Press Sheet Guidelines

For lamination and coating processes, the following guidelines should be observed in preparing your press sheets. Our specialists are available to answer any technical questions you may have.

• Press sheets should have ½″ margins on all four sides due to gripper and side guide requirements.
• Rule up and mark a layout sheet to show coverage areas, trim marks, bleed marks, and fold / score lines.
• Mark sample / special sheets and different lots, so they may be kept separate in loads.
• Inks should be free of wax, silicone, teflon, and other additives to assure proper adhesion of films and coatings.
• Rhodamine reds, purples and reflex blues are not recommended. Due to chemical composition, they may undergo some color change when laminated or coated, particularly when UV Coating is used.
• Special care should be taken with Metallic inks. Due to chemical composition, they may impede the adhesion of laminating films and UV coatings. Fake metallic ink can be substituted to avoid adhesion issues.
• Allow 24 to 48 hours of drying time before coating or laminating to assure proper adhesion.
• Allow 12 to 24 hours of drying time after laminating or coating before further finishing processes to assure proper cure of adhesives and coatings.
• Ink offset spray powder should be kept to a minimum for optimum appearance. UV coating, in particular, highlights the presence of spray powders.

Graphic spot coating ordering requirements

Electronic File Orders

CAD Based Patterns: Files should be supplied in native CAD/CAM format such as Artios, LaserPoint, DDES, or DXF. Indicate the coating pattern with design lines, highlighting, or a coating/varnish overlay. Bleed areas must be designated.

Graphic Design Based Patterns: Preferred software programs are Illustrator and Quark. Indicate die centers and any additional coating bleeds. We also work with EPS and PDF files.
Always include a copy of both the one-up file with the coating pattern and the full production die layout. This allows us to make any adjustments necessary to complete your order.

Supplied Film Orders

• Please supply RREU positive, 4 mil film, complete with center marks and edge of sheet marks. Note any other marks which should appear on the plate. Extraneous stripping and trim marks should be removed.
• Non matte films should be supplied RRED negative.

Clearly label all film for both orientation and identification. If needed, please call for assistance in assembling your project. We look forward to working with you.

General Production Specifications

Lamination

1 sided
Minimum sheet size: 8½″ x 11″
Maximum sheet size: 55″ x 80″

2 sided
Minimum sheet size: 8½″ x 11″
Maximum sheet size: 40″ x 56″

Sealed Edge
Minimum sheet size: 2″ x 3½″
Maximum sheet size: 30″ x 40″

UV Coat “Overall Flood”
Minimum sheet size: 11″ x 17″
Maximum sheet size: 30″ x 40″
Minimum Caliper: 8 pt.
Maximum Caliper: B flute

UV Coat “Spot”
Minimum sheet size: 11″ x 17″
Maximum sheet size: 28″ x 40″
Minimum Caliper: 60# Litho
Maximum Caliper: 24 pt.

Cutting
Maximum sheet size: 58″ x 78″
Maximum final trim: 61″

Miscellaneous

Shipping/Receiving Hours
7:30am – 10:30pm
(Special arrangements possible)

Office Hours
8:00am – 5:00pm

Production Schedule
Normal = 2 shift operation
24 hour operation available when production dictates (weekends also available)