There was a time when printing schedules were nearly standard — way back in the days of camera-ready art, film-stripping, and, well . . . we forget!
But the impact of electronic, digital prepress has changed the way a job proceeds from start to delivery; a job can take a few hours to as much as a month, depending on several factors and the complexity of the project. This week’s print encyclopedia’s entry discusses print schedules and the factors that affect delivery time.
Need for speed
Really want your job fast? Have these items/answers ready (the key is to always be prepared!).
Paper availability
Make sure you are choosing a paper that is readily available.
Complete files
Share the thrill (along with your printer) of a perfect pre-flight check of your files. Nothing stands between your job and imagesetting to film (or the D.I. press).
Suitability to the press
Jobs planned for press compatibility — number of colors, varnishes, coatings, etc. — require just one pass and then you can keep on truckin’!
Standard binding
Any job designed for automated equipment and binding operations — folding, stitching, trimming, gluing — is on its way outa here!
Slows your roll
Nothing is more frustrating and upsetting than missed deadlines—even close-call deadlines take the fun out of printing. Avoid these pitfalls to stay on track and hit your deadline on the head!
Incomplete files
Missing fonts, absent high-res images, mis-named colors, no bleeds, varnish plate missing—all put on the brakes.
Iffy paper
Depending on the source, your selection may be more than a week away. In general, avoid speciality papers is your job is a rush.
Multiple press passes
A job that goes through the press more than once takes more time. Drying may be needed in between for spot varnishes.
Custom binding techniques
Perfect binding, elaborate die-cutting, embossing or foil stamping, and hand-operations—all require extra time.
The screeching halt
Alterations at blueline or (gulp) on press can be a real drag for your job. Not always avoidable, but be forewarned.
Some items are avoidable with the right planning, but sometimes (as life tends to be), unavoidable stuff happens. That’s why it’s a good idea to stick with a partner that will keep you informed of your project status from order to delivery.