prodtech

Production Techniques

Understanding various production techniques and how the design
can affect the final outcome of a project is very important to insure the
highest quality work at the most efficient cost. This segment is the first
of a three-part series that will discuss areas of production where the
design of a piece directly impacts cost, quality, and the overall
success of the job.

Image Placement
When dealing with multiple passes of hot stamping foil, where the
images are placed within the design is extremely important in
determining the number of passes it will take to foil stamp the piece
on press. This is one area where communication with the foil stamper
in the design process could possibly save production time and
money. A slight change in the placement of an image may save an
entire pass on press.

Many variables come into play when deciding whether or not to run a
job with multiple foil pulls:

• Press type

• Direction of feed

• Placement of images to be stamped and/or embossed

• Types of foils specified

• Type of substrate

However, as a general rule, to run multiple webs of foil, you will need
at least one inch between images to allow for foil waste and die lock-
up. The key here is to discuss your options with your foil stamper
while still in the design process.

Also keep in mind that stamping fine-line, intricate images at the
same time as ones requiring large, solid coverage can be a
challenge, depending on the variables listed above. These types of
designs also may require additional passes through the press – even
if ample space is allotted between images. Again, communication
with your foil stamper is key.

The above illustration demonstrates how making a change in the
direction of the sheet can result in both a savings of foil (thinner rolls)
as well as create the opportunity for the operator to run both colors of
foil in one pass on press. Many times, small adjustments in the layout
of the sheet can make a huge difference in running time and cost
savings.