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PRINTING EFFECTS 1 - LIGHT DIE CUTTING

V. Ryan © 2004 - 2021

 

Video - Die Cutting
 

WHEN ARE PRINTING EFFECTS NEEDED?

When manufacturing a poster, leaflet or packaging the quality of finish applied to the card is very important. A piece of printed card may look plain but if special printing effects are added the overall quality of the package / poster can be improved dramatically.

   

When designing a package or poster / leaflet etc.... The designer most keep the following points in mind:
1. Using special printing effects will add cost to the finished poster or package
2. Is the product being advertised by the poster or placed inside the package - a ‘quality product’ or a simple item? A quality product may need quality printing effects to give the right impression to the potential customer.
Nails or screws do not need a box or package that has been embossed, laminated or UV varnished, a plain package is all that is needed. On the other hand, a box of chocolates specially produced for Mothers Day needs a quality finish to impress the recipient.
3. Adding printing effects will increase the time it takes to manufacture the poster / package.
4. If printing effects are to be used - which ones are most suitable for the product?
5. Is the product inside the package being placed on sale at a special time of year, for example, Easter of Christmas. The seasonal presentation of products such as a chocolate or confectionery may mean that special printing effects are necessary. The product may be package for a special occasion.

   

Several printing effects are available at print workshops. All these add to the cost of manufacture but sometimes this is worthwhile. The application of each printing process is outlined below.

 
 
 

LIGHT DIE CUTTING - CREASING / FOLDING

   

We have all used books that when opened and closed a picture or diagram expands and then returns to its normal shape. This is effect is produced by a die cutting machine. (See earlier notes). The die cutter produces folds in the card that allows this movement to take place.
This technique is used for some pictorial books and popup cards.

 
 
 

QUESTIONS:
1. Explain why sometimes there is a need to use special printing effects.
2. Collect a range of packages and catalogues/ magazines. Try to identify the different printing effects that have been used.
3. From the packages and catalogues and magazines you have collected, cut out and label examples of printing effects.

   
 
   

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