FAQs: Printing Definitions and Terms
What is Offset printing?
Offset printing is a commonly used technique where 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.
Development of the offset press came in two versions: in 1875 by Robert Barclay of England for printing on tin, and in 1903 by Ira Washington Rubel of the United States for printing on paper.
Advantages of offset printing compared to other printing methods include:
What is computer-to-plate (CTP) technology?
Computer-to-plate (CTP) is an imaging technology which helps to transfer a digital image generated in a computer directly to a printing plate. Before CTP, the technology used was computer-to-film (CTF), where the image output was passed to a photographic film, and the output film was then used to make the printing plate. This process is similar to darkroom photography. The CTP technology helps to eliminate all the darkroom processes, and hence is cost effective. CTP is a much faster process compared to film-based printing, so the productivity of printing increases greatly.
What is digital printing?
Digital printing is printing using digital techniques developed for computer printers such as inkjet or laser printers. It is the newest printing process. It includes all processes that use digital imaging to create printed pieces. Desktop printing and publishing use this. The process does not use film. It is a low cost method of printing best suited for short-run, fast-turnaround jobs. It works directly from electronic data without the need for printing plates. This makes the process very quick but the print quality, although a good alternative is not on par with offset printing for some professional print jobs.
What is Plastic Lamination?
Plastic lamination is to bond a plastic film to a printed sheet by means of heat and pressure for protection of the work or to improve the appearance of the work. Usually added to book covers, whether hard or soft bound, to help protect the printed cover. Laminating paper can prevent it from becoming creased, sun damaged, wrinkled, stained, smudged, abraded and/or marked by grease, fingerprints and environmental concerns. Plastic lamination can either be shiny/glossy plastic or matte plastic laminate.
UV Lamination-- Ultra-violet cured coatings can be applied over ink printed on paper and dried by exposure to UV radiation. Due to the normally high solids content of UV coating/varnish the surface of the cured film can be extremely reflective and glossy. 80 text and heavier weights of paper can be UV coated, however, cover weights are preferred. UV can be used on smooth, uncoated papers. UV can be applied on spot locations of the paper or by flooding the page. This coating application can deepen the color of the printed area. Drying is virtually instantaneous when exposed to the correct level of UV light so projects can move quickly into the bindery. Like the other coatings, consult the bindery for projects requiring gluing. Using a strippable coating blanket can eliminate glue issues. New, Innovative coating blanket solutions have been developed recently that allow for this to be done. A printed page with UV coating applied can be very shiny or flattened to a matte finish. A good example of UV coated paper is photo paper sold for home printing projects. UV coatings that are not fully cured can have a slightly sticky feeling.
What is perfect binding?
An unsewn, flat-spined binding of a book made with glue. It is a method of binding using glue to hold the interior sheets of the book together and to a wrap-around heavier paper cover. The quality of the paper, adhesive, and process determine the quality of the binding. Perfect binding is a common binding method for paperback books.
What is saddle stitched binding?
Binding folded sheets or signatures of paper are gathered together, one inside the other, placed over a "saddle", and stitched or stapled along the spine with wire. In layman’s terms, it is binding using staple wires. Most suitable for booklets and magazines.
What is hard binding?
A hardcover or hardbound book has rigid covers and is stitched in the spine. Looking from the top of the spine, the book can be seen to consist of a number of signatures bound together. When the book is opened in the middle of a signature, the binding threads are visible. Hardcover books are typically of octavo size or larger. Unusually large and heavy books are sometimes bound with wire or cable.
What is die-cutting?
Die cutting is a process in manufacturing that cuts uniform shapes from paper, wood, metal and cloth. Die cut machines may be large for industrial purposes, or smaller and less expensive for use by individuals. The die itself is often a blade that has been bent into the desired shape. The blade is secured to a backing and inserted into the machine. When in operation, the die functions much like a cookie cutter, pressing shapes from the material rolling through the machine. Die cut machines may be manually operated or computerized. Usual print jobs that require die cutting are give away fans with customized shapes, specialized book covers or invitations and boxes.
What is a perforation job?
Row of unconnected cuts in a sheet of paper that make it easy to tear off a portion of the sheet, such as for raffle tickets, receipts and office forms. A perforation is done on paper using a specialized perforation machine, usually a Minerva machine with a perforation blade.
What is a numbering job?
Numbering a large amount of paper (such as receipts or raffle tickets) require a numbering machine. This is a machine (usually attached to a Minerva printing machine) used for printing consecutive numbers on paper.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAPER FOR PROFESSIONAL PRINTING:
C2S – coated paper that means Coated on two sides of paper, hence the acronym C2S. Coated paper may be glossy or matte finished. This is the type of paper usually used for professional printing of brochures, flyers, yearbooks, etc.
Foldcote – board type of paper that is coated on one side and with white paper backing. This type of paper has a smoother feel compared to the cheaper claycoat paper type.
