Prepress stage

All information about data processing

The preprint, also known as prepress or repro, is the cornerstone of any print production. The tasks of the prepress department include the precise examination as well as the editing and processing of your data for further production. More specifically, this means testing fonts, colours, formats, and images (e.g., resolution) that are ultimately merged into a print file. This is accomplished by qualified and trained staff working on the cutting-edge workstations and equipment.

We are equipped with the latest workflow technologies from ESKO and Adobe with CTP (Computer to Plate) and colour management systems. We create and produce everything in-house, whereby the data flow is constantly monitored up to the end result. Thanks to our in-house system, you can avoid longer waiting times by suppliers or external companies. This guarantees the best possible print results for you and your product.

Our prepress has over 35 years of experience and can find a solution to any problem or request.

Data delivery

Information about data delivery for printing

File formats and installation of the print data to be delivered:

File formats: PDF, AI (Adobe Illustrator), INDD (Adobe InDesign), EPS, TIF
Resolution: At least 300 dpi
Bleed size: 1,5 mm on each side (outwards)
Safety margin: 1 mm on each side (inwards)
Colour space: CMYK
(No RGB! – In case RGB-files are delivered we will convert these to CMYK without notice. During a conversion, there may be color changes for which we will not be held liable.)

Creating the cutting die:
The cutting die should be created as a spot colour with the name “Stanze”. In the “Attributes” window the cutting die must be set to “Overprint contour” and should have a strength of 0,5 pt. Ideally it should be placed on a separat layer. If you have questions, we will gladly help you.

Creating and naming spot colours:
White, Foil stamping and Pantone-colours should each be created as an own spot colour. White should be created as a spot colour with the name “white”. The colour you use for this does not matter. You could for example colour it in 100% cyan. In the “attributes” window the colour should be set to “overprint”. Flat elements are to be set to “Overprint surface” and contours to “Overprint contour”. Foil stamping elements follow the same principles as the creation of white. It is of advantage to create separate layers for white and foil stamping elements. This allows us to identify them faster and edit them if necessary.
Pantone colours should be selected from the colour libraries in the graphics program. These do not have to be
created on separate layers and can be built into the motif as normal.
If you have questions, we will gladly help you.

You can download the specifications for data delivery here or you can find them under Service, brochures.

Processing of graphical data sets

All information about industrial labels

The data are checked by us for completeness and usability. The following requirements are expected from the delivered data:

If possible, always send open PDF files. In-house we also can process Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop files.
Convert fonts to paths (contouring) or enclose the font file (Truetype/Opentype).
Image data (e.g., EPS or TIFF, if possible, no compressed JPEG!) must have a resolution of at least 300dpi, if possible 600dpi. We can not use 72dpi images from the Internet.
If the files are closed, overfillings and overprints must already be set up correctly. In addition, we can not make any changes with closed files.
If possible, provide a colour print or a colour sample along with the data.
Please provide data carriers and e-mails with company name, contact person and order description, as well as the date.

Data transfer is possible via e-mail (daten@contact-online.de – max. 20 MB) or via data carrier (CD, DVD and USB stick).

We work with the Mac OS X operating system. We can process data from the following programs (also earlier versions):

Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Photoshop

File formats:

.pdf
.tif
.eps
.ai
Others upon request

Processing of templates and layout

Everything you need to know about price marking labels

We check the templates for completeness and usability. The following requirements are expected from the delivered data:

For data delivery, see above “Processing of graphical data sets”
For text on the label, choose the font from standard fonts and specify the font name.
For colour motifs, specify the contact colour number or Pantone colour number.
Send digital logos and pictures as a compressed pdf, tiff or psd. Avoid jpeg, since these often contain interfering elements, which will later be seen in print.

Analogue images and complex graphics can only be scanned if they were provided with good quality and at least in double the size. The print result can never be better than the original document.
When designing a layout or sketch, pay attention to cleanliness and readability. Also specify dimensions, sizes, and gaps.
Never fax the originals, since a fax has only a very low resolution and small elements are almost unrecognisable.
If possible add a sample label.

Technical data

Everything you need to know about flexographic printing

Up to 6 colours can be printed in one pass
As a standard, we print 60 screen (150 LPI), but 70 (175 LPI) and 80 screen (200 LPI) are also possible on request.
Cold embossing (gold, silver and others).
Printing processes: Water-based (WB) and UV flexographic printing
3 cutting dies at the same time, e.g. format, vertical and horizontal perforation.
Minimum line thickness: approx. 0.2mm, corresponds to approx. 0.5 DTP point/pt.

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Minimum font size: 0.35mm height, corresponds to about 1 DTP point / pt (serif fonts should be minimally larger).
Please note that colours differ depending on the substrate, ambient light and viewer. In addition, colours lose intensity when exposed to UV light (bleeding). Therefore, there may be colour discrepancies between newly reprinted and older labels.
In flexo printing gradients can be printed running out from 100% to 7%.