- Can letterheads be foil blocked and then subsequently laser printed?
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Yes, laser printing is possible provided that a laser compatible foil has been used. These are widely available and foil suppliers will be able to advise which of their products are suitable.
- What is cellulose?
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Cellulose is the main constituent of the vegetable fibres that are used to make paper. It occurs naturally in the various plants that can be used for making paper (such as trees, grasses, cotton etc.). Cellulose is a carbohydrate, i.e. it is built up from the elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. These cellulose fibres have the fortunate property that, with the addition of water, they chemically bond together and so a matt of paper can be formed.
- We are producing a job with litho printed pages and a cover made from Priplak. Are there any special considerations?
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Priplak, along with several other plastics, can be distorted by some conventional litho inks. If the Priplak is to be used within a litho printed job (for instance, as a cover or dividers) avoid litho inks with high mineral oil distillate. Vegetable / Soya based inks or similar known to work well. Check with your ink supplier and perform trials if a problem situation is likely to occur. It is recommended that any litho printed surface in close contact with the Priplak, as part of the finished job, be sealed by film lamination.
- What do the terms ECF, TCF and 'woodfree' mean?
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ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free) and TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) refer to the method of bleaching the pulp. Neither method uses chlorine gas and so are considered to be better for the environment. TCF does not use any chlorine at all whereas ECF uses some chlorine dioxide. This results in AOX (Adsorbable Organo Halogens) levels of zero and up to 0.5kg per tonne of air dried pulp respectively. 'Woodfree' is a description of pulp and paper meaning that they contain little or no mechanically ground fibres. Implies that fibres are chemically treated, thereby eliminating lignin and making the product purer, whiter and stronger. Woodfree is an historical paper-making term shortened from 'groundwood-free' and does not denote a paper or pulp made from materials other than wood.
- Are there any special considerations when using polypropylene as covers or dividers in conjunction with litho printed sheets?
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Yes, the right kind of litho ink needs to be used as Polypropylene can be distorted by some conventional litho inks. Avoid litho inks with high mineral oil distillates. Vegetable/soya based inks or similar are known to work well. Check with your ink supplier and perform trials if a problem situation is likely to occur. It is also recommended that any litho printed surface in close contact with polypropylene is sealed by film lamination.
- I would like to print on Chromolux. What type of ink do I need?
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If it is White Chromolux, conventional inks will be satisfactory. However if you are using metallic or coloured Chromolux you will need an ink for non-absorbent surfaces, often referred to as fully oxidizing
- I have encountered rubbing and marking problems when handling matt and silk coated papers, can I do anything to eliminate this problem?
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Matt and silk coated papers have an inherently abrasive surface. When pressure and friction is applied marking and rubbing commonly occur, therefore, we suggest protecting the surfaces by the application of a sealer or varnish. Your ink supplier will recommend the most compatible type for your finishing processes.
- What ink do I use on matt/silk coated stocks?
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We suggest that you use an ink specially formulated for this type of paper. Your ink maker will make specific recommendations.
- My paper will not feed, it was OK last night but now it looks like the North Sea. What have I done wrong?
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Paper should be protected from the elements by the use of stack covers between passes.
- Why am I getting cracking on this gloss board when I score and fold it?
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We would recommend that all art boards are pre-creased using a box board type creasing system prior to folding.
