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By Eve Warren ( BA )Graphic design Leeds College Of Art
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colour models
pmshexachromespot colour gamutrgb cmykhalftonemonotoneduotone
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pantone matching system
The accuracy of color is critical in design. What you see on your monitor is never what will appear on a printed sheet, designers need a standardized color key.
It can be very frustrating to see the logo you worked hard to create look deep blue on the client’s letterhead, blue-greenish on his business card, and light blue on his very expensive envelopes. A way to prevent this is by using a standardized color matching system, such as the PMS.
Though Pantone is not the only color standardization system, it is the most widely used and the one that most printers understand. Aside from being able to have consistency, Pantone Colors allow you to use colors that cannot be mixed in CMYK. Pantone offers chip books that help designers see how colors look on coated, uncoated, and matte stock. Pantone Colors are distinguished by numbers and a suffix. While the number indicates the Pantone Color itself, and is standard across all types of stock, the suffix indicates the media or stock, which affects how the ink is formulated to achieve the specific color.
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spot colour
In offset printing, a spot color is any color generated by an ink (pure or mixed) that is printed using a single run. The widely spread offset-printing process is composed of four spot colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (black) commonly referred to as CMYK. More advanced processes involve the use of six spot colors (hexachromatic process), which add Orange and Green to the process (termed CMYKOG). The two additional spot colors are added to compensate for the ineffective reproduction of faint tints using CMYK colors only. However, offset technicians around the world use the term spot color to mean any color generated by a non-standard offset ink; such as metallic, fluorescent, spot varnish, or custom hand-mixed inks.
hexachrome
Hexachrome is an ultra-high fidelity six-color process printing system developed by Pantone, Inc. It’s large color gamut, compared to four-color process printing, makes it possible for the first time to more accurately reproduce a wide range of both vibrant and subtle colors that can be defined and displayed on computer
monitors which previously could not be duplicated in print. In Hexachrome, the existing CMYK primaries were modified into more chromatic inks, with orange and green being added to the traditional equation. In addition to reproducing more brilliant continuous-tone images, Hexachrome is capable of accurately reproducing over 90% of the PMS Colors, almost twice the number that can be obtained using conventional four-color process printing.
gamut
In color reproduction, including computer graphics and photography, the gamut, or color gamut, is a certain complete subset of colors. The most common usage refers to the subset of colors which can be accurately represented in a given circumstance, such as within a given color space or by a certain output device. Another sense, less frequently used but not less correct, refers to the complete set of colors found within an image at a given time. In this context, digitizing a photograph, converting a digitized image to a different color space, or outputting it to a given medium using a certain output device generally alters its gamut, in the sense that some of the colors in the original are lost in the process.
dealing with colour
hexachrome and gamut examples
The CMYK color model (process color, four color) is a subtractive color model, used in color printing, and is also used to describe the printing process itself.
CMYK refers to the four inks used in some color printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black). Though it varies by print house, press operator, press manufacturer, and press run, ink is typi-
cally applied in the order of the abbreviation. The CMYK model works by partially or entirely masking colors on a lighter, usually white, background. The ink reduces the light that would otherwise be reflected. Such a model is called subtractive because inks “subtract” brightness from white.
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four colours
The RGB color model is an additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors.
The name of the model comes from the initials of the three additive primary colors, red, green, and blue. The main purpose of the RGB color model is for the sensing, representation, and display of
images in electronic systems, such as televisions and computers, though it has also been used in conventional photography. Before the electronic age, the RGB color model already had a solid theory behind it, based in human perception of colors.
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Halftone is a reprographic technique that simulates continuous tone imagery through the use of dots, varying either in size, in shape or in spacing.
Halftone can to refer specifically to the image that is produced by this process. Where continuous tone imagery contains an infinite range of colors or greys, the halftone process reduces visual reproductions to a binary image that is printed with only one color of ink. This binary reproduction relies on a basic optical illusion—that these tiny halftone dots are blended into smooth tones by the human eye. At a microscopic level, developed black-and-white photographic film also consists of only two colors, and not an infinite range of continuous tones.
