Photos from the trip :
- First off we saw how the plates are set up using the artwork provided by the designer.
- A proof is printed, and then this is the last time any alterations can be made before the plates are made.
- Plates are created using laser drums that essentially cook the designs on.
- A scratch on the plate will affect the design when printed.
- Best files are made in indesign with 3mm standard bleed, sent as pdf.
- Generally don't need to paginate a multi page document as most printers will do this for you.
- Publications should be sent as SINGLE page spreads.
- Types of printing: 'Working tumble' - (double sided) & 'Sheet work'
- 170gsm average thickness for a leaflet
- Always ask printer for their professional opinion
- CMYK plates cost around £20 each for the designer/client
- Ink costs the printer only £10 a tub (cmyk) and £15 for a metalic
- Pantone - 'C' = coated. 'U' = uncoated
- Their litho printers are 6 colour (allows for two spot colours with 4 cmyk)
- if designer wanted more than 2 spot colours, their would be added costs factored in for cleaning the plates.
- is cheaper to use one spot colour than cmyk, but not cheaper to use two spot colours instead of cmyk.
- FSC/PEFC - Forestry stewardship councils - v. strict. (Designer can't even have access to the logo- printer has to apply it once the stock has been verified)
- Duplexing - can do it but they get it done by the paper manufacturers as it's cheaper
- Thermography : they dont do it - outsource it - where a layer is printed which is then passed through heat making it expand - you can tell because it is slightly rough to the feel.
- Below is a business card that they have foil blocked on both sides. The black text has been thermographically printed (outsourced).
- Thermography is an alternative to foiling as it gives a different finish - foiling impresses slightly, while thermographic printing is raised slightly.
- I have been researching into how I could achieve metalic/foiled effects for the stationary for my Kit Cat's brief, that would also allow it to be run through a laser printer, as I understand from my research that this can affect the inks and they can melt.
- One of the printers explained to me that it is now possible to get 'Laser compatible foil' which is printer friendly - on request from the printer.
- We looked at some letterpress examples and the press itself. Below is an example of some letter press that they have been doing for a wedding invitation :
- Letter press more expensive - e.g. this invite and rsvp card cost £420 for the plates - two colours, four sides in total.
- Plates can be ordered from Hallmark, or Premier Legue Graphics (locally) which is cheaper and faster turn around than Hallmark.
- The cheaper plates are made using acid bath.
- Best paper companies in their opinion - Fedrigoni and GF Smith.
- sample books called 'paper colour selector'
- Colourplan v.nice colours
- Most of the standard stocks they use - silk stocks etc - from R&B on Armley Road as its a good price.
- Printers tend to order stock as its a better deal cost wise.
- Folding machine - up to 24 pages can be folded in one run
- They don't do colour reging as they only get asked to do it once or twice a year and its too expensive.
- Exciting paper - GF smith 'Tapestry' - has a floral pattern laminated onto it (looks like wallpaper)
- Pressision are able to print car raps, wallpaper and canvas as well as regular stocks.
- Digital printer - can print basically on any stock - much cheaper.
- 1000 A3 size maximum run on digital
- 250 business cards would cost around £50
- Freebies - including a piece of Fedrigoni pink pearlescent stock
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