Printing, this ancient art with multiple facets, is not limited to the application of ink on paper. A often overlooked but crucial element comes into play to bring documents to life: shaping. This step, akin to the sculpting of raw material, transforms printed sheets into finished, functional, and aesthetic products.
In the process of producing printed documents, shaping is not limited to a simple final step. It is a set of techniques that add value and quality to the final products, transforming prints into tangible objects, carriers of meaning and emotions. Each step of this process helps create captivating prints, capable of capturing attention and effectively conveying the client’s message. Let’s explore in more detail the main shaping processes in printing.
Die-cutting
The first step in shaping is to give the prints the desired shape. This involves cutting, which can be done in various ways. Specific die-cutting allows for the creation of precise and customized shapes. Scoring, on the other hand, creates a groove, facilitating neat and precise folds without cracking the paper. Perforation is used to create holes of various diameters on printed materials, which can be horizontal or vertical, with different standard or customized shapes. Finally, laser cutting allows both cutting and engraving of paper materials with remarkable precision.
Guillotine Cutting
Guillotine cutting is a finishing technique that involves using a machine called a guillotine cutter to give documents their final size. This machine can cut multiple sheets of paper simultaneously with great precision. Guillotine cutting is a crucial process to ensure clean and straight edges, meeting the exact dimensions required by the client. This operation ensures the consistency and uniformity of the final documents, which is essential for a professional presentation.
FOLDING
The organization of printed materials is a crucial step aimed at arranging the documents in the appropriate order. It helps structure the content, facilitate reading, and create a smooth user experience. This operation, carried out with the help of a mechanical folder, is generally performed on relatively thin sheets of paper. Folding also plays an important role in the aesthetics of the document, giving it an original and elegant shape through various types of folds: single fold, roll fold, cross fold, accordion fold, and window fold.
ASSEMBLY
Assembly refers to the process of grouping and assembling the various printed elements in an orderly and precise manner to form a coherent final product. This can be done manually or with the help of special machines, depending on the volume of production. Various assembly techniques exist, including stapling, spiral binding, perfect binding, Swiss binding, and gluing. Additionally, there are other more specific assembly options such as laminating and ring binding.
CASING-IN
Casing-in is a versatile shaping technique that adds durability, protection, and refined aesthetics to printed cardboard materials. This method offers several advantages: increased rigidity, enhanced protection, and better resistance to handling. It also provides a neat appearance, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the finished product. This technique involves applying a thicker covering material than that used for the inside of the document, specifically on the outer edges of the cover.
MORE THAN JUST FINISHING
For printers, shaping represents a stimulating challenge and an opportunity to perfect the printed work, thus ensuring remarkable quality and a final product that meets the client’s expectations. By understanding the importance of shaping, printing professionals can ensure that their products meet the highest standards in terms of quality and aesthetics.
To guarantee a result that is both functional, aesthetic, and impactful, the choice of the right process generally depends on a combination of factors including the type of document, budget, communication objective, target audience, production quantity, and deadline.
It is often essential to discuss with your printer to obtain advice on the finishing techniques most suitable for your project. To do this, we invite you to visit our website and if there is still a question, click here to contact us.