Claycoat – board type of paper that is coated on one side but with unfinished/gray backing. Cheaper alternative to the foldcote but with a less smooth finish.
Book paper – traditional white paper more opaque than bond paper and good for 2-sided printing, book paper is also characterized by excellent folding qualities and durability. Book paper has a basic size of 25" x 38" and the basis weights range from 22 to 150 lbs. Most book paper can be used on offset presses.
Newsprint - Inexpensive paper made primarily of mechanically ground wood pulp rather than chemical pulp is known as newsprint. Has a shorter lifespan than other papers but is cheap to produce in bulk and is the least expensive paper that can withstand normal printing processes. Newsprint has a basic size of 24" x 36". Typically used for newspapers and may also be used for comic books, some newsletters and trade magazines and buy/sell/trade classified ad weeklies.
Bristol paper – Also known as the common cartolina paper, bristol paper is a heavy weight, stiff paper with a caliper of .006" or higher, bristol board may be made by layering or laminating papers together to the desired thickness. The basic size is 22.5" x 28.5". The name bristol board originates because this type of thick paper, originally made from rags, came from Bristol, England.
Vellum paper – similar to Bristol, this is a common board type of paper, usually white that is commonly used for calling cards and tickets.
Specialty papers– there are a wide variety of special papers available from retail bookstores and local suppliers. These papers vary in design, color, thickness and finish. Special papers are expensive paper types that are usually used for small run or special printed matter such as wedding invitations, high-end calling cards, school transcript of records, government stationery or letterheads of public officials, etc. You can request for swatches or samples of special papers from your professional printer.
Printing effects: foil stamping, embossing, etc
Foil stamping – text or book cover art to be printed with or stamped with gold or silver foil. Can also be foil embossed. Although traditionally gold or silver, color options can vary for foil stamping.
Embossing – printing procedure that means to press an image or text into paper so it lies above the surface.
Debossing - on the other hand, is when the imprinted design causes depressions in the material leaving a depressed (debossed) imprint of the image on the paper or card stock.
Spot UV refers to the application of this UV Coating to a specific area (or areas) of a printed piece rather than coating the entire surface. Used primarily as a design technique, Spot UV is a creative way to add depth and contrast through varying levels of sheen and texture.
Offset printing is a commonly used technique where 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.
Development of the offset press came in two versions: in 1875 by Robert Barclay of England for printing on tin, and in 1903 by Ira Washington Rubel of the United States for printing on paper.
Advantages of offset printing compared to other printing methods include:
- Consistent high image quality. Offset printing produces sharp and clean images and type more easily than letterpress printing because the rubber blanket conforms to the texture of the printing surface.
- Quick and easy production of printing plates.
- Longer printing plate life than on direct litho presses because there is no direct contact between the plate and the printing surface. Properly developed plates running in conjunction with optimized inks and fountain solution may exceed run lengths of a million impressions.
- Cost. Offset printing is the cheapest method to produce high quality printing in commercial printing quantities.
What is computer-to-plate (CTP) technology?
Computer-to-plate (CTP) is an imaging technology which helps to transfer a digital image generated in a computer directly to a printing plate. Before CTP, the technology used was computer-to-film (CTF), where the image output was passed to a photographic film, and the output film was then used to make the printing plate. This process is similar to darkroom photography. The CTP technology helps to eliminate all the darkroom processes, and hence is cost effective. CTP is a much faster process compared to film-based printing, so the productivity of printing increases greatly.
What is digital printing?
Digital printing is printing using digital techniques developed for computer printers such as inkjet or laser printers. It is the newest printing process. It includes all processes that use digital imaging to create printed pieces. Desktop printing and publishing use this. The process does not use film. It is a low cost method of printing best suited for short-run, fast-turnaround jobs. It works directly from electronic data without the need for printing plates. This makes the process very quick but the print quality, although a good alternative is not on par with offset printing for some professional print jobs.
What is Plastic Lamination?
Plastic lamination is to bond a plastic film to a printed sheet by means of heat and pressure for protection of the work or to improve the appearance of the work. Usually added to book covers, whether hard or soft bound, to help protect the printed cover. Laminating paper can prevent it from becoming creased, sun damaged, wrinkled, stained, smudged, abraded and/or marked by grease, fingerprints and environmental concerns. Plastic lamination can either be shiny/glossy plastic or matte plastic laminate.
UV Lamination-- Ultra-violet cured coatings can be applied over ink printed on paper and dried by exposure to UV radiation. Due to the normally high solids content of UV coating/varnish the surface of the cured film can be extremely reflective and glossy. 80 text and heavier weights of paper can be UV coated, however, cover weights are preferred. UV can be used on smooth, uncoated papers. UV can be applied on spot locations of the paper or by flooding the page. This coating application can deepen the color of the printed area. Drying is virtually instantaneous when exposed to the correct level of UV light so projects can move quickly into the bindery. Like the other coatings, consult the bindery for projects requiring gluing. Using a strippable coating blanket can eliminate glue issues. New, Innovative coating blanket solutions have been developed recently that allow for this to be done. A printed page with UV coating applied can be very shiny or flattened to a matte finish. A good example of UV coated paper is photo paper sold for home printing projects. UV coatings that are not fully cured can have a slightly sticky feeling.