Just as color photography evolved with the addition of filters and filt layers, color printing is made possible by repeating the halftone process for each subtractive color—most commonly using what is called the “CMYK color model”. The semi-opaque property of ink allows halftone dots of different colors to create another optical effect—full-color imagery. When different screens are combined, a number of distracting visual
effects can occur, including the edges being overly emphasized, as well as a moiré pattern. This problem can be reduced by rotating the screens in relation to each other. This screen angle is another common measurement used in printing, measured in degrees clockwise from a line running to the left.Halftoning is also commonly used for printing color pictures. The general idea is the same, by varying the density of the four primary printing colors, cyan, magenta, yellow and black, any particular shade can be reproduced. In this case there is an additional problem that can occur. In the simple case, one could create a halftone using the same techniques used for printing shades of grey, but in this case the different printing colors have to remain close to each other to fool the eye into thinking they are a single color. To do this the industry has standardized on a set of known angles, which result in the dots forming into small circles or rosettes. The dots cannot easily be seen by the naked eye, but can be discerned through a microscope or a magnifying glass.
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The images are separated for printing with process cyan, magenta, and yellow inks. Key (black), is also used to minimize ink use.
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Monotone image is an image that has been created by using different tones of the same colour. Any colour can be used when using this printing process however in print terms it is more commonly used to produce grey scale images made from black ink.
Duotone is a halftone reproduction of an image using the superimposition of one contrasting colour halftone (traditionally black) over another color halftone. This is most often used to bring out middle tones and highlights of an image. The most common colors used for this process are blue, yellow, browns and reds. Now due to recent advances in technology, duotones, tritones, and quadtones can be easily created using image manipulation programs.
Duotone color mode in Adobe’s Photoshop uses an imaging process that computes the highlights and middle tones in a black and white image then allows the user to choose any color ink as the second color. In the case of the examples on this page, the violet monotone image has been made into a duotone by adding orange. This makes the duotone turn to a maroon red colour.
paper stocks
coated paperuncoated paperartgloss coated papermatt coated papersilk coated papercast coated paperlaidwovenwatermarked papercarbonless - self copy paperpulpboardbank and bondnewsprintrecycled paperpaper thicknessweight
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coated paper
This type of paper has a coating, usually of china clay, which gives it a smooth finish. Coated papers are available in a gloss, silk or matt finish and are used for projects requiring a fine finish, which is why coated paper is sometimes referred to as ‘art’ paper. Most of the leaflets you get through your mail box, the glossy brochures you pick up from the travel agent and the fancy programmes you buy at concerts are printed onto coated paper.
uncoated paper
This type of paper doesn’t have a coating and is therefore not as smooth as coated paper. You will use uncoated paper in your laser printer and photocopier. Premium uncoated papers are used for business stationery and are becoming increasingly popular for use in prestigious brochures and catalogues as an alternative to the more commonly used coated papers.
art
A paper which has received a special coating to give it a smooth gloss finish. It’s meaning is often confused but it is more easily termed
as a gloss coated paper.
gloss coated paper
See definition for Art Paper. Gloss coated papers have a high shine and a very smooth surface, ideal for producing printed items for promotional work. The finish of the paper gives the ink a high degree of “lift”, giving vibrant colour and definition to printed images in particular. Ink dries well on gloss coated paper, making a seal varnish (to protect the ink from rubbing and marking) less likely to be needed.
matt coated paper
Plain paper which has received a special coating to give a smooth, matt finish. Matt coated papers have no surface shine, and a slightly “toothy” feel, rougher than a gloss coated paper. The images will not have quite such a lift as when printing onto gloss coated paper, however, applying a gloss seal varnish can often improve this. In addition, printing inks do not dry and harden as well on matt coated stocks as on gloss, meaning that use of a seal varnish is recommended to prevent ink rubbing. However, seal varnish is relatively inexpensive.
silk coated paper
Plain paper which has received a special coating to give a smooth, silk finish. Silk coated papers have a low surface shine, and are not as toothy feeling as matt coated papers, or as smooth a feel as gloss coated paper – a good compromise between matt and gloss coated paper. Again, inks do not dry or harden as well as on gloss coated papers, and the use of seal varnish is recommended.
