PRODUCTION GUIDE

i. 1-sided specs

Our standard film is 1.2 Polypropylene unless otherwise noted.)

SHEET SPECS:

• Minimum Sheet Size 11" x 17"
• Maximum Sheet Size 28" x 40"
• Minimum Stock Thickness #80 Coated Text
• Maximum Stock Thickness 24 point board
• 1/2" - 3/4" Minimum clearance beyond your image area to be laminated.
• ALWAYSCLEARLY MARK GRIPPER & SIDE GUIDE
• Sheets should be dry and free of press powder

INK AND COATING SPECS:

• Imitation Metallic Inks are recommended – Metallics may not laminate properly
• Use Wax Free Inks
• Varnishes and aqueous coatings should be compatible
• Ink, Varnish and Primers MUST be 1/2" from all four sides of any sheet
• Silk Screen and copier inks will not laminate
• Thermal copies and faxes are not recommended for lamination

REMEMBER FOR ONE SIDED LAMINATING:

• Matte Polypro Films may scuff on dark colored stock. We suggest Matte Polyester film for dark colors.
• Films are available in gloss and matte (Non-glare) finish
• Plastic & Vinyl stock may blister, so send overs for testing
• Scoring, Perfing and Diecutting is completed AFTER lamination

.ii. 2-sided specs

SPECS FOR SEALED EDGES:

• Minimum Sheet Size: 2" x 3.5"
• Maximum Sheet Size: 27" x 40"
• Maximum Film Coverage: 26" wide on sealed edges
• Your paper must be cut to finished size
• Plastic will extend beyond paper 1/8" plus or minus 1/16" unless otherwise specified
• If multiple scores are required, allow room in your printing for the sealed edge plus 1/16" - 1/8" so the sheet will not buckle when folded
• Text weight, web stocks or color copies may wrinkle or wave – send overs for testing

 SPECS FOR FLUSH CUTS:

• Always supply Rule-ups and CLEARLY MARK GRIPPER & SIDE GUIDE
• We will keep film clean on your gripper and side guide only
• We require 1/4" minimum around the image area that you wish to laminate
• Scoring, perfing and die cutting is completed AFTER lamination

REMEMBER:

• Any required scoring is completed BEFORE lamination
• On rounded corners, plastic is rounded on sealed edges using 3, 5, or 10 mil films only. 1.5 mil sealed edge will not round corner.
• For the best bond, do not apply coatings prior to lamination
• Sheets must be completely dry and free of press powder
• Imitation Metallic Inks are recommended – Metallics may not laminate properly
• Provide adequate overs, especially when other finishing is required

iii. Wire-o Binding Specs

iv. Plastic Coil Specs

MECHANICAL BINDING SPECS:

• Allow 1/4" - 3/8" trim off signature spines
• Use light perforation on head and spine (please do not over perforate which could create gathering problems with signatures pulling apart)
• FOR SIGS UP TO 16 PAGES: Allow 1/8" head, 1/8" face, and 1/8" foot trim.
• FOR SIGS OVER 16 PAGES: Allow 1/4" head, 1/4" face, and 1/8" foot trim.
• NOTE: These trims can be adjusted to accommodate web cut offs and different sheet sizes. Please advise if different trims are needed.
• Signatures must be folded WITHOUT a lip
• Paper grain should run parallel to binding edge
• Shrink-wrapping is available to avoid scuffing problems that may occur in transit

The following are measurements from the edge of the trimmed sheets to the inside edge of the punched hole. Copy should be laid out to avoid this area.

v. Die Cut Specs

• Minimum Sheet Weight: 60# (.003)
• Maximum Sheet Weight: 24 Pt.
• Minimum Sheet Size: 8 1/2" x 11"
• Maximum Sheet Size: 25" x 35"
• 1/2" Gripper is needed, (allow 1" to the first knife on grid side)
• ALWAYS CLEARLY MARK GRIPPER & SIDE GUIDE
• Inks MUST be completely dry to prevent offsetting
• Allow 3/16" Min. color bleed beyond die cut areas to assure registration
• Block out all inks and coatings glue areas
• Provide a ruled out press sheet plus a full sheet film positive OR a ruled out press sheet plus a die vinyl
• Provide us with a production sample if available
• ALL die quotes are subject to final review of artwork