Litho vs Digital Print

The digital versus litho debate is one that has been, if not exactly raging, then at least stewing for the past few years.

From a personal point of view, it isn’t a question of one being better than the other, more a question of which is fit for purpose.

Digital is the logical option for certain jobs, where there’s variable data, an ultra short run, or large format, for example, and litho is the process of choice for longer runs on a more regular format/sheet size.

But even that assumption is up for debate. The exact crossover point of the two technologies’ cost effective run lengths depends on who you listen to – press manufacturers say it’s in the low hundreds, while digital vendors say it’s still well into the thousands.

This question is further clouded as faster digital machines appear and, at the same rate of knots, litho press manufacturers unveil a make-ready advance that brings litho presses up to saleable print in just a handful of sheets.

Finally there’s the tricky question of print quality. It seems that you’re either of the opinion that digital is comparable to offset, or it’s not and never the twain shall meet. Personally, in terms of standard 4 colour process application, both options provide perfectly acceptable results, especially to the untrained eye, and it is the skill and advice provided by a professional print company, such as Print-Leeds, which becomes of greater value.

Judging by the number of firms like us that run both digital and litho kit, the question of which is best is largely redundant. We have recognised that it makes sense for the technologies to work in tandem and, rather than get bogged down in the subjective question of which is best, it turns into a simple question of economics.

Namely, which process will produce a specific job in the most cost-effective manner.

Simple!

Thanks to Darryl Danielli (editor of PrintWeek) on who’s original article this post is based.

A name to the face (and vice versa)

This may give too much away, but I'm old enough to remember a time when the vast majority of business was done in person.

I'm talking pre-internet, pre-mobile phone and, in the bulk of companies, pre-PC. The humble telephone was the most cutting-edge piece of technology most of us had at our disposal, photocopiers were primitive and the fax machine, when it arrived, was seen as miraculous, despite it's cost and unreliability.

Advances in communication technology over the past 25 years, and particularly the last decade, have provided us with so many mind-boggling tools (the internet, email, text messaging, instant messaging, video conferencing, voicemail, social networking, Twittering, Blogging), allowing us to maintain contact in real-time 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In some ways it is hard to imagine how we'd get by without them. However, I can't help feeling that something has been lost in this, very necessary, step forward in our communication habits. Many of our relationships, both business and personal, have become almost virtual.

There was a time when I knew all my suppliers and most of my customers personally. We'd met face-to-face and in many cases socialised, building relationships that went beyond the basic buyer-seller scenario. It also helped to build trust and understanding of the other party's needs and priorities. The person was the company and as a result everything was much more personal.

Not that we don't try to achieve the same result with new technology. It does allow us to build relationships, particularly those over long distances, but there's still no substitute for the one-on-one meeting. I'm sure we'd all agree that relationships are so much tighter with those customers/suppliers that we've actually met. The upside of technology is almost limitless and is something we all need to embrace, but it can sometimes be used as a veil by those with something to hide.

I'm not such a dinosaur that I have that rose-tinted view of those pre-communication technology days, nor do I harbour luddite tendancies for a return to the old days. I remember when artwork, printing plates, documents had to be posted or delivered by hand; I remember when things that we do instantly now used to take hours, days and even weeks; I remember when "out-of-the-office" meant totally out of contact; I remember when paper ruled and finding a document meant ages wading through masses of filing cabinets.

So there's no going back. I just hope that we do not lose the personal aspect of business altogether. I'm sure that if I was to analyse my database of customers, despite my considerable efforts to get to see them, the vast majority would just be a name and possibly a voice to me. Many just an email address.

Which brings me back to the primary reason for this posting. The short video presentation above is intended to give our customers and suppliers alike, a bit more information about the people they deal with on a day-to-day basis at Print-Leeds. It isn't perfect and it may even destroy a few images, but it is a start which we can hopefully build on in the future.

As always, more information is available on the Print-Leeds website, but it would be lovely to think that we might actually get to meet you sometime!

Recycling Symbols for Plastics

We're all familiar with the triangular recycling symbols that are appearing on more and more of our packaging, but you may not have been aware of the information each symbol imparts.

The following list shows the universal symbols for recycling plastic (packaging), and what they mean, which will help you identify exactly what you are throwing away.



Polyethylene Terepthalate (PET / PETE) - Has clarity, strength and toughness and is a barrier to gas and moisture. Used for soft drinks, water and various bottles.





High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - Stiff strong and tough, it has resistance to moisture and permeability to gas. Used for milk, juice and water bottles, bin and retail bags (crispy type).






Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - clear, versatile, easy to blend, with strength and toughness. Used for bottles, blister packs, cling film, cooking oil and detergent bottles.





Low Desity Polyethylene (LDPE) - easy to process, strong, tough and flexible, easy to seal, barrier to moisture. Used for frozen food bags, squeezable bottles, cling films, carrier bags, flexible container lids.