cast coated papers
This paper has a very high gloss finish achieved by using a special coating and the surface is then polished by stainless steel drying cylinders. It is often used for different packaging requirements.
laid
Paper with a pattern of parallel lines at equal distances giving a ribbed effect. It is classed as a premium quality of paper with a textured pattern of parallel lines, similar to hand made paper. Commonly used for business stationery.
choosing the right paper
woven
A paper which shows an even texture rather than a parallel line pattern. It has a uniform surface, not ribbed or textured like laid paper. Again, used mostly for business stationery.
watermarked paper
An impression is pressed into the top of the sheet on manufacture. This is normally used in high quality writing papers eg Conqueror. Clients can have their own watermark put into a sheet if required.
carbonless - self copy paper
Paper specially coated to produce an image in black when pressure is applied. Used extensively in sets. There is a top, middle and bottom sheet with the coatings applied accordingly.
pulpboard
Matt uncoated boards in white or tinted ranging from 200 micron thickness to 750 micron.
bank and bond
Bank paper is under 63g/m2. Both are essentially stationery papers supplied in a variety of colours with a matt uncoated finish. Bond paper is a term commonly used to describe economical uncoated wove papers. You will probably use bond paper in your photocopier and fax machine.
newsprint
Mechanical pulp print paper containing a small percentage of chemical wood pulp. Grammage 45 - 50 g/m2. Mechanical pulp is produced by grinding wood mechanically and is used in cheaper papers.
recycled paper
New paper which is made entirely or in part from old paper.
paper thickness
It is normal practice to specify the ‘ thickness’ of paper by its weight in grams per square metre (GM or GSM). A low quality photocopier paper is usually around 80gsm; a good quality letterhead around 120gsm; a fast food menu around 130gsm, a flyer around 300gsm; and a business card around 400gsm.
weight
Paper is graded by weight, a manufacturer’s 150gsm paper may seem slightly bulkier or thicker than a competitor’s product. Also uncoated papers tend to be bulkier than their coated counterparts, whilst matt and silk coated papers tend to be bulkier than their gloss coated counterparts. A paper’s GSM rating is a good guide to how ‘thick’ or ‘stiff’ the paper will feel but always ask for paper samples if unsure. Card (or ‘board’ as it is usually called in the industry) is sometimes measured in microns (a micron is 1000th of a millimetre).
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format
a sizesb sizesc series envelopes ra sizessra sizes us sizesnewspaper
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dimensions of series paper
The dimensions of the A series paper sizes, as defined by ISO 216, are given in the table in both millimetres and inches (cm measurements can be obtained by dividing mm value by 10). The A Series paper size chart to the right gives a visual explanation of how the sizes relate to each other - for example A5 is half of A4 size paper and A2 is half of A1 size paper.
international usage
The A series paper sizes are now in common use throughout the world apart from in the US, Canada and parts of Mexico. The A4 size has become the standard business letter size in English speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the UK, that used to use British Imperial sizes. In Europe the A paper sizes were adopted as the formal standard in the mid 20th century and from there they spread across the globe.
size height x width height x width
4A0 2378 x 1682 mm 93.6 x 66.2 in
2A0 1682 x 1189 mm 66.2 x 46.8 in
A0 1189 x 841 mm 46.8 x 33.1 in
A1 841 x 594 mm 33.1 x 23.4 in
A2 594 x 420 mm 23.4 x 16.5 in
A3 420 x 297 mm 16.5 x 11.7 in
A4 297 x 210 mm 11.7 x 8.3 in
A5 210 x 148 mm 8.3 x 5.8 in
A6 148 x 105 mm 5.8 x 4.1 in
A7 105 x 74 mm 4.1 x. 2.9 in
A8 74 x 52 mm 2.9 x 2.0 in
A9 52 x 37 mm 2.0 x 1.5 in
A10 37 x 26 mm 1.5 x 1.0 in
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diagram of paper sizes from A0 to A10
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size height x width height x width
B0 1414 x 1000 mm 55.7 x 39.4 in
B1 1000 x 707 mm 39.4 x 27.8 in
B2 707 x 500 mm 27.8 x 19.7 in
B3 500 x 353 mm 19.7 x 13.9 in
B4 353 x 250 mm 13.9 x 9.8 in
B5 250 x 176 mm 9.8 x 6.9 in
B6 176 x 125 mm 6.9 x 4.9 in
B7 125 x 88 mm 4.9 x. 3.5 in
B8 88 x 62 mm 3.5 x 2.4 in
B9 62 x 44 mm 2.4 x 1.7 in
B10 44 x 31 mm 1.7 x 1.2 in
dimensions of series paper
The dimensions of the B series paper sizes, as defined by ISO 216, are given in the table in both millimetres and inches (cm measurements can be obtained by dividing the mm value by 10). The B Series paper size chart to the right is a visual explanation of how the B paper sizes relate to each other.
