Encyclopedia
The most important terms at a glance
With a banderole, packaging can be individualized in an uncomplicated and cost-effective way. The printable paper banderoles can be printed over the entire surface and then slipped over the packaging.
Application: finishing and individualization of packaging.
Print data: For four-color printing, we need the files in CMYK. Special colors must be created as spot colors.
Bleed refers to the margin that runs around the final format. This is needed to compensate for tolerances during trimming. Otherwise, it could happen that unsightly "flashes" appear after trimming.
Our recommendation: Place at least 3cm bleed on each side.
In blind embossing, no ink is used. Instead, the material is deformed with an embossing die. A visible and perceptible effect is created. Blind embossing works particularly well on soft uncoated paper.
Application: is particularly suitable for logos, slogans and fonts.
Print data: For blind embossing, we need the print data in vectors.
Colors: No color, but a noticeable, haptic effect.
In hot foil stamping, the print motif is separated from a foil with the aid of a heated stamp and applied to the material. The mostly metallic sheen gives the product a special look.
Application: is particularly suitable for logos, slogans and fonts.
Print data: For hot foil stamping, we need the print files in vectors.
Colors: Metallic tones, black, white, gold, silver and copper.
In screen printing, the print motif is applied directly to the material. This is done with a squeegee that spreads the ink through a screen, onto the target media.
Application: For logos, slogans and motifs.
Printing data: We require vector data for screen printing.
Colors: Screen printing is limited to 4-5 colors.
A vector graphic is a scalable graphic in which the elements of the graphic are drawn using mathematical expressions rather than rasterized pixels. An advantage of vector graphics is that even large graphics or images kept in vector format do not lose image quality when scaled. A disadvantage is that the format does not support transparency and animation.
A spot color is a pure base color, for printing processes. Instead of screening the color, as in 4-color printing, for example, a 100 percent ink coverage is achieved. The color appears fuller and more intense.
Application: Spot colors can be used instead of process colors (CMYK) or combined with them. Through spot colors, corporate colors of a company or brand can be printed on the target medium without large deviations.
