Facts You Should Know When Specifying Embossing:
Embossing is laser friendly, however sculptured or multi-level die images may be smashed when run through some printers. A pressure adjustment can be made on many laser printers, to eliminate flattening of the image.
Embossed features tend to look smaller than the original art. Please consider this and make appropriate compensation when producing your camera ready art. Type should be a little more spaced out than normal to allow room for the beveling of the embossed depth.
Rule lines should be 1.5 point thickness or more.
Some limitations that apply to embossing depend upon the type of stock and texture of the stock specified. The heavier the paper the greater the depth and detail that can be attained. Sometimes when embossing a rule line on an off-line embossed paper, such as a paper with a linen finish, a perforation can occur. We can help you choose the paper that will yield the best results.
”Combination” dies can be made that will emboss at the same time as release foil. This eliminates registration problems but in some cases may restrict detail & depth. Additionally, the entire embossed area will have foil, there is no way to not foil part of the embossed image. The cost for a combination die is more than a standard emboss die so it may or may not be a cost effective route. Check with us to determine which method will yield the best all around results.
Embossing can be combined with engraving, foil stamping, lithography and diecutting. Make sure you consult with us early in the design stages as there are many parameters.
INKS:
Embossing is not typically associated with ink, however when combined with lithography, engraving or foil stamping, there are limitless combinations of colors available. When embossing over ink or foil, attention must be paid to prevent cracking.
ARTWORK:
For multi-level or sculptured dies, color coded overlays or hand shaded drawings are helpful to the die maker when interpreting the design. For three dimensional or anatomically correct reproductions a sculpture of the item or an actual sample of the item, for example a sea shell, can be furnished for the die maker to refer to for intricate detail. If a “live” item, such as a sea shell, is furnished, you would simply supply layouts (digitally or camera ready) indicating final size and position of the embossed element. The sculpture die maker is an artist and he or she will apply their own skills and interpretation to the die. The more information you give them, the closer the die will be to what you have in mind, but remember, the resulting die will be the artists conception.
For single level or line work emboss designs art may be supplied as if it were for lithography, either as camera ready or as a digital file. The resulting plates or dies will be an exact replication of your furnished art or file.
PROOFING:
Generally speaking, we output paper proofs for single level or line work emboss designs. Bluelines are an option but require a different emulsion than an emboss film, which adds additional expense to the job. In order to provide an actual embossed or “finished” proof, dies have to be made, therefore die costs and minimal set up costs must be charged. Finished proofs are often the best way to show actual detail and how your dies reacts to the specified stock. For Combination, multi-level or sculptured dies, it is recommended that a die strike proof be made. Keep in mind that once the die is etched there are limits to making further changes.
DELIVERY SCHEDULE:
Allow 15 working days for new jobs, including plate making time. Sculptured or multi-level dies may require a few additional days. Allow an additional 5-7 days for finished proofs.
Facts You Should Know When Specifying Engraving:
Engraving is laser friendly and therefore will not melt when run through laser printers.
Engraving inks are water based and therefore, environmentally friendly. Additionally, it works well on post-consumer recycled papers.
The maximum engraved area, is 5" x 9". That area can be increased, in some instances, with a second pass.
Letterheads with top and bottom copy require 2 dies and 2 passes through the press.
Each ink color requires a separate die and an additional pass through the press.
Halftones and screens can be successfully etched and engraved, however the longevity of these plates are compromised and chrome plating is almost always required.
Because of the pressure involved, a minimal amount of wrinkling or puckering of the paper may occur.
When engraving on envelopes, you may want to engrave on flat sheets, then convert into an envelope, to eliminate the pressure mark from showing on to the back of the envelope. Multiple color jobs or combination jobs may require conversion to hold registration. A possible alternative to conversion, if the design permits, is to lift the flap, engrave the image and then drop the flap back down, hiding the pressure mark. Your printing consultant will advise you of your options.
Engraving can hold as small as 4 point type and .5 rule lines.
Engraving can be combined with embossing, foil stamping, lithography and diecutting. Make sure you consult with us early in the design stages as there are many parameters.
INKS:
When specifying colors, you can choose from the pantone matching system or provide any item, such as a piece of cloth or paint chip, for color matching. When using the pantone system you may choose from either the uncoated or coated section as engraving ink is not effected by the surface of the paper. When using the pantone system, be sure to specify “spot” colors, not “CMYK”, as process colors are unique to the offset process. You may specify light colored inks for colored papers as engraving ink is very opaque and will have minimal paper show through.
