"""
Knowledge about digital printing technologies for short-run packaging.
"""

title = "Digital Printing for Short Runs"

content = """
Digital printing has transformed packaging economics by eliminating plate
costs and setup time, enabling cost-effective production runs from one unit
to several thousand pieces.

**Inkjet Technologies:** Single-pass inkjet systems employ stationary print
bars spanning the substrate width, achieving speeds rivaling conventional
printing. Scanning inkjet moves print heads across the substrate, offering
flexibility at slower speeds. UV inkjet dominates packaging for its substrate
versatility and instant curing. Water-based inkjet serves specific corrugated
applications with lower equipment costs.

**Toner-Based Systems:** Electrophotographic (laser) printing uses charged
drum imaging and toner transfer, excelling at precise text and graphics on
folding cartons and labels. Toner systems offer excellent color consistency
and can apply special effects like dimensional clear toner for tactile finishes.

**Run Length Economics:** Digital becomes cost-competitive with flexography
and offset at approximately 1,000 to 5,000 impressions depending on format
size and color complexity. Below this threshold, digital eliminates plate
charges and makeready waste. Above it, conventional printing's lower unit
costs prevail.

**Variable Data Capabilities:** Digital printing uniquely enables every
impression to differ — personalized messaging, sequential numbering,
versioned graphics for regional markets, and unique identifiers for
authentication. These capabilities support marketing innovation and supply
chain tracking without slowing production.

**Substrate Considerations:** Digital printing requires surface treatment for
ink adhesion on many packaging substrates. Corona or plasma treatment modifies
surface energy. Primer coatings create receptive layers. Pre-treated digital
papers and boards simplify workflow but limit substrate selection compared
to conventional printing.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