why was it created?
The B series paper sizes were created in order to provide paper sizes that weren’t covered by the A series. This system gives a useful property for enlarging and reducing documents.
diagram of paper sizes from B0 to B8
size height x width height x width
C0 1297 x 917 mm 51.5 x 36.1 in
C1 917 x 648 mm 36.1 x 25.5 in
C2 648 x 458 mm 25.5 x 18.0 in
C3 458 x 324 mm 18.0 x 12.8 in
C4 324 x 229 mm 12.8 x 9.0 in
C5 229 x 162 mm 9.0 x 6.4 in
C6 162 x 114 mm 6.4 x 4.5 in
C7 114 x 81 mm 4.5 x. 3.2 in
C8 81 x 57 mm 3.2 x 2.2 in
C9 57 x 40 mm 2.2 x 1.6 in
C10 40 x 28 mm 1.6 x 1.1 in
dimensions of C series envelope
As defined by ISO 216, are given in the table in both millimetres and inches (cm measure-ments can be obtained by dividing the mm value by 10). The diagrams to the right show the size of each of the envelopes when compared to a sheet of A4 paper.
why were they created?
C envelopes sizes are defined as the geometric mean of the A and B sizes with the same number i.e. C4 dimensions are the geometric mean of A4 and B4. This produces a size between the two that makes an envelope that will neatly hold the A series paper of the same size, thus a C4 envelope is perfect for an A4 sheet of paper unfolded. It should be noted that C format envelopes also have an aspect ratio of 1:root2 and because of this an A4 sheet folded parallel to its shortest sides will fit in a C5 envelope and folded twice will fit a C6 envelope.
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diagram of C series envelope sizes
C4, C5 and C6 envelopes
The diagrams to your right show C4, C5 and C6 envelopes compared to A4 paper size (the envelope being shown in yellow with the paper shown as white) as can be seen in the diagram the C4 envelope can contain an A4 sheet, the C5 envelope can contain an A4 sheet folded in half (an A5 sheet) and the C6 envelope can contain an A4 sheet folded in half twice (an A6 sheet). This is the reason that you will sometimes see these envelope sizes being referred to as A4 envelope size, A5 envelope size and A6 envelope size.
One of the most widely used business envelopes, the DL format does not fall under the C series sizes as it has a different aspect ratio. This envelope originated in Germany in the 1920’s and
was known as DIN Lang, but DL is now more commonly expanded to ‘Dimension Lengthwise’. This size is defined in the ISO standards for envelope sizes, as the stand-ard would have been remiss in omitting the most commonly used business envelope size.
DL envelopes
The dimensions of DL are 110 x 220 mm (4 1/3” x 8 2/3”) and as such the DL envelope will hold an A4 sheet of paper folded into 3 equal sections parallel to its shortest sides. Despite complaints from manufacturers of automatic enveloping machines that it is slightly too small for reliable enveloping and the introduction of a C6/5 envelope at 114 x 229 mm, the original DL size continues to be most commonly used.
