Jul 28, 2026
Choosing the right printing method is important when producing custom labels. Digital printing and flexographic printing are two common technologies, but they have different advantages depending on quantity, design requirements, and production needs.
What Is Digital Label Printing?
Digital printing prints artwork directly from digital files without traditional printing plates.
Advantages:
No plate-making cost
Faster sample production
Suitable for small quantities
Easy artwork changes
Good for variable data printing
Common applications:
Product samples
Limited edition products
Small brand orders
Multiple label designs
What Is Flexographic Label Printing?
Flexographic printing uses flexible printing plates and is widely used for high-volume label production.
Advantages:
Cost-effective for large quantities
High production speed
Stable printing quality
Suitable for many materials
Supports various finishing options
Common applications:
Beverage labels
Food labels
Cosmetic labels
Large-scale production
Digital Printing vs Flexo Printing
Feature
Digital Printing
Flexo Printing
Quantity
Small to medium order
Medium to large orders
Plate Cost
No plate required
Requires printing plates
Production Speed
Slower
Faster
Color Control
Flexible
Highly stable
Variable Data
Excellent
Limited
Unit Cost
Higher for large volume
Lower for mass production
Which Printing Method Should You Choose?
Choose digital printing if you need:
Small quantities
Fast samples
Multiple versions
Frequent design changes
Choose flexographic printing if you need:
Large production quantities
Lower unit cost
Stable long-term production
For many brands, digital printing is ideal for market testing and samples, while flexographic printing is a better choice for regular mass production.
Jinke Custom Label Printing Solutions
Jinke provides customized label printing solutions using different printing technologies, including digital printing, flexographic printing, and offset printing.
Based on your:
Order quantity
Material requirements
Artwork complexity
Budget
We recommend the most suitable printing method to achieve the best balance between quality and cost.
FAQ
Q1: Is digital printing better than flexo printing?
Not always. Digital printing is better for small quantities and flexible designs, while flexo printing is better for large-volume production.
Q2: Does flexo printing require printing plates?
Yes, flexographic printing requires plates, which makes it more suitable for repeated large orders.
Q3: Which printing method is cheaper?
For large quantities, flexographic printing usually has a lower unit cost. For small orders, digital printing may be more economical.
Q4: Can both digital and flexo printing produce high-quality labels?
Yes. Both methods can produce high-quality labels when the right technology and materials are selected.