Thermography
Digital Printing
Printing is a major portion in the cost of invitations. There are several types of printing to choose from and each one comes with its very own price tag. They include from lowest to highest:
-flat printing (laser, digital, offset)-raised (thermography)
-embossed or debossed (letterpress, engraving)
Traditionally, engraved invitations were a sign of formality and elegance. Engraving is and has always been very costly. Today not only is it the most expensive form of printing but it is also a rare art form. In comparison, thermography was created to give invitations a faux engraved look at a much lower price. In recent decades, it has been the choice of almost every bride. While not as expensive as engraving, it can become costly when requesting special colors.
The evolution of technology has allowed us to introduce offset, digital and laser printing. Offset and digital is most commonly associated with magazine printing. Laser, the least expensive of all printing, can be done by a stationer or on your personal printer.
When choosing your printing option, consider the color of ink you would like. Some colors require a special mix or set-up process and this will be added to the cost of prints. You will also be charged more if you ask for a 2-color print. To be safe and remain under budget, choose black ink. If you must have color, we suggest 1 color only to keep costs at a minimum.
Recap: Print costs can eat up your budget. Choose the quality and color that fits your pocketbook.
Tip: If color ink is your choice, try to request common colors or ask if the colors you like will be a special mix or need a special set-up.
1 comments:
One of the reasons engraving is more expensive is that it is a hand feed process, as well as the image area limitations it has. Additionally, engraving can only run one ink color at a time. The presses are stamping presses that use either a copper etched plate (which is made photo mechanically) or a steel die (which is carved by hand). It takes approximately 1 hour just to set the plate in place on the press and get the press ready to run. The hand fed press is set to run at different speeds, depending on the plate, the ink color being used and the skill of the operator in transferring the paper in and out of the press. The engraving press is a stamping press. It physically embeds the ink INTO the fabric of the paper. Currency is made in this fashion.
The process of letterpress is very similiar to engraving, with the exception of being an automated press. The ink is stamped on the surface of the paper. A well executed letterpress print should NOT have deep impression OR show the impression on the back of the sheet. Letterpress also requires some type of a plate, albeit polymer or magnesium metals. This process can only run one ink color at a time as well.
Offset and thermography are esentially the same thing. The ONLY difference between the two is when doing thermography, the offset print sheet is dropped onto a conveyor belt that takes the printed piece through a tunnel system that dusts a polymer powder on the face of the sheet, sticking to the wet ink, the sheet then goes through a vacuum area, removing the excess from the paper that doesn't stick to the non-inked areas, then into either a UV or heated tunnel to "cook" the powder, bonding it to the ink and in reality placing a plastic like coated surface on the ink. Most printers vary the price of thermography and offset very, very slightly, especially when producing a short run piece, such as an invitation. Most offset presses can run two ink colors simultaneously.
Laser and digital processes are mainly limited by the capability of the laser or ink jet printer or copier. Many of these "machines" cannot run very thick or very textured card stock. Fiber content of the paper being used can also be a factor, due to the laser electro-statically bonding a toner to the surface of the sheet. With ink jet printers, a more porous sheet can bleed into the paper if the paper is too porous or not want to dry very quickly if the paper is too hard finished.
There is way more to all of this than meets the eye. There are many factors that come into play. That is why when you are making a choice, be sure and talk with a professional to see what is the best application for your needs, budget and design. Always remember, the invitation sets the tone of the occassion.
Post a Comment