Metallic inks may be bumped against an inkless die, called burnishing, to give a more raised and polished effect. Non-burnished metallic inks have an antique quality and a gritty feel due to the actual metal flakes in the ink.
ARTWORK:
Prepare the artwork as you would for offset printing. Digital files should be prepared for spot color color. If an area has a secondary process registering to it, such as embossing or foil stamping, that process must be made as a separate overlay. It can be built, saved and referred to as an additional color. Our system is MAC based and we prefer to receive files created in Illustrator, Quark or Pagemaker.
You may provide film, please consult with us for film specifications.
PROOFING:
If digital files are received, paper proofs are faxed for final sign off. In order to provide an actual engraved or “finished” proof, dies have to be made , therefore die costs and set up costs must be charged for. Finished proofs are often the best way to show actual ink colors, sharpness and clarity of image and reaction of the ink to the specified paper.
DELIVERY SCHEDULE:
Allow 15 working days for new jobs. If we have shells on hand, allow 7-10 working days for imprinting. Allow an additional 7-10 days for finished proofs.
Facts You Should Know When Specifying Foil Stamping:
Foiling is not a laser guaranteed process, however there are several foils to choose from in gold and silver, in satin finishes, that are laser “recommended”. We can provide you with sheets to test in your printer.
Foils are excellent for reproducing detail, however features that are too close together tend to “bridge” or fill in. Small type or characters that are too close can also fill in.
In general, metallic foils offer the most consistent coverage and have the cleanest edge when stamped. The smoother the paper the better “release” and cleaner edge you will have.
”Combination” dies can be made that will emboss at the same time as the foil releases. This eliminates registration problems but in some cases may restrict detail & depth. Additionally, the entire embossed area will have foil, there is no way to not foil part of the embossed image. The cost for a combination die is more than a standard emboss die so it may or may not be a cost effective route. Check with us to determine which method will yield the best all around results.
Foil Stamping can be combined with engraving, embossing, lithography and diecutting. However, there are many parameters, so please discuss combination jobs with us early in your design process.
Most foils are considered to be opaque however, some show through may occur, especially when using light non-metallic pigment foils on dark colored stocks. Pastels (or tints) are transparent and are intended to be embossed. The show through highlights or antiques the deep areas of the emboss. Pearls are also transparent and the chosen foil color will pearlize either the paper or ink under it.
ARTWORK:
For combination multi-level or sculptured dies, color coded overlays or hand shaded drawings are helpful to the die maker when interpreting the design. For three dimensional or anatomically correct reproductions a sculpture of the item or an actual sample of the item, for example a sea shell, can be furnished for the die maker to refer to for intricate detail. If a “live” item, such as a sea shell, is furnished, you would simply supply layouts (digitally or camera ready) indicating final size and position of the embossed element. The sculpture die maker is an artist and he or she will apply their own skills and interpretation to the die. The more information you give them, the closer the die will be to what you have in mind, but remember, the resulting die will be the artists conception.
For flat foil or foil with a single level emboss, the art may be supplied as if it were for lithography, either as camera ready or as a digital file. The resulting plates or dies will be an exact replication of your furnished art or file.
PROOFING:
Generally speaking, we output paper proofs for single level or line work foil designs. Bluelines are an option but require a different emulsion than a foil film, which adds additional expense to the job. In order to provide an actual foil stamped or “finished” proof, dies have to be made, therefore die costs and minimal set up costs must be charged. Finished proofs are often the best way to show actual detail and how your dies reacts to the specified stock. For Combination dies, it is recommended that a die strike proof be made. Keep in mind that once the die is etched there are limits to making further changes.
DELIVERY SCHEDULE:
Allow 15 working days for new jobs, including plate making time. Sculptured or multi-level dies may require a few additional days. Allow an additional 5-7 days for finished proofs.
Facts You Should Know When Specifying Lithography:
Lithography is a laser safe printing process and can be specified for use in all printers with confidence.
When lithography is to be combined with foil stamping, we recommend using wax free inks to insure adhesion.
Lithography offers outstanding realism when reproducing art or photographic images. All PMS colors and match color inks are practical with lithograph, as well as custom mixed colors.
Most printing papers are suitable for the lithography process, however textured paper can distort fine images or cause uneven color patterns. It is suggested that when printing “dot patterns”, such as four color process, halftones or duotones, a smooth surfaced paper with a tight grain, be used for the best ink hold out and minimal dot gain. Papers with a looser weave or papers that contain cotton will result in a greater dot gain (ink spread) and thus distortion of the final image. Ink spread can also cause plugging in of small letters, particularly in solid reverses with small type. Consult with us to see if your design may be problematic.
