means when you reorder the same design, we’re ready to go without additional plate charges. Choosing us as your supplier and returning for repeat orders can save you money over time. However, note that plates can’t be reused if you switch between plastic/paper bags and fabric bags, as these require different printing methods and new plates – even if the artwork remains the same.
We also offer special perks for printing plates depending on the product. For instance, our printed mailing bags currently come with half-price plate charges. For laminated bags, there’s no separate plate fee, as the cost is included in the bag price.
In terms of durability, printing plates typically last around three years, though this depends on usage and storage conditions.
How Printing Plates Are Used in Different Methods
Offset Litho Printing
In offset litho printing, plates are usually made from thin aluminum sheets, though paper, plastic, or rubber plates may also be used. Aluminum plates, while more expensive, offer greater precision, higher image quality, and longer durability. The image is transferred to the plate using graphic film or directly from a computer. A varnish is applied to the image area to attract ink, while the rest of the plate is coated with a gum substance that repels ink.
The plates are wrapped around a cylinder and pressed against rollers that apply water and ink. The ink adheres only to the varnished areas, and the image is then transferred to the printing surface via a blanket cylinder. This method is ideal for flat surfaces.
Our laminated bags are printed using offset litho plates.
Screen Printing
Screen printing involves a mesh screen stretched over a frame, traditionally made from silk but now often synthetic polymers like nylon or stainless steel. A stencil is created by blocking off parts of the screen, leaving open areas for the ink to pass through. An emulsion is applied to the screen, and an exposure unit removes unnecessary emulsion, leaving a clean image. The screen is then placed on the substrate, and ink is spread using a floodbar.
Originally a manual process, screen printing can now be automated. It’s versatile and works well for printing on various materials, making it a popular choice for fabric bags.
All our fabric bags are produced using screen printing.
Flexo Printing
Flexo printing plates, often made from photopolymer or rubber, feature a raised image area. The plate is wrapped around a cylinder, and ink is transferred via an anilox roller. This method is highly flexible and can print on a wide range of materials, including corrugated cardboard, plastic bags, and labels.
Flexo printing is commonly used for packaging, plastic carrier bags, and disposable items. All our plastic and paper bags (except laminated ones) are printed using flexo plates.
If you’re considering custom-printed bags for your business, we’d love to assist you. Our team is here to help with design advice, plate costs, and selecting the best bag options for your needs. Feel free to reach out to us today!