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We have solved a lot of printing and packaging problems for our long-time customers and they may already be familiar with the terms and technical parameters. For those less familiar with packaging, the following specifications may assist you in making more informed decisions.

Art and Creative Service

Valcraft can assist our clients in any phase of package creation including layout, photography, copy, typography, finished illustration and art, paste-up, color proofs, etc. or we can do the whole job with the customer though the final printed cards. Valcraft services - all or in part - are available to clients, their advertising agencies or their art studios.

UPC Codes

Sizing
1" x 1-1/2" for 100% / 80% available
Quality Control
Only originals are used
Specifications
Printing cannot be red - as red does not scan. If printed on front, product height will influence UPC size
Position
Lower right rear                    

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Picture Framing

Picture framing is a block of color around the border of a package (reverse white or solid color) which makes the die cutting process difficult. In skin packaging, where die cutting is more difficult, this problem is compounded. Our designers design out this problem.

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Hang Hole Location

• Minimum 1/4" from top of card
• Center of gravity must be determined
• Correct procedure is to align product on card, consider nesting parameters, and locate hang hole. Only after this has been done should the creation of graphics be done.
  

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Nesting

In combination with hang hole location, nesting is considered for maximum density of shippers.

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Process Ink Gamut

Combination runs as well as many individual custom runs utilize process printing. Color reproduction in process printing has certain limitations. Solids created out of screen tints should be watched to eliminate variation from run to run.

Color standards. When a specific color is required, color matches are created and color standards are set. Highs and lows are created around the standard color.

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Blisters

The size of the blister including draft and flange is very critical in package design. If blisters are to be used, the designer should get prototype blisters made, and then design the package around the blister. A tall product with a 10 degree draft side wall can add 1/2" to the size of the blister. The blister configuration may cause nesting problems.

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Color Separated Process Art

Much of 4 color process separating is done on sophisticated laser scanners. We recommend 150 line screen negatives for printing coated stocks, specifically blister cards. Skin board which is typically uncoated stock uses 133 line screen negatives. These should be done with U.C.R. (Underline Color Removal). A maximum printing density of 280 to 300 is acceptable.

Please contact us for further specifications on negative layouts, if they are supplied to us. Supplied negatives should also have:

• Register marks
• Trim marks
• Overlay and one piece laminate proofs          

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Package Size for Skin Packaging

Skin packages are produced in sheets which conform to the machine platen size. Typically these sizes are 18 x 24 and 24 x 30. To utilize the maximum yield we consider: A) Machine size. B) Screen lines. C) Common or uncommon bleeds. D) Height of product.

Gripper - 1/2" minimum; guide - 1/4" minimum; off guide and tail - 1/4" minimum.

Height of Product - typically, it is assumed the distance from the product to the edge of the card should be the same as the height of the product. Depending on the weight of the product this can be cut down to half.

Bleed, Round Corners. It is necessary in sizing skin packaging for the designer to be concerned with bleed. A fixed board size forces the package designer to make maximum utilization of stock. If round corners are to be used at least one direction requires 1/4" matrix. If the printing bleeds off the edges in screens or multi colors, a 1/4" matrix is used in both directions. A card 9 up on an 18 x 24 machine would be 5-1/2 x 7-1/2 not 6 x 8. Additional considerations should be alternating rows in layout for film bridging.

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Coated vs. Uncoated

Coated stock versus uncoated stock is simply this: Blister cards are produced on board that is fabricated at the mill with a clay coating. This surface enhances the printing reproduction. Skin board is a noncoated stock. Most ink matching systems provide color matches on coated and uncoated stock. If both blister and skin are used in a display product line, care should be taken to produce a "family look" in color matching.

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Valcraft Printing and Packaging Ltd.
#204-26633 Gloucester Way, Langley, BC, Canada V4W 3S8
Phone: (604) 856-4911     Toll Free 1-800-667-4911     Fax: (604) 856-3929
email: sales@valcraftprinting.com