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size height x width height x width
RA0 1220 x 860 mm 48.0 x 33.9 in
RA1 860 x 610 mm 33.9 x 24.0 in
RA2 610 x 430 mm 24.0 x 16.9 in
RA3 430 x 305 mm 16.9 x 12.0 in
RA4 305 x 215 mm 12.0 x 8.5 in
size height x width height x width
SRA0 1280 x 900 mm 50.4 x 35.4 in
SRA1 900 x 640 mm 35.4 x 25.2 in
SRA2 640 x 450 mm 25.2 x 17.7 in
SRA3 450 x 320 mm 17.7 x 12.6 in
SRA4 320 x 225 mm 12.6 x 8.9 in
Table of RA Paper Sizes RA0 to RA4
Table of SRA Paper Sizes SRA0 to SRA4
RA and SRA paper formats
The RA and SRA paper formats are defined by ISO 217 “Paper - Untrimmed Sizes” and cover untrimmed raw paper for commercial printing. The RA and SRA sizes are slightly larger than the corresponding A series sizes to allow for bleed on printed material that will be later trimmed to size, often for bound publication.
To obtain paper sizes in centimetres, convert mm values to cm by dividing by 10. The aspect ratio (the ratio of the width to the height) of the RA and SRA sheets is 1:root 2 (1:1.4142) as for the A series sheets.
Unlike the US untrimmed paper sizes, the RA and SRA paper sizes do not form any part of the calculation of paper weight.
Size Width x Height Width x Height Aspect Ratio
Letter 216 x 279 mm 8.5 x 11.0 in 1:1.2941
Legal 216 x 356 mm 8.5 x 14.0 in 1:1.6471
Junior Legal 127 x 203 mm 5.0 x 8.0 in 1:1.6000
Ledger 279 x 432 mm 11.0 x 17.0 in 1:1.5455
US paper formats
North America, including the US, Canada and parts of Mexico, is the only area of the first world that doesn’t use the ISO 216 standard paper sizes, instead they use Letter, Legal, Executive and Ledger/Tabloid paper sizes and those that have been formalised in ANSI Y14.1M - Metric Drawing Sheet Size & Format.
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print processes
digital printrisographflexography pad printingoffset litho rotogravurefoil stampingscreen printingletter press
print processes
Digital printing refers to methods of print from a digital based image directly to a different variety of media. It usually refers to professional printing where small run jobs from desktop publishing and other digital sources are printed using large format and/or high volume laser or inkjet printers.
Digital printing has a higher cost per page than more traditional offset printing methods but this price is usually offset by the cost saving in avoiding all the technical steps in between needed to make printing plates. It also allows for on demand printing, short turn around, and even a modification of the image (variable data) with each impression. The savings in labor and ever increasing capability of digital presses means digital printing is reaching a point where it could match or supersede offset printing technology’s ability to produce larger print runs of several thousand sheets at a low price.
Digital Printing takes a different approach assembling each image from a complex set numbers and mathematical formulas. These images are captured from a matrix of dots, generally called pixels, this process is called digitizing. The digitized image is then used to digitally controlled deposition of ink, toner or exposure to electromagnetic energy, such as light, to reproduce images.
The mathematical formulas also allow for algorithms to compress the data. It also give a method of Calibration or Color Management Systems which helps to keep images looking the same color despite where they are view or printed. One important function that the mathe-matical formulas allowed was the development of a common language for digital printing it is called PostScript and was developed by Adobe. To see what PostScript looks like open a PDF or EPS in a text editor, the code seems very intricate but to a computer it just a simple code of instructions.
One of the most important advantages that Digital printing offers is a quicker response time due to its minimal press setup and it’s built in multicolor registration system. This eliminates many of the upfront, time consuming processes that can cause analog printing methods to have a slower turn-around time. Another advantage of Digital printing is the ability of offer variable printing; this means that each printed piece can have different information on it providing personalization and customization unmatched by analog processes.
digital print
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Risograph is a high-speed digital printing system manufactured by the Riso Kagaku Corporation and designed mainly for high-volume photocopying and printing.
Increasingly, Risograph machines have been commonly referred to as a RISO Printer-Duplicator, due to their common usage as a network printer as well as a stand-alone duplicator. When printing or copying multiple quantities (generally more than 20) of the same original, it is typically far less expensive per page than a conventional photocopier, laser printer, or inkjet printer. The original is scanned through the machine and a master is created, by means of tiny heat spots on a thermal plate burning voids (corresponding to image areas) in a master sheet. This master is then wrapped around a drum and ink is forced through the voids in the master.