Polypropylene (PP) - strong, tough, resistant to heat, chemicals, grease and oil, versatile, barrier to moisture. Used for Reusable microwave ware, kitchenware, yoghurt containers, disposable cups, caps and film packaging.






Polystyrene (PS) - versatile, clear and easily formed, though slightly brittle. Used for egg cartons, disposable cups, trays and cutlery, clear trays.






All other Plastics (often polycarbonate or ABS) - includes resins not mentioned above or mixed polymers.





Unfortunately, although generally recyclable in theory, not all the plastic waste you send for recycling will be recycled. The availability of suitable recycling facilities within a reasonable distance is normally the deciding factor in what does, and doesn't, get recycled.

However, it will not be too long before local generally accessible facilities will exist to recycle most post-consumer plastic waste, including plastic cards, stationery items, electronic cases (i.e. computer casings). Most council waste sites separate the bulk of plastic from the waste stream, but there is still a percentage that ends up in landfill to degrade over hundreds, even thousands, of years.

How to apply a vinyl window sticker

I’ve printed literally millions of window stickers in my time but, no matter how well designed or printed they are, their effect can be ruined if applied incorrectly.There is nothing more obvious and unsightly than a poorly applied window sticker, and it says so much about the values of a company or brand if time and attention can’t be given over to it’s correct application.

The usual problems experienced are alignment (whether it is level or not) and air bubbles, both of which can be easily and quickly overcome.

Here is a simple guide to the best method of application….

The wet method

This is my recommended option. There’s much less chance of anything going wrong.

The first simple and most obvious rule is make sure the window/surface you are applying the vinyl sticker to is clean and grease free. Also, wash your hands or wear vinyl/latex gloves to avoid any fingerprinting on the clear areas of the sticker.

Once this has been done, mix a solution of tap water with a little detergent (washing up liquid), making sure that the detergent is fully dispersed in the water.

Apply some of the solution to the window/surface where the sticker is going to be applied, either with a spray or a soft cloth or sponge.

Carefully remove the backing paper from the sticker, ensuring no grease or dirt gets on to the adhesive. If your solution is in a spray container, lightly spray the adhesive (sticky) side of the sticker.

Gently apply the sticker to area you have already coated with the detergent solution. You will find that you are able to move/slide the sticker around until you find the correct position/alignment.

When you are happy with the position of the sticker, smooth it down onto the surface with a spatula or plastic card (a debit or credit card is ideal). This will remove any excess solution from between the sticker and the surface, eliminating the chance of air bubbles or unsightly marks.

Once firmed down, dry the area with a soft dry cloth and, voila, you have a perfectly applied sticker!

The dry method

As with the wet method, you must ensure the surface is clean and free from dirt and grease.

Take the sticker and apply a piece of masking tape vertically in its centre, making sure the masking tape overlaps by a couple of centimetres or so, with the release paper of the sticker against the surface.

Position the sticker, with the release paper still intact, and hold it down in position with the masking tape, making sure the sticker is level.

Peel back one side of the release paper as far as the masking tape. Press the sticker against the surface from the middle out, smoothing as you go with a spatula or plastic card, making sure it lays flat without any air bubbles.

When this is done satisfactorily, repeat the operation with the rest of the release paper.

When finished, gently clean the area with a soft cloth and you should have a perfectly applied sticker.

Both these methods can be used to apply window stickers, bumper stickers, decals and even cut vinyl lettering. However, the most vital things to remember if you are to achieve perfect results are, make sure everything is spotlessly clean (including your hands), work methodically, smoothly and slowly and, if something goes wrong, don’t panic.

Happy workers are productive workers

As you can see on our website, Print-Leeds is a company that sees the well-being of its staff mirroring that of the company. By nurturing our employees we believe that it not only benefits them personally and increases company productivity, but has a far-reaching effect socially and professionally beyond the confines of our premises.

On that note, I read an interesting article today on things that stop creatives being creative. It occurred to me that the thing that gets in the way of a happy, relaxed and productive lifestyle, both in the workplace and at home, is simply your state of mind.

The list below features some of the common characteristics, or attitudes (we've all worked with them!), and how to create a more balanced and productive environment;

* OBSESSING - Venting about problems with work or friends and family can help you relieve some problems. However, repeatedly saying that you're stressed will only reinforce the heavy feeling of being overwhelmed. Solution - try not to complain too often and share some of the positives of your day with friends and colleagues.

* GRAND STANDING - Don't overreact to or exaggerate situations. If you do, others may no longer take you seriously or may stop listening altogether. Solution - Try to put your problem into perspective and visualise your life after the problem/situation has been resolved.

* NEGATIVITY - It can be contagious and kill not only your mood but the mood of those around you. Solution - take the lead from a happy friend. You're 15% more likely to be happy yourself if you do. And don't forget to focus more on positives!

* SNAPPING - No, not breaking like a twig. Lashing out usually involves saying hurtful things to people who may not even be involved. It may feel good at the time, but it ruins relationships. Solution - try venting your frustrations through a physical activity or on an inanimate target instead!

