Why Do Small-Sized Packaging Bags Have Higher Plate Costs Than Larger Bags?
When purchasing packaging materials, many businesses may notice that small-sized bags sometimes come with higher plate costs than their larger counterparts. This price difference can be perplexing, especially when the materials seem similar. However, several factors contribute to why smaller packaging sizes often cost more in terms of plate costs. At Kexin Packaging, we specialize in producing a full range of laminated packaging bags, offering both small and large-size options, while utilizing advanced digital printing technology for superior quality.
Let’s break down why small-sized packaging bags might incur higher plate costs and how Kexin Packaging ensures the best results in both cost-effectiveness and quality.
1. Plate Setup and Printing Process
In the world of flexographic printing, the plate setup cost refers to the creation of printing plates used to transfer designs onto packaging materials. These plates are an essential part of the printing process, and the costs associated with them can vary depending on the size and design of the packaging.
For small-sized bags, the plate setup can often be more expensive per unit than for larger bags due to the following reasons:
- Higher Precision Requirements: Smaller bags require more detailed designs, which often involve smaller print areas and finer elements. The plates used for smaller bags must be precisely crafted to handle intricate graphics, leading to higher setup costs.
- Shorter Runs: Small-sized bags are often produced in smaller quantities, which means that the production runs are not as long as for larger bags. Short runs increase the per-unit plate cost because the setup and calibration are done less frequently.
At Kexin Packaging, we use advanced digital printing techniques that allow us to offer high-quality custom prints, reducing the setup time and costs. This technology helps us manage short runs more efficiently, even for small-sized bags.
2. Customization and Artwork Complexity
Small-sized packaging bags often require more customization in terms of design and artwork, which leads to higher plate costs. Small bags are typically more visually focused and require more vibrant colors and detailed designs to make the brand stand out on the shelf.
- Customization: When you opt for a custom design on a smaller bag, the artwork tends to be more complex and detailed, requiring more sophisticated plates. This level of detail adds to the plate cost.
- Digital Printing Advantage: At Kexin Packaging, we utilize digital printing to create stunning designs on small bags with exceptional accuracy. Our state-of-the-art printing technology allows us to produce vibrant, high-resolution images while maintaining cost efficiency even with intricate designs.
3. Machine Adjustments and Setup Time
Printing machines are often set up for larger bag sizes, which means that changing configurations for smaller bags requires additional adjustment time. These adjustments are a necessary part of the production process, but they can lead to additional costs.
- Setup Time: The machines used to print on small bags often require specific adjustments for accurate alignment, resulting in increased setup times. The longer the setup time, the more expensive the plate cost becomes.
- At Kexin Packaging, we continuously invest in state-of-the-art machinery to minimize the time spent on setup and reduce the overall costs for both small and large bags. Our digital printing solutions allow for fast and efficient setup, particularly for small bag runs.
4. Material Waste and Efficiency
In general, smaller bags may lead to slightly higher material waste during production, as there are fewer bags per roll of material. The need to adjust for smaller packaging sizes can result in more material being trimmed off, which adds to overall costs.
- Material Waste: When production machines are optimized for larger bags, producing smaller bags can result in more excess material that must be discarded, thus increasing per-bag costs.
- Efficient Production at Kexin Packaging: We use advanced production methods that reduce material waste to ensure cost-effectiveness, even when producing small-sized packaging. Our goal is to balance quality, efficiency, and waste reduction for all packaging sizes.
5. Specialized Equipment for Smaller Runs
Small-sized packaging bags often require more specialized equipment or smaller batch production methods. This specialized equipment can add additional costs to the overall production process.
- Smaller Batch Sizes: Because small bags are often produced in smaller quantities, manufacturers may need to use specialized equipment or processes, which can raise setup costs.
- Kexin Packaging’s Flexibility: We offer full flexibility in producing small and large bags, and our digital printing technology allows us to efficiently manage small batch production while maintaining consistent quality across all sizes.
Why Choose Kexin Packaging for Your Packaging Needs?
At Kexin Packaging, we offer a full range of composite laminated packaging bags, including both small and large options. We use digital printing technology to deliver high-quality, vibrant designs, while also ensuring that your packaging is cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable.
- Advanced Digital Printing: Our digital printing solutions help reduce setup times and plate costs, even for smaller runs, allowing us to deliver custom packaging efficiently.
- Comprehensive Packaging Solutions: Whether you need food packaging, cosmetic bags, or flexible packaging for other products, we can create tailored packaging solutions that meet your branding needs while keeping costs under control.
Conclusion
The higher plate cost of small-sized packaging bags is mainly due to factors like detailed designs, smaller production runs, setup adjustments, and specialized equipment. However, with Kexin Packaging’s expertise in digital printing and efficient production processes, we are able to offer cost-effective solutions for both small and large packaging sizes. Our goal is to help you create customized, high-quality packaging that enhances your brand without compromising on cost-efficiency.
You can visit our website to know more about our flexible packaging pouch: