| Questions |
Answers |
| Can you print on a formed part? |
All of our decoration is applied in the flat sheet. Forming and tooling happens after decoration. |
| How can I add depth to a color? |
Adding a mechanical finish under transparent colors is one way to add depth to a color. |
| What registration can you hold color to color using lithography? |
Our standard registration between lithography colors is .005". |
| What is the minimum stroke needed on positive graphics? |
We require a minimum of .003" stroke for positive printing. |
| What is the minimum stroke needed for reverse graphics or background printing? |
When printing a background color, we require a minimum of .008" stroke for the negative printing. |
| How do you print two transparent colors next to each other and minimize registration issues? |
We flare one color causing a slight overlap between colors. This overlap can create slight "halo" effect around the graphic. |
| What do you protect offset lithography decoration? |
All of our litho printing is protected by a clear topcoat which also determines the finished gloss level. |
| Can the nameplate be used for exterior applications? |
The topcoat that is applied to the nameplate determines what specs it would pass. |
| How do you match a finely detailed scratched or distressed look? |
Fine detail and any printing requiring halftones is achieved through offset lithography. |
| What considerations are there for printing a very light pastel color? |
An additional base or ground color may be required for printing very light colors. This is because the aluminum substrate may be too dark and darken the light color. |
| What is the Pantone Matching System? |
It is an international standard for referring to color. It is more commonly referred to as PMS. |
| What resolution do you use for 4 color printing? |
Our standard resolution is 300. |
| What light source should be used for viewing color? |
The standard for nameplate is cool white, and for automotive is daylight. There are exceptions by customer. |
| What is a prep? What is the prep charge for Nameplate? |
The artwork generated to make a litho plate or screen. One is required for each color or resist. The cost is $150 per color. |
| Can I have multiple gloss levels on my nameplate? |
Yes. First an overall gloss level would be applied through roll coating. Then a selective gloss is applied through screening. |
| Are there benefits to litho over screening? |
Typically we can achieve tighter registration and finer detail using offset lithography. |
| What metal substrates do you print on? |
Our standard substrate and most versatile substrate is aluminum. We can simulate the look of most metals using this substrate. We also work with brass and steel. |
| Are there other processes that will give a similar look to lithography? |
Yes. Both screening and coating can be used for overall colors. Screening can be used for most selective colors. |
| Can lithography be combined with other processes? |
Yes. Some of these include: mechanical finishes, screening, lensing and diamond cutting. |
| What considerations would steer you towards litho instead of screening? |
Capacity, volume, color, registration and graphics are all factors in determining this. |
| What do we you to help assure consistency when you run a pattern, 4 color process or wood grain? |
A process card gives the specific details and steps used as a guide for applying each color. |
| Why do you use litho to print fine type and graphics? |
Very fine graphics can dry up in a screen. |
| What considerations are there for determining the number of hits for a color? |
Color, opacity and graphics are all factors in determining number of passes. |
| What determines when printing steps are required to run a job? |
Typically we keep steps for woodgrain, 4 color process and patterns to verify the layers of color as the finish is created. |