The paper runs flat through the machine while the drum rotates at high speed to create each image on the paper. This simple technology is highly reliable compared to a standard photocopier and can achieve both very high speed (typically 130 pages per minute) and very low costs. A good lifespan for a risograph might involve making 100,000 masters and 5,000,000 copies.
risograph
flexography
Flexography (often abbreviated to flexo) is a form of printing process which utilizes a flexible relief plate. It is essentially a modern version of letterpress which can be used for printing on almost any type of substrate, including plastic, metallic films, cellophane, and paper.
It is widely used for printing on the non-porous substrates required for various types of food packaging (it is also well suited for printing large areas of solid color). Flexography or flexographic printing uses flexible printing plates made of rubber or plastic. The inked plates with a slightly raised image are rotated on a cylinder which transfers the image to the substrate.
Flexography uses fast-drying inks, is a high-speed print process, can print on many types of absorbent and non-absorbent materials, and can print continuous patterns (such as for giftwrap and wallpaper). Some typical applica-tions for flexography are paper and plastic bags, milk cartons, disposable cups, and candy bar wrappers. Flexography printing may also be used for envelopes, labels, and newspapers.
A flexographic print is made by creating a positive mirrored master of the required image as a 3D relief in a rubber or polymer material.
Flexographic plates can be created with analog and digital platemaking processes. The image areas are raised above the non image areas on the rubber or polymer plate. The ink is transferred from the ink roll which is partially immersed in the ink tank. Then it transfers to the anilox roll (or meter roll) whose texture holds a specific amount of ink since it is covered with thousands of small wells or cups that enable it to meter ink to the printing plate in a uniform thickness evenly and quickly (the number of cells per linear inch can vary according to the type of print job and the quality required).
To avoid getting a final product with a smudgy or lumpy look, it must be ensured that the amount of ink on the printing plate is not excessive. This is achieved by using a metal scraper, called a doctor blade. The doctor blade removes excess ink from the anilox roller before inking the printing plate. The substrate is finally sandwiched between the plate and the impres-sion cylinder to transfer the image. The sheet is then fed through a dryer, which allows the inks to dry before moving on.In the case a UV ink is used, the sheet does not have to be dried, but is dried from UV rays.
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Pad printing is a printing process that can transfer a 2-D image onto a 3-D object. This is accomplished using an indirect offset (gravure) printing process that involves an image being transferred from the cliché via a silicone pad onto a substrate.
Pad printing is used for printing on otherwise impossible products in many industries including medical, automotive, promotional, apparel, and electronic objects, as well as appliances, sports equipment and toys. It can also be used to deposit functional materials such as conductive inks, adhesives, dyes andlubricants. The unique properties of the silicone pad enable it to pick the image up from a flat plane and transfer it to a variety of surfaces, such as flat, cylindrical, spherical, compound angles, textures, concave, or convex surfaces.
pad printing
offset litho
A lithograph is a type of printing process during which original works of art can be printed and reproduced; the final product is also known as a lithograph, which is an authorized copy of an original work created by an artist or other skilled craftsmen.
The printing process for creating lithographs is different from other traditional methods, mainly because it does not require the print-maker to first etch the image into metal plates. Prints can be made of original works of art, first created on the stone table or metal plate, or images from paintings or drawings can be duplicated with this method. If the print quality of a lithograph is excellent and the production numbers are low, it may have significant value in the art world.
Offset litho printing is a commonly used printing technique in which the inked image is transferred (or “offset”) from a plate to a rubber blanket, then to the printing surface. When used in combination with the lithographic process, which is based on the repulsion of oil and water, the offset technique employs a flat (planographic) image carrier on which the image to be printed obtains ink from ink rollers, while the non printing area attracts a water-based film (called “fountain solution”), keeping the non-printing areas ink-free.
The most common ways of litho applications include: newspapers, magazines, brochures, stationery, and books. Compared to other printing methods, offset printing is best suited for economically producing large volumes of high quality prints in a manner that requires little maintenance. Many modern offset presses use computer to plate systems as opposed to the older computer to film work flows, which further increases their quality.
