These are some of the production processes we use to produce print projects.
Some pictures can be found here.
Offset Printing
Conventional printing with printing plates, ink, and a printing press. Some projects are best suited for a printing press, such as long runs, precise spot colors or registration, and larger sheet sizes, which is why we still operate our printing presses.
Digital Printing
Toner-based digital printing is really just a sophisticated copy machine designed for heavy use and the quality demands of a commercial printer. With the trend toward short run full color projects, we’ve invested in digital production equipment. In fact, so much work has gone digital that some printers no longer even have a printing press.
Screen Printing
Although the most familiar application for screen printing is to decorate t-shirts, it can be used to print nearly anything including bottles, window decals, solar cells, membrane switches and metal parts. We use screen printing to print effects like pearlescents, high-gloss clears, and opaque colors on paper and plastic. Our screen printing production is UV-cure, the ink “dries” when exposed to ultraviolet light rather than by solvent evaporation.
Die Cutting
Pocket folders and door hangers are two common applications for die cutting. We use it to cut irregular shapes, holes, or slits – think of it as a “cookie-cutter” for paper or plastic.
Foil Stamping
Foil stamping is commonly used on greeting cards and is how a shiny metallic effect is achieved. Although metallic gold and silver are the most common colors, foil also comes in other metallic colors, holographic patterns, solid colors, and tints. Foil is sometimes the only choice to decorate dark paper since unlike ink or toner, the foil is completely opaque and will hide the paper underneath.
Embossing/Debossing
This is how we raise (emboss) or lower (deboss) an image into paper using heat and pressure. Greeting cards are a common example. Both embossing and debossing are further categorized as single-level or sculpted. A single level emboss raised the image one level above the original paper level and is done using a copper die. A sculpted emboss is done with a sculpted brass die and imparts a bas-relief effect to the paper. Embossing a foil stamped subject is called “foil embossing”, embossing unprinted paper is called “blind embossing”.
Direct Mail
The death of direct mail is greatly exaggerated. With all the noise associated with email marketing, direct mail can be an effective way to reach prospective customers. Digital print projects can be addressed at the same time as the project is printed eliminating what used to be a separate operation. We can also provide advice on mailing lists so that you’re reaching more qualified prospects.