What is corrugated plastic?

Corrugated plastic refers to plastic sheets that have been manufactured with alternating ridges and grooves for added durability and stiffness. The corrugated pattern makes the sheets lightweight yet strong and impact resistant. Common plastics used include polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE).

Application of corrugated plastic

Corrugated plastic sheets have many applications across various industries. They are commonly used for signs, displays, and packaging. The sheets are also popular for making trays, boxes, bins, and other containers. Additional uses include architectural cladding, decking, flooring, and temporary road surfaces.

Market of printing corrugated plastic

The market for printing on corrugated plastic sheets is growing steadily. Key growth factors include increasing use of plastic packaging and displays in retail environments. Brands and businesses want custom printed packaging, signs, and displays that are lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant. The global market for corrugated plastics is expected to reach $9.38 billion by 2025 according to one forecast.

How to print on corrugated plastic

UV flatbed printers have become the preferred method for printing directly onto corrugated plastic sheets. The sheets are loaded onto the flatbed and held in place with vacuum or grippers. UV-curable inks allow printing vibrant full color graphics with a durable, scratch-resistant finish.

Cost and Profit Considerations

When pricing out printing projects on corrugated plastic, there are some key costs to factor in:

• Material costs - The plastic substrate itself, which can range from $0.10 - $0.50 per square foot depending on thickness and quality.
• Ink costs - UV-curable inks tend to be more expensive than other ink types, averaging $50-$70 per liter. Complex designs and colors will require more ink coverage. Usually one square meter consumes around $1 ink.
• Printer running costs - Things like electricity, maintenance, and equipment depreciation. UV flatbed printer s power consumption depends more on the printer size and whether the additional equipements like suction table, and cooling systems are turned on. They consumes little power when not printing.
• Labor - The skill and time required for pre-press file preparation, printing, finishing, and installation.

The profit, on the other hand, depends on the local market, an average price of a corrugated box, for example, was sold on amazon at a price of around $70. So it seems like a very good deal to get.

If you are interested in UV printer for printing corrugated plastic, please check our products like RB-1610 A0 print size UV flatbed printer and RB-2513 large format UV flatbed printer, and talk with our professional to get a full quotation.