Ten Questions For Testing Your Knowledge Of Printing

 1. For rush projects on an offset/traditional press, does uncoated stock or coated stock allow the ink to dry faster?

 

  A. Uncoated

 

  B. Coated    

 

2. Small quantity projects are typically printed on a digital press. What is the maximum sheet size (including bleeds) that can be printed on our Kodak NexPress?

 

  A. 11" x 17"

 

  B. 12" x 20"

 

  C. 13.4" x 35.6"

 

  D. 28" x 40"

 

3. True or False: All 100 lb Cover paper is the same thickness.

 

  A. True

 

  B. False   

 

4. What is the largest paper size we can run on our offset presses?

 

  A. 20" x 24"

 

  B. 23" x 35"

 

  C. 25" x 38"

 

  D. 28" x 40"   

 

5. True or False: File preparation (graphic design) can be the same regardless of whether the printing method is digital press or offset/traditional press.

 

  A. True

 

  B. False    

 

6. True or False: For short-run or variable data projects, digital press production is limited to 4-color process.

 

  A. True

 

  B. False    

 

7. True or False: If producing a printed envelope, using color that bleeds off the edge or butts to the top will cause the piece to be very expensive, and the envelopes must be converted from flat press sheets.

 

  A. True

 

  B. False 

 

8. Which of the following type of paper is generally most expensive?

  YellowPrinting.com

  A. Uncoated

 

  B. Gloss coated

 

  C. Dull/matte/satin/silk coated

 

  D. It depends    YellowPrinting.com

 

9. If designing a document with large areas of solid black, what is the best way to build that?

 

  A. Use 100% black

 

  B. Use 100% of all colors

 

  C. Use a combination of all colors

 

  D. None of the above   

 

10. True or False: If producing a pocket folder or other die cut piece, an existing die should be used, or the cost will be dramatically higher when creating a custom die.

 

  A. True

 

  B. False    

 

 

 

Coated stock allows for faster dry times, because the ink is exposed to the air. Ink soaks into uncoated paper, therefore requiring longer dry times.

 

 

The newest digital press can print projects up to 13.4" x 35.6".

 

 

Typically, uncoated paper is thicker than coated paper and the thickness can vary for various types and brands. The weight, however, will be identical.

 

 

Be aware that the maximum image area we can print is about 27.5" x 40". This allows room for gripper, side guide and color bars.

 

 

Nothing needs to be done differently on the design end. 

 

 

Kodak NexPresses can utilize “Dimensional Imaging” effect, which can give a raised clear, spot varnish look - or a textured feel. We can also print with metallic gold toner in addition to 4-color process. 

 

 

For large volume projects of several thousand envelopes or more, this is true. But for smaller projects, we can print with bleeds on our digital envelope press, which is limited to 4C process printing. 

 

 

There are papers of varying quality in all of these categories. Generally speaking, uncoated stock of the fine printing variety is normally more expensive because of all that goes into manufacturing it.

 

 

While the exact formula is somewhat subjective, we recommend using 50/40/35/100 (CMYK). Using equal amounts of each color tends to produce a slightly "reddish" black. It also uses too much ink to dry. Using the recommended combination yields a better gray balance, and a "richer" black. However, for the text only or barcode, you should set your black areas to 100% black only.

 

 

Pocket folders and other die cut pieces are inherently expensive, because of the multiple steps they must go through, including printing, die cutting, final trimming, folding and assembly. The cost of the die itself is a small portion of the entire cost. For example, a custom die can be created for a pocket folder for approximately $200-300, depending on complexity.

 

How's your test results? How many points had you got?

 

If you had any printing questions, please contact us for professional suggestions.