The actual process of printing is quite involved. One of the most important functions in the process is pre-press production. This stage makes sure that all files are correctly processed in preparation for printing. This includes converting to the proper CMYK color model, finalizing the files, and creating plates for each color of the job to be run on the press.
Every printing technology has its own identifying marks, as does offset printing. In text reproduction, the type edges are sharp and have clear outlines. The paper surrounding the ink dots is usually unprinted. When halftone is used, the dots are always hexagonal though there are different screening methods (AM and FM).
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Rotogravure (Roto or Gravure for short) is a type of intaglio printing process; that is, it involves engraving the image onto an image carrier.
In gravure printing, the image is engraved onto a cylinder because, like offset printing and flexography, it uses a rotary printing press. Once a staple of a newspaper photo features, the rotogravure process is still used for commercial printing of magazines, post cards, and corrugated (cardboard) product packaging.
With gravure printing an image is etched on the surface of a metal plate or cylinder so that the image you want to print is in the recesses or depressions not the raised part of the plate (unlike relief printingwhere the image is raised). The recesses are filled with ink and the raised (non-printing) portions of the plate or cylinder are wiped or scraped free of ink leaving the ink only in the recesses. The paper or other material is pressed against the inked plate or cylinder and the image is transferred to the paper. Rotogravure presses can produce a vast range of print jobs. They can be as narrow as labels used on envelopes or shipping packages, or as wide as 12 feet (about 3.66 meters) wide rolls of vinyl.
The rotogravure press is not restricted to just paper or foil. In fact, materials such as plastic or foil can be printed on through several processes that include electrostatic pull and applied pressure.
A rotogravure press includes an ink fountain engraved cylinder, a doctor blade, a dryer, and an impression roller. The engraved ink fountain cylinder is versatile enough to be changed to meet the requirements of each job layout. Generally, these changes are made by adjusting its circumference.
Each color on a rotogravure press has its own printing unit. These colors are referred to as CMYK in the publishing profession. CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and key, with “key” being a the print name given to the color black.
Besides printing, a rotogravure press also has the capacity to produce saddle stitching. Saddle stitching is commonly used for holding together magazines and brochures. Rotogravure presses can print magazines that have a long run with over one million copies.
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Foil stamping, typically a commercial print process, is the application of pigment or metallic foil, often gold or silver, but can also be various patterns.
There is also pastel foil which is a flat opaque color or white special film-backed material, to paper where a heated die is stamped onto the foil, making it adhere to the surface leaving the design of the die on the paper. Foil stamping can be combined with embossing to create a more striking 3D image. It is still regularly used in many applications and can achieve results that are virtually impossible by any other method. High gloss metallic, holograms, wood grains. The composition of the foil means that it adheres to a vast range of materials and is protected by a really tough lacquer.
Foil stamping
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Screen printing or silk screening is a printing technique particularly suited for flat or relatively flat surfaces.
The heart of the process involves a fine mesh or screen that is tightly stretched around a rigid frame. The areas that are not to be printed are masked out on the screen. To create the print, the framed screen is positioned over the item to be printed along with a dollop of thick ink. A squeegee is then used to press the ink through the screen.
The masked areas prevent ink from passing through, but the unmasked areas allow the ink to be imprinted on the material. The final step is to send the item on a conveyor belt through a heat-tunnel. This curing process ensures that the inks dry quickly so that they materials can be stacked or packaged. Properly cured inks will remain on the printed substrate even under harsh conditions.
If more colors are desired in the final design, the proc-ess is repeated with different screens. Therefore, a design that requires four different colors would require
four different screens. The screens are usually placed on a rotary press which allows the different color prints to be properly aligned or registered with each other. Some screen-printers have fully automatic presses that do not require any manual labor other than set-up and loading/unloading.
There are a variety of ways that the screen can be masked. The most straightforward way is to apply masking fluid directly on the screen. This technique is suitable for simple one or two color graphics but is ineffective for more complex prints. For multicolor jobs, screen-printers often use photosensitive emulsions to create the masked areas.
