Part Two… If you missed it, you can jump to Part 1 for an introduction to finishing and for some of the particulars of Decorative Finishes. Click here for Part 1. Otherwise keep reading to find out more about Conversion options in Print Finishing. CONVERSION As stated earlier, conversion processes enhance usability of a product. In some cases, such as lamination, conversion may also enhance the look and feel of a product. In no particular order let’s explore some of the more popular conversion options… Lamination – When it comes to durability, lamination should be your go-to choice. And the number of choices for material is both wonderful and intimidating. A quick look at our materials inventory and I see gloss, matte and soft touch finishes, standard and super stick adhesives and a myriad of options of each with different thicknesses of lamination and adhesion layers. And we can laminate …
What is… Finishing? (part 1)
Part One… Finishing, or Print Finishing, encompasses all processes that occur between printing and shipping. Finishing steps can be broken into three general categories; Binding, Conversion and Decoration. Although Binding is a finishing category, we typically exclude it (collating, saddle stitching, wire-o, etc.) when referring to finishing. Binding is complex enough to deserve it’s own consideration. What’s left are the decoration and conversion categories. Decorative process typically will enhance the look or feel of a printed product but can also increase durability. Conversion processes may also enhance the look and feel of a product but the primary purpose of this category is utility. Whether we are laminating for extra durability or index tabbing, conversion makes a printed product more useable. Decoration Foil Stamping – Everyone is familiar with gold and silver foil but don’t stop there. There are hundreds of foil colors and sheens to choose from along with options such as …
Plastic Coil and Wire-O Binding
Among the many ways to bind sheets of paper together, two of the most popular are coil and comb binding. To make things confusing there are coil and comb options for both metal and plastic materials. Of those options, the two that have risen to the top for professional purposes are Plastic Coil and Wire-O (metal comb). Although these methods are similar there are a couple of distinctions that can help you decide which method will be best for your project. Durability vs. Appeal Generally speaking, Wire-O is considered to be a better looking product and Plastic Coil is considered more durable. Both are very durable and will almost certainly keep those pages together. However, if really smashed the plastic option will spring back to its original shape where the metal coil may remain deformed. Because of this durability, Plastic Coil binding is often employed on volumes that will see …
What is… Rich Black?
The color black – simple. Right? In the world of print the color black is anything but simple. There are points that should be understood when putting black ink on paper. Read on to find out more about the whys and hows of black ink. Process Color / CMYK The problem of black ink is rooted in color theory. That’s boring though so let’s skip ahead. The colors of Cyan, Magenta and Yellow when combined should arrive at the color black. In the real world though they add up to a muddy brown. And even if 100% CMY equalled black we would be stuck with 300% total ink density and the resulting drying issues. So CMY loads up the ink while not making black. Thanks CMY. Then how can we cut total ink density and arrive at a true black? You guessed it – use black ink (the ‘K’ in …
100% Recycled Coated Paper : Cocoon
For years the only recycled sheets available were uncoated. Finally there is an option for a 100% recycled coated paper: Cocoon. Arjowiggins Graphic based in France has developed technology and procedures to ensure a high level of whiteness without compromising printability or the environment. Certified Options Cocoon is available in gloss and silk finishes along with an uncoated option in a variety of text and cover weights. Unlike other recycled sheets, it boasts a 100% whiteness rating all while achieving the following certifications: FSC Ecolabe Food Safe Process Chlorine Free Earth Conscious Cocoon is certified for both offset and digital formats so it is great option for those wanting to choose an earth conscious option for short and long run projects. For this and many other paper options, give us a call at 770-542-0667. Or send us an email at info@advancedpf.com.
Gusseted Pocket Folders
Standard pocket folders are great for general presentation. But what about those times when you have bulky materials such as a perfect bound catalog or if you have a large volume of materials to include? Maybe you need to include digital media, a folded poster or a book of samples. A Box for All That Stuff Gusseted Pocket Folders are the answer. A gusset is simply an extension of the pockets and flaps. We add scores to create a boxed area to accommodate those thicker contents. Go BIG! While we’re at it, why not include a custom diecut shape on those pockets or flaps. How about a velcro dot to keep everything together? Or to really stand out, consider embossing or foil. Whatever your requirements, Advanced Print & Finishing can create a custom gusseted pocket folder to meet your needs. A Lasting Impression By tailoring your pocket folder to the …
What is… a RIP?
Raster Image Processor RIP is the acronym for Raster Image Processor and is a system that translates computer documents to a printable format. Just like the graphics card in your computer translates digital code into a viewable image, a RIP is necessary to ‘display’ digital content on paper. Unlike your desktop printer with a built in translator, commercial printing RIPs requires a lot more horsepower and has to tackle far more technical problems. At the heart of the RIP is the screening engine. Screening In traditional multi-color printing we would expose images through color filters and very fine screens to break the continuous tone image (photograph or illustration) into a series of tiny dots. These dots are visible under magnification but at normal reading distances the human eye will blend the colored dots back into a continuous image. With the image broken down to dots and component colors we can …
Steel Rule Dies / Die Cutting
A steel rule die consists of various shapes or lengths of steel blades that are formed or bent to cut unique shapes or designs in different types of material. Dies can be made into just about anything imaginable, from a simple shape such as a circle or square to more detailed shapes such as pop ups inside of a book to candy or video boxes. Metal, Rubber and Wood To make a die, the cutting rule is formed and then typically placed onto a wood block with small pieces of rubber that are used to help with the pressure of the cutting process. The wood block is then attached to the press and readied for cutting. Measure Twice, Cut Once The press operator will then measure where the paper needs to be underneath the die and cut a series of test sheets to make sure things are properly lined up …
Multi-Level Stamping Dies
Multi-level stamping dies are used for several types of embossing and for combination dies. Multi-level refers to the dimensional quality of the die. Die Types In the case of a logo there may be details that are more pronounced that need to be raised above the rest of the embossed area. Think of this type as a stair step. Other times the emboss may require a rounded bevel or in some cases a sculpted die is called for, an example of which is in the photo above. Another type of multi-level die is a Combination Die or “combo die”. This type of die can emboss and foil stamp in one pass. Combo Dies A combo die is almost always sculpted to give great dimension and detail to what you are working on. They are made from brass which is the hardest metal from which stamping dies are made. Brass dies …
What is… Trap?
The Problem The lower half of the graphic above represents an exaggerated example of misregistration. This is a problem that can exist in any multi-color printing process. Printing presses lay colors down one on top of the next. As the paper moves through the press there can be slight variations in registration – or the alignment between colors. Much of the time this is imperceivable to the reader but under certain circumstances it can be seen as gaps of white between two adjacent colors. Trapping The solution to the problem is called Trapping. With this technique we create a hairline overlap where distinct colors meet. The top half of the graphic above shows an again exaggerated version of trap. The dark outline around the letters in the word “Trap” is an example of the solution. When done correctly, the trap is not noticeable and gaps are eliminated. Our Solution Advanced Print …
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