Remember to always!....

* LOOSEN UP - Find humour in everyday events. Laugh at yourself. It will lighten not only your mood but also those around you. It is also known for improving health and well-being.

I've always been a firm believer that a relaxed, happy and positive environment is necessary for us all to work (and play) at our best, and it is not a coincidence that some of the most successful companies boast the most contented workforces.

Thickness Vs Rigidity

If you are one of those who thinks that plastic, is plastic, is plastic, perhaps you should think again.

Synthetic polymers (plastics) all have unique properties that make them suitable for specific applications. It is these properties that are demonstrated in their flexibility, rigidity, versatility, and a lot more besides.

When we select a plastic for a particular print application, various factors are taken into consideration, which affect the decision making process with regard to “suitability for purpose”. Polypropylene, PVC, PET and PLA all have their individual pros and cons for a wide range of applications, including properties such as chemical resistance, durability and even recyclability.

However, for the purposes of this posting, I want to focus on the commonly understood properties of thickness and rigidity.

THICKNESS is a term we can all get to grips with. Something 2mm thick looks and feels much different to something 5mm thick.

RIGIDITY, however, is something different. There are standard commercially accepted tests for rigidity, but it is a touchy feely thing that gives you a true sense of how rigid a plastic is.

Common-sense would suggest that the thicker a plastic is, the more rigid it is and, generally, when comparing thicknesses of an individual plastic (i.e. PVC) that would prove true. It is when you compare different plastics and processes that problems can arise.

For example, if you take a piece of 800 micron (0.8mm thick) polypropylene and a piece of 750 micron (0.75mm thick) PVC and you compare their “rigidity”, what you find may go against what logic would suggest. Polypropylene is naturally a more flexible plastic and, although slightly thicker than its PVC counterpart, feels less rigid. This is further exaggerated by the surface of PVC having a harder, colder feel than the polypropylene.

As a result, we find ourselves sometimes considering alternative plastics in those situations where a customer says “It needs to be thicker”, when really they mean “It needs to be more rigid”.

The thicker the plastic, the more difficult it is to work with (cutting, creasing, finishing), so most items that are produced in large quantities tend to be less than 1mm (1000 microns) thick. There are ways to create extra rigidity, such as laminating thinner layers of plastic in a sandwich, but that is a subject for another time.

Suffice to say that, when comparing thickness against rigidity, one should be clear about what the terms really mean.

Racing against time

We live in a world that is open 24 hours a day for business.
Where global communication is almost instant.
Where everything has to be the newest, the latest, most innovative.
Where urgency and impatience have become bywords of a generation.
Where standing still isn't an option.
Where the relentless advancement of technology gathers pace remorselessly.
















The printing industry, and particularly that part that has supplied the advertising and marketing sectors, has always had to respond quickly to the demands of customers. Deadlines, often notional, have always been shorter than they should be, budgets tighter, and expectations occasionally way beyond the limits that time and available processes would allow.It wasn't much more than 20 years ago that quality 4 colour process printing on plastic was almost unthinkable, and it has only been in the last 10 years that materials, inks and equipment have enabled specialist printers to develop the knowledge and techniques to achieve exquisite results on a range of non-porous substrates.

Creating quality print on plastics is part science, part art, both of which require time, thought and experience to achieve excellence. Unfortunately, the advance in digital technology and the demands of the competitive market have had one major, you could say adverse, effect. Rather than being a liberator, time (hours, minutes, seconds) has become the most precious commodity of our era.

Yes, we've all heard the mantra.Time is money, but never has it been so true.

Jobs that might have taken 10 days a few years ago are delivered within a week, those that may have required a week to print are completed in 48 hours, and now, with digital print, same day delivery is not out of the question. Window stickers, banners, point-of-sale material, plastic cards are all possible within days, sometimes hours.

Nobody has time. It must be now. There is no tomorrow, or so you would be led to believe.

Printers, Print-Leeds included, have had to react to and address these stringent demands quickly and efficiently. This means constant investment in new technology and the development of ever leaner production systems. These days, the speed and quality of origination far outweighs the experience and skills of the machine minder.But that's progress.The key factor in most jobs these days is speed of production.

Yes, quality and price have to meet expectations, but the question is always How soon can I have it?.

Jobs are produced quicker and cheaper (relatively)than ever before. They can be personalised, translated and updated within the print run. Alternative print options, even on plastic, are immediately at hand – litho for high quality reproduction, longer print runs, lower unit costs; digital for print-on-demand, large format, short runs (even one-offs).The result of all this is that thus. There is a trade-off for the relentless technological advances that are being made within the print industry and the possibilities that technology offers.

Time is at a premium and, as with other finite resources such as oil and gas, will eventually run out, or will someone out there find a clever way around that one too?

There's food for thought, but don't spend too much time thinking it over!