Paper weight conversion chart – pounds to gsm

May 22, 2009 by Brenda Bell · 5 Comments
Filed under: Digital Printing, Educational, Paper 

Digital color machines (like the Konica Minolta we have) are more particular about paper weights than our offset presses. For this reason most digital machines use grams/square meter instead of the conventional weight system. This is more accurate in the fact that it doesn’t vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The caliper of one manufacturer’s 100# cover may be different from the caliper of another manufacturer’s paper in the same weight. No so with gsm weights.

Below is a conversion chart from the conventional weight system to gsm (and visa versa). Most production digital color machines, including ours cannot run heavier than 300 gsm stock. Using the chart below, you can see this is approx. 110# cover, depending on the manufacturer that is.

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Tips for Submitting a Print Project

May 19, 2009 by Brenda Bell · 2 Comments
Filed under: Design, Educational, Preflighting, Prepress, Technology 

There are several simple guidelines that designers and file submitters can follow to avoid unnecessary prepress charges and project delays.

To ensure a file outputs correctly and consistently it is helpful to have the following:

  • The native art file (sometimes called layout file). This is the file that you would produce in a layout program such as Indesign or Quark.
  • All support files. A support file is anything brought into the layout program, such as an image. When you import a file (like an image), the layout program does not place the entire image; it only places a low-resolution preview and creates a link to the actual file. This means if the support file that is referenced in the layout file is not provided, we cannot output that image. Also be sure to update all of your links before submitting files for printing.
  • All fonts. Due to so many different variations and versions of fonts, it is best to have the font used to create the layout to ensure that your type does not re-flow and otherwise look different that intended. Also, it is worth noting not to use the italic and bold buttons within programs. Use the Italic and Bold versions of the actual font.
  • Lasers or a pdf of the file that you are sending us so we can have something to reference to ensure your file outputs the way you intended.

or….

  • A press quality pdf (such as a pdf built to the x1a-2001 standard) with bleeds

Providing us with all of the types of files is very easy these days with built in features in common layout applications. With the click of a mouse, these features will copy all the necessary files into a folder for you.

  • In Indesign this feature is called Package. Package is located under File > Package.
  • In Quark this feature is called Collect for Output. Collect is located under File > Collect for Output
  • In other programs such as Illustrator, Freehand, CorelDraw etc. the files linked in the layout program and the fonts will have to be tracked down and put in a folder manually.

Here are some other guidelines that will help your digital files not only become a printed reality, but look their best while staying on budget and on schedule.

  • Make sure all images are 250 – 300 dpi when placed at 100%
  • Make sure all images are converted to CMYK
  • Build files to final size and in reader’s spreads. This means if your intended product is 5×8, make the page size in your layout 5×8. If the project includes bleeds (where ink runs off the edge of the paper), extend your images or color 1/8 of an inch beyond the edge of the page where bleeds are intended. If your file is built in printer’s spreads, please inform us so that we can make sure your project is imposed properly.

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Our new Konica Minolta bizhub pro c6500

May 18, 2009 by Brenda Bell · 2 Comments
Filed under: Digital Printing, Press Releases 

We just finished installing our new Konica Minolta Bizhub pro c6500 digital color machine. This new machine allows us to provide you with high quality color prints that are more cost effective at lower quantities. The machine also allows us to provide you with blazing fast turnarounds for those last minute projects. Here are some basic specs on the machine:

Maximum sheet size: 13 x 19
Maximum sheet thickness: 300 grams per square meter (approximately 110# cover)
Inline folding and stitching capabilities for booklets and brochures
Near offset quality color
65 pages per minute

This machine is in addition to our offset offerings. Contact your Account Representative for samples today!

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Moving Offices

May 15, 2009 by Brenda Bell · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Digital Printing, Press Releases 

We recently completed an interoffice move by switching prepress’s office and the customer service and estimating departments. While renovating our old film room to make room for our digital color machine, we swapped the two offices to improve workflow within the company. Now prepress is now located within steps of both the proofing/plating room and the new digital production space while the customer service and estimating department is now located closer to the sales department.

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