What is Post Press

Post Press is an essential step in the printing process and does come after the actual printing is done. It helps the client and technicians in determining how the intended look, shape and feel of the printed product would be.  

Post press is further branches into different specific processes to cater to the needs depending upon the type of project and the job being handled. We have listed some of them which are often used to fulfill the post operations and achieve the intended look.  

Cutting  

It is one of the most basic operations in post press process and is implemented in the majority of projects. It employs cutter machines specific for cutting large substrates into different sheets or pages. There are different methods for cutting printed graphics depending on their material, thickness and shape.  

Die Cutting 

There are primarily two types of die cutting processes – digital die cutting and steel rule die cutting. Both of them, however, cut a substrate by pressing a sharp blade into it along the intended cutting path.  

Whereas digital die cutting uses a computer-controlled CAD to drag a small blade over the graphic, steel rule die cutting, on the other hand, uses a long blade that is pressed into the material at once much like stamping. The former is great for short-run jobs while the latter though fast but requires a tailored die for each job thus suitable for long runs. 

Laser cutting 

 As the name suggests, it involves using a laser to cut the substrates into shapes that are otherwise not possible with a die cutter. Although lasers can easily and quickly cut through the thin substrate but often require high power when cutting thick ones. 

Shear cutting 

It is also known as guillotine cutting and is suitable for cutting numerous sheets at once with the help of its straight and long blade. However, it only cuts in straight lines which makes its use limited to rectangle shapes only.  

Folders 

It is done primarily in printing workshops where pamphlets, magazines and product boxes are printed. There are mainly 3 types of folders which are commonly used and they are bone folders, knife folders and buckle folders.  

Binding 

It involves the fastening of individual sheets or printed material together. The three most common binding techniques which are used are- adhesive binding, side binding and saddle binding. For completing the binding process, three individual types of covers are used. They are – 

• Self-covers 
• Soft-covers 
• Case-bound covers. 

Embossing 

It creates raised images on paper and is specifically used on greeting cards, books, artwork, pamphlets, etc. The process involves using two different dies where one is raised and the other is recessed. The paper is pressed between both dies and they are heated. The combined effect of pressure and heat shapes the paper fabrics and an embossed image or text is created.  

Collating 

Collation is a critical part of finishing any major printing projects. Making sure all of the pages are in order is vital for ensuring the material is readable and understandable.  

It is a critical part of finishing any printing project as it ensures that all of the pages are in order as well as making sure that the material is readable and understandable. The professionally collated pages ensure that the final project is well aligned to the desired outcome. 

Lamination 

Lamination involves placing a printed project between two pieces of plastic and bonding the layers together to form one project. It helps in extending the life of the printed project and at the same time provides protection against smudges, stains, fingerprints and moisture. It also adds to the stiffness and strength of paper. As it uses completely transparent material, it doesn’t compromise the design aspect of the project. 

UV Protection 

The post-press UV protection ensures that the colors of printed projects remain brilliant and true to their natural richness. This must be used especially in archival print projects to safeguard them against UV rays and for their longevity as they cause printed images to fade or darken, depending on the material.  

These types of print projects must be adequately sealed as UV rays are known to cause the paper to break down and become brittle which raises the chances of damage over the time. 

Conclusion 

The right post-printing processes are essential for finalizing all types of print projects and ensuring they are completed appropriately. There are so many options that can help to bring your print projects to life and even extend their protection so they last. And to carry out these processes to their intended conclusion it is critical to have the right post press equipment.  

At Machine Dalal , we have a wide selection of post press equipment listed with us from trusted suppliers and manufacturers from all around the world. Do visit us at our website to find the right equipment as per your requirements.  

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