Dan Margulis Applied Color Theory

Learning About Print Processes

Learning about print processes
Posted by: "Nick-T"
Sat Mar 3, 2007 4:35 pm (PST)

Hello all
I am a commercial photographer, supplying (thanks to Dan), almost all files to clients as CMYK.

Again thanks to Dan I feel I have a basic understanding of prepping files for sheetfed and web presses, but would like to learn more about other processes such as gravure and flexo, as a great deal of what I shoot is for packaging.

Can anyone point me at some resources where I might learn more about these types of printing so that I can better prep my files?

Thanks in advance.

Nick Tresidder
Http://www.nick-t.com
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Re: Learning about print processes
Posted by: "Lee Clawson"
Tue Mar 6, 2007 10:28 am (PST)

Nick,

My best resource is printers we work with. Call yours and see if they will
help.

Another resource is a graphic arts association. One known to this list is the "Graphic Arts Information Network (GAIN). Once in awhile Dan Remaley from that group posts here, and visit their site at-- http://www.gain.net/eweb/StartPage.aspx

Lee Clawson
2/\V/\7 Studio
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Re: Learning about print processes
Posted by: "Henry Segalini"

Wide ranging, but not too deep, is "Pocket Pal". It has been published since 1934 by International Paper. The last edition I have is the 19th---there may be a more recent one.

If you deal with printers, they might be able to get you a freebie. If that doesn't work, call me. I have an extra (I get mine free from the paper merchants).

Also, NAPL and GATF have a wide variety of literature.

Henry Segalini
Universal Printing
St. Louis, MO
314.771.6900
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Re: Learning about print processes
Posted by: "Louis Dina"
Tue Mar 6, 2007 2:56 pm (PST)

Nick,

PIA/GATF in Sewickley, PA publishes books, brochures, flyers, and other information on lots of press related stuff. I have their "Digital Prepress Primer" and their "Process Controls Primer", both of which are small paperbacks 80-90 pages each (definitely just primers, and not a tremendous amount of in-depth technical info). They are EXPENSIVE for what you get, about $30 each. I thought the process controls primer was worth reading, but the digital prepress primer left me wanting. You can order them online at www.gain.net.

Dan Remaley (who works for GATF and does on sight training and seminars) is a good resource and might be able to point you in the right direction. Search for his posts on this forum and he may have his contact information available.

There may be other good resources, but they seem difficult to find. I have had to learn the hard way, by trial and error.

Good luck,

Lou Dina
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Re: Learning about print processes
Posted by: "Richard Wagner"
Tue Mar 6, 2007 5:05 pm (PST)

On Mar 6, 2007, at 3:56 PM, Louis Dina wrote:

PIA/GATF in Sewickley, PA publishes books, brochures, flyers, and other
information on lots of press related stuff. I have their "Digital
Prepress Primer" and their "Process Controls Primer", both of which are
small paperbacks 80-90 pages each (definitely just primers, and not a
tremendous amount of in-depth technical info). They are EXPENSIVE for
what you get, about $30 each. I thought the process controls primer
was worth reading, but the digital prepress primer left me wanting.

I, too, was very disappointed with the Prepress Primer. I was very excited when I saw the GAIN ad for this book, and I bought two - one to give away to a design friend. The book is so pitifully elementary that I felt it would be insulting to give the book to anyone. It should be re-named, "Very Elementary Digital Prepress Primer."

Color and Its Reproduction, by Gary G. Field, is in its 3rd edition and has a lot more "meat."

If you want to learn the latest, get the G7 Training Guide (free) from the IDEAlliance:
http://www.gracol.org/resources/G7_how-to_v6[final].pdf

Here's another good source:
http://www.printtools.org/publications/

And of course there's the SWOP Guide, which is only $20.
http://www.printtools.org/swop/

--Rich Wagner
(A member of PIA/GATF)
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Re: Learning about print processes
Posted by: "rpopek"
Tue Mar 6, 2007 9:37 pm (PST)

Information about Flexo Printing here:

http://www.flexoexchange.com/

http://www.flexography.org/welcome.cfm

Roger Popek
Autumn Graphics Ltd.