Frequently Asked Questions
Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer or were too afraid to ask? If so, you've come to the right place.
As the name would suggest, this section is a compilation of answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Here you'll find answers to common questions our clients ask. Just start by following one of the links below.
- What kind of work does our plant do?
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
- What is a "proof"?
- Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
- What kind of work does our plant do?
Our core business is sheetfed lithographic printing and finishing. We have several full size 40" presses, half size presses, and a variety of specialty duplicators and high speed envelope presses. We have 6 color presses with aqueous coating capabilities, and perfecting presses for 1 over 1 and 2 over 2 printing.
For finishing, we have everything one might need to final finish products from each press format size. This includes large and small folders, including double gatefolding, in house stitching/booklet makers, and a variety of other finishing equipment.
This mix of equipment allows us cover a large gamut of printing products. These include products like magazines down to simple brochures and data sheets. The multicolor presses handle high quality printing, like annual reports, where corporate spot colors may be used. And quantities can range from a few hundred, on our small format press, to 100's of thousands, on our large format presses.
Finally, the small duplicators and high speed envelope presses, are a great fit for products like stationery or short run postcards.
Please give us a call if you want to discuss your specific project, or need more information. Chances are that your project will fit our capabilities, but if not, we'll be happy to direct you to a reputable resource who can likely help you.
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
There is not a short answer to this question because that completely depends on the scope and size of your project. However, "turning projects around" is a strength of ours and we actually position ourselves as a printer who can help solve a tight schedule problem.
We have turned smaller lithographic jobs overnight. And we also condensed schedules on huge magazines which were delayed to prepress by late advertisers. We have several jobs every week that need this kind of horsepower and benefit from our agility in solving a schedule problem.
Nevertheless, it is always better to discuss your delivery needs early, and map out a comfortable schedule to complete the project.
Generally, if turnaround is not critical, small to average size projects will turnaound in one week to 7 days, but often less. And a large project like a multipage magazine may take 7-10 business days. Very large books, specialty bindings, or complicated die cuts, may take longer.
In any case, please give us a call to discuss your project and your turnaround needs. If your needs are tight, we can work with you to plan a solution and make it happen.
- What is a "proof"?
A proof is a way of ensuring that we have processed your files accurately and that everything is conforming to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which can be sent to you online or process them on our digital IRIS proofers. We can also produce halftone generated proofs for those critical situations.
All of our proofs are made from digital ripped files, and they are already paginated according to our digital press layouts. They represent exactly what will be imaged on printing plates, or other output. So when you get our proofs, all of the prepress activities have been completed, including all the engineering for proper running, binding, and finishing. The last step is imaging plates for press after your approval to do so.
When you approve these proofs, you are authorizing us image these plates. And you are letting us know that we can now schedule our presses for your job.
- Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
We employ human beings to produce your work and, last time we checked, humans are not perfect. Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of your work and our work, and have approved it as accurate. This approval authorizes us to schedule the job for printing. Catching errors or problems at the proof makes sure your investment in press time goes as it was budgeted.
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Or you can fax specifications to us at 412-731-2268.
If you have complicated or specific concerns, be free to give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.