Lithography should be kept out of score areas as cracking can occur. Offset can be combined with engraving, embossing, foil stamping and diecutting. When combination work is done, the lithography process is usually done first. When embossing over offset, special care must be taken to prevent cracking.
Lithography can be combined with engraving, embossing, foil stamping, thermography and diecutting. Make sure you consult with us early on in the design as there are many parameters.
INKS:
When specifying PMS colors, please make your selection from the “U” or uncoated section when printing on uncoated stocks and from the “C” or coated section when printing on coated stocks. Since offset inks are transparent, the color of the paper you are printing on may effect the final printed color.
Because Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors are based on proportionate mixing formulas which are custom blended at the time of printing, exact color match cannot be guaranteed when printed later. And remember, the pantone book is a basic guide for color match as exact color matching is impossible. There are too many limiting factors that can not be controlled, such as paper color, paper density, paper texture and first and foremost, peoples perception of color. Be reasonable with your expectations and your expectations will be met!
Lithography inks will often appear to be darker on heavier stocks such as a letterhead compared to a business card. Where color match is critical, we suggest running all items at the same time so the press operator can color adjust as necessary.
Special opaque or transparent colors can be mixed for special effects on colored papers. Some lighter colored inks can be made opaque to print and hold their true color on dark paper. Draw down ink tests are perfect for determining how the ink will holdout on a specific paper.
ARTWORK:
Artwork can be prepared with traditional mechanicals or digitally. When a secondary process is added a second overlay is typically required. We can advise you on the exact requirements.
PROOFING:
Color Keys, matchprints, digital paper proofs and bluelines are typical methods of proofing. We can help you to determine which proof makes sense for your specific job. To see actual lithographed colors, the ink must be mixed and a finished press proof must be made. Ink draw downs are sometimes substituted for finished proofs however, the ink will almost always appear to be heavier and denser than on the final printed piece.
DELIVERY SCHEDULE:
Allow 15 working days for new jobs. If we have shells on hand, allow 7-10 working days for imprinting. Allow an additional 7-10 days for finished proofs.
Facts You Should Know When Specifying Thermography:
Standard thermography is not laser friendly and therefore will melt when run through laser printers.
The maximum thermography area, is 9" x 14" because of a maximum sheet size of 11" x 17".
Halftones and screens can be successfully thermographed but the amount of powder that will be apparent may vary from a heavy coating to a minute coating. This depends on the size of the dot and overall ink coverage. Remember there has to be enough ink present for the powder to adhere to.
Avoid small type. Fine detail could “plug” and fill in. There is not enough ink on a small or light faced type for the resin powder to adhere. Large solid areas will have a blister effect. Larger grain resins can be used to minimize blistering. We will be happy to evaluate your design for the potential of this problem.
If the design calls for a bleed, the printed sheet must be larger than the final trimmed size. A word of caution- trimming may crack the thermographed area. Stacked thermographed sheets tend to slip. Because of this designs that bleed may be unevenly trimmed. Small lifts are taken to minimize movement, but some slippage will occur.
Thermography should be kept out of score areas.
Thermography can be combined with embossing, foil stamping, lithography and diecutting. However, there are many parameters, so please discuss combination jobs with us early in your design process.
INKS:
Thermography can be achieved with all standard pantone color inks. When making your color selection please choose from the “C” or coated section, regardless of the type of paper you will be printing on. Opaque and transparent white and varnish can be thermographed for a special effect. Avoid metallic color inks, as the results are often less than desired. Since thermography uses the same inks as offset printing, the color of the paper you are printing on may effect the final color, as offset printing inks are transparent. Additionally, the combination of powder and heat may alter the final color.
There are limiting factors that can not be controlled, such as paper color, paper density, paper texture and first and foremost, peoples perception of color. Be reasonable with your expectations and your expectations will be met!
ARTWORK:
Prepare the artwork as you would for offset printing. Digitally furnished art is to be prepared the same as for offset spot color work. If we are producing 4 color process, we need a fifth overlay that will represent an overall pass of clear thermography. Since varnish is used, there may be a slight yellowing.
PROOFING:
Paper proofs, bluelines and color keys are the typical method of proofing. To see actual thermographed colors, a finished press proof must be made and minimal set up costs will be charged.
DELIVERY SCHEDULE:
Allow 15 working days for new jobs. If we have shells on hand, allow 7-10 working days for imprinting. Allow an additional 7-10 days for finished proofs