First, the design is created on a clear piece of plastic film. Meanwhile, a photosensitive coating is applied to the entire surface of the screen and then dried. The film is placed on the prepared screen and they are exposed to bright light. After a period of time, the exposed areas can be washed off the screen with water which makes the screen ready to print.
screen printing
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letterpress
Letterpress is relief printing. It involves locking movable type into the bed of a press, inking it, and rolling or pressing paper against it to form an impression. It was the normal form of printing text from its invention by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century until the 19th century and remained in wide use for books and other uses until the second half of the 20th century.
In addition to the direct impression of inked movable type onto paper or another receptive surface, letterpress is also the direct impression of inked printmaking blocks such as photo-etched zinc “cuts” (plates), linoleum blocks, wood engravings, etc., using such a press. Letterpress printing remained the primary way to print and distribute information until the twentieth century, when offset printing was developed. It was also an extremely important technological innovation, making printed material available to a wider range of classes of people.
binding and folding
perfect bind
japanese stab stitch bind
double loop ringbind
screw and post bind
thermal tape bind
ringbind (folder)
saddle stitch bind
single fold
roll fold
z-fold
conertina fold
gate fold
binding folding
Book binding is a technical craft for the connection of individual pages of a book into a single volume.
It is practiced both on a high intensity commercial level to produce the millions of books which are printed every year, or it can be performed by hand, by artisans who are creating one of a kind books. Bookbinding is an ancient technique, with examples of bound books in durable materials like vellum dat-ing back thousands of years.
Whether books are being bound for large scale commercial sale or special occasions, bookbind-ing involves a few basic principles. The pages are printed, using a technique called imposition where up to sixteen pages are printed front to back onto one sheet of paper called a signature. The signature is folded into a section of text which is then bound and trimmed to free the folded edges. A short book may only contain one signature, while lengthy texts may have hundreds.
The signatures are bound together with heavy waxed thread so that they cannot pull apart, although some modern bookbinding techniques use glue instead because it is cheaper and much quicker.
Finally, the bound pages are enclosed inside a protective cover which is designed to be sturdy and durable, preventing damage to the inside of the book. This stage of bookbinding leaves the most room for creativity and fun on the part of the artist. At one time, book covers were often beautiful and ornate, made from materials like leather or wood, and embossed or studded with gems. Modern commercially produced books usually have covers made from sturdy paper or cardboard, but it is still possible to find deluxe books bound in leather for special collections.
key
1. perfect bind
2. japanese stab stitch bind
3. double loop ringbind
4. screw and post bind
5. thermal tape bind
6. ringbind (folder)
7. saddle stitch bind
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single fold
This type of fold is mainly used for brochures, postcards and I actually saw some creative business cards with half fold as well.It is usually constructed by folding an sheet of paper once, creating 2 equal halves. The inner pages are usually used for the content, while the front and the back page presents some company information.
roll fold
Roll folds consist of four or more panels that roll in on each other. The roll in panels must get incrementally smaller to be able to tuck into the respective panels. One of the benefits of a roll fold is that it can have multiple panels, but rolls into a compact package.
z - fold
The “Z” style offers an advantage for multi-page letters to be collated and hand inserted for mailing. Because the pages nest together, the letter is opened with the pages in sequence. Folding the sheet of paper twice (the outside left panel folds to the left and the inside right panel folds to the left, forming the brochure cover)as a result it shapes as the letter “Z”.
concertina fold
A concertina fold is a continuous parallel folding of brochures and similar printed material in an accordion-like fashion, that is with folds alternatively made to the front and back in zig zag folds. Because they do not nest (as in Letter Folds) panels can be the same size
gate fold
The gate fold is very attractive as the succession of message presentation is dramatic. It requires e ither handwork or specialized equipment. Lining up images that cross over the inside flaps can be very difficult. The left and right edges fold inward with parallel folds and meet in the middle of the page without overlapping.
Leaflets that are folded are usually used for advertising or marketing purposes. There are many types of folds, only the most popular types are listed here. Although it is difficult to put a date on when some of these folds were first used, it is evident that their popularity boomed when the first mass production printers were introduced.
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paper folding examples
