Author: Phoebe Holt

Everything you need to know about wrinkles in 1-sided lamination

The following recommendations are for general practice relating to 1-sided lamination and wrinkles. Every application is different and some instances may require an alternate solution. Verify Your Paper Grain The second number in the paper size indicates the dimension of the long grain. For example, if the paper is labeled 12”x18” it means it is long grain. The grain runs parallel with the long dimension, ie. if the paper is labeled 18”x12”, it is short grain. Feed the Grain Dimension Parallel to the Roller For lamination, it is normally recommended to feed the dimension that is parallel to the...

Read More

Technology Roi, Market Pricing, and Cost/Benefit For Sleeking

Production Sleeking of 3-Step and 4-Step is relatively low-cost to enter, with a small format production system (automatically feeds, foils, and separates sheets at about 20 feet per minute) running just under $60,000 / while a larger and faster automatic system will run between $80,000-$115,000, depending on options and add-ons. From an ROI standpoint of a print provider/packaging printer/trade finisher, there is a huge benefit to adding a production Sleeking system, as it also performs high-speed production laminating of thin films.  Sleeking systems have all the functionality for one- sided laminating, running anywhere from speeds of 50-100 feet per...

Read More

New Laminating Applications for Label Printers

These days, options for print labeling are expanding, producing a variety of creative touches to make your labels outshine others on the market. Laminating applications like soft-touch, scuff-proof, linen, holographic, and more are all available to put your finest labels on display. Read on to discover some of the latest laminating techniques and applications to hit the industry. SoftTouch: The term “soft touch” refers to a finishing method that incorporates a velvety-soft feel to print materials. While many design elements in the industry pertain to ideas that appeal to one’s sight, the addition of a soft touch finish allows...

Read More

Why Finishing is More Profitable Than Printing

While the printing world understands that the print itself is the money-maker, the finishing touches can be the make-or-break element of a design. Why should we get into finishing? In general, printing is a grossly competitive market. The influx of Internet print companies has turned the power of full-color printing into an easily-grasped commodity that doesn’t present print shops with many avenues for displaying their unique talents. However, the use of finishes can revitalize the creative touch, since so many genuinely new and evocative ideas can now be done in finishing. It opens a whole aura of possibilities, focusing...

Read More

Tips for Achieving Perfect Prints Through the Sleeking Process

The process of Sleeking has introduced an entirely new element of design including laminating finishes for the printing industry. It offers a wide arrangement of optical effects, paired with engaging tactile film layers, with the use of just one laminator in-house to form a simple yet beautiful product. With such an easy solution at your disposal, you can transform regular digital prints into works of art that make an impact. These aesthetically-pleasing prints mimic the traditional process of print work, for only a fraction of the cost. Sleeking provides a wider variety of scalable options as well, able to perform both short...

Read More