What is perfect binding?
An unsewn, flat-spined binding of a book made with glue. It is a method of binding using glue to hold the interior sheets of the book together and to a wrap-around heavier paper cover. The quality of the paper, adhesive, and process determine the quality of the binding. Perfect binding is a common binding method for paperback books.
What is saddle stitched binding?
Binding folded sheets or signatures of paper are gathered together, one inside the other, placed over a "saddle", and stitched or stapled along the spine with wire. In layman’s terms, it is binding using staple wires. Most suitable for booklets and magazines.
What is hard binding?
A hardcover or hardbound book has rigid covers and is stitched in the spine. Looking from the top of the spine, the book can be seen to consist of a number of signatures bound together. When the book is opened in the middle of a signature, the binding threads are visible. Hardcover books are typically of octavo size or larger. Unusually large and heavy books are sometimes bound with wire or cable.
What is die-cutting?
Die cutting is a process in manufacturing that cuts uniform shapes from paper, wood, metal and cloth. Die cut machines may be large for industrial purposes, or smaller and less expensive for use by individuals. The die itself is often a blade that has been bent into the desired shape. The blade is secured to a backing and inserted into the machine. When in operation, the die functions much like a cookie cutter, pressing shapes from the material rolling through the machine. Die cut machines may be manually operated or computerized. Usual print jobs that require die cutting are give away fans with customized shapes, specialized book covers or invitations and boxes.
What is a perforation job?
Row of unconnected cuts in a sheet of paper that make it easy to tear off a portion of the sheet, such as for raffle tickets, receipts and office forms. A perforation is done on paper using a specialized perforation machine, usually a Minerva machine with a perforation blade.
What is a numbering job?
Numbering a large amount of paper (such as receipts or raffle tickets) require a numbering machine. This is a machine (usually attached to a Minerva printing machine) used for printing consecutive numbers on paper.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAPER FOR PROFESSIONAL PRINTING:
C2S – coated paper that means Coated on two sides of paper, hence the acronym C2S. Coated paper may be glossy or matte finished. This is the type of paper usually used for professional printing of brochures, flyers, yearbooks, etc.
Foldcote – board type of paper that is coated on one side and with white paper backing. This type of paper has a smoother feel compared to the cheaper claycoat paper type.
Claycoat – board type of paper that is coated on one side but with unfinished/gray backing. Cheaper alternative to the foldcote but with a less smooth finish.
Book paper – traditional white paper more opaque than bond paper and good for 2-sided printing, book paper is also characterized by excellent folding qualities and durability. Book paper has a basic size of 25" x 38" and the basis weights range from 22 to 150 lbs. Most book paper can be used on offset presses.
Newsprint - Inexpensive paper made primarily of mechanically ground wood pulp rather than chemical pulp is known as newsprint. Has a shorter lifespan than other papers but is cheap to produce in bulk and is the least expensive paper that can withstand normal printing processes. Newsprint has a basic size of 24" x 36". Typically used for newspapers and may also be used for comic books, some newsletters and trade magazines and buy/sell/trade classified ad weeklies.
Bristol paper – Also known as the common cartolina paper, bristol paper is a heavy weight, stiff paper with a caliper of .006" or higher, bristol board may be made by layering or laminating papers together to the desired thickness. The basic size is 22.5" x 28.5". The name bristol board originates because this type of thick paper, originally made from rags, came from Bristol, England.
Vellum paper – similar to Bristol, this is a common board type of paper, usually white that is commonly used for calling cards and tickets.
Specialty papers– there are a wide variety of special papers available from retail bookstores and local suppliers. These papers vary in design, color, thickness and finish. Special papers are expensive paper types that are usually used for small run or special printed matter such as wedding invitations, high-end calling cards, school transcript of records, government stationery or letterheads of public officials, etc. You can request for swatches or samples of special papers from your professional printer.
Printing effects: foil stamping, embossing, etc
Foil stamping – text or book cover art to be printed with or stamped with gold or silver foil. Can also be foil embossed. Although traditionally gold or silver, color options can vary for foil stamping.
Embossing – printing procedure that means to press an image or text into paper so it lies above the surface.
Debossing - on the other hand, is when the imprinted design causes depressions in the material leaving a depressed (debossed) imprint of the image on the paper or card stock.
Spot UV refers to the application of this UV Coating to a specific area (or areas) of a printed piece rather than coating the entire surface. Used primarily as a design technique, Spot UV is a creative way to add depth and contrast through varying levels of sheen and texture.
