Letterpress Frequently Asked Questions
What is letterpress die cutting?
Letterpress die cutting uses a thin steel rule die to cut and score one sheet at a time. This method is used for those designs with a critical register of bleeds with a minimum of wrap over the fold and those with minimum image shift of borders or other design elements. Letterpress work must be printed one-up on a larger sheet than for high die cutting because more gripper area is needed.
Where should the Grip and Guide be for Letterpress Cutting?
Grip and Guide placement on the sheet is important for best cutting register. Look at the template "right reading."
How can I get a layout template?
We have a large selection of letterpress dies that match our high die layout templates. You can download those templates by clicking on Layout Templates and then find the correct sheet size for letterpress die cutting by clicking on Letterpress Sheet Size Guide. Specialty envelopes with custom flap designs, square envelopes and special sizes may also be made using a steel rule die. Send a pdf of your project to [email protected] for expert help.
Can ECS cut my stock to the correct size for letterpress die cutting?
Letterpress die cutting has a minimum sheet size requirement. It's ok if your press sheet is larger, so generally no extra trim charge is needed.
PREFERRED PAPER WEIGHT/GRAIN DIRECTION
What weight of stock can I use?
The best stock weight for Letterpress is 70# or 80# Text with caliper between .005 and .0068 for Standard sizes and up to .0085 for Open End Catalog and Large Open Side Booklet sizes.
Why is the grain direction of the stock important?
Grain wrong stock curls up into the machinery causing jams, wasted stock and folding registration problems.
What if my stock is "grain wrong?"
We can change the settings on the machine and still run grain wrong stock. The Grain Wrong Setup is $100.00 for standard sizes and $100.00 for open end catalog and large open side booklet sizes.
How much stock is needed for setup and waste?
An over run for setup and waste is required. The minimum for Standard sizes is 300 or 10%, whichever is greater of the finished count. Allow 500 or 10% for Open End Catalog and Large Open Side Booklet sizes.
Is full outside or inside ink coverage on the stock a problem?
Full ink coverage requires NO ink or varnish in glue and gum areas. Adhesion is NOT GUARANTEED if ink or varnish is printed in those areas.
Can the converting process mark the stock?
The characteristics of certain stocks and/or inks may result in scuffing or cracking.
What information should I send with my job?
The ECS Order Now page will guide you on how to provide the information we need to successfully produce your job. Please be sure to include a proof, sample, or blue line of the work with the stock, or simply email a pdf to our production desk.
How long will it take to produce my job?
Our normal production time for most jobs is 7 to 14 days after the stock arrives here. Open end catalogs and large open side booklets can take 7 to 14 days. For RUSH ORDERS, please call in advance to schedule.
If your question is not answered here, please contact us.
What is letterpress die cutting?
Letterpress die cutting uses a thin steel rule die to cut and score one sheet at a time. This method is used for those designs with a critical register of bleeds with a minimum of wrap over the fold and those with minimum image shift of borders or other design elements. Letterpress work must be printed one-up on a larger sheet than for high die cutting because more gripper area is needed.
Where should the Grip and Guide be for Letterpress Cutting?
Grip and Guide placement on the sheet is important for best cutting register. Look at the template "right reading."
- For Standard Sizes allow a minimum of 1/2" grip at the "bottom" of the template which is the edge of the sheet closest to the back panel of the envelope. Guide on either the left or right side flap.
- For the Small Open End Catalog/Policy sizes allow a minimum 1/2" grip on the left or right side panel edge of the template. Guide on either the seal flap "top" or end flap "bottom."
- For Large Open End Catalog sizes allow a minimum of 1/2" grip at the end flap "bottom" of the template. Guide on either the left or right panel.
- For Large Open Side Booklet sizes allow a minimum of 1/2" grip at either the left or right side seam. Guide on the seal flap "top."
How can I get a layout template?
We have a large selection of letterpress dies that match our high die layout templates. You can download those templates by clicking on Layout Templates and then find the correct sheet size for letterpress die cutting by clicking on Letterpress Sheet Size Guide. Specialty envelopes with custom flap designs, square envelopes and special sizes may also be made using a steel rule die. Send a pdf of your project to [email protected] for expert help.
Can ECS cut my stock to the correct size for letterpress die cutting?
Letterpress die cutting has a minimum sheet size requirement. It's ok if your press sheet is larger, so generally no extra trim charge is needed.
PREFERRED PAPER WEIGHT/GRAIN DIRECTION
What weight of stock can I use?
The best stock weight for Letterpress is 70# or 80# Text with caliper between .005 and .0068 for Standard sizes and up to .0085 for Open End Catalog and Large Open Side Booklet sizes.
Why is the grain direction of the stock important?
Grain wrong stock curls up into the machinery causing jams, wasted stock and folding registration problems.
What if my stock is "grain wrong?"
We can change the settings on the machine and still run grain wrong stock. The Grain Wrong Setup is $100.00 for standard sizes and $100.00 for open end catalog and large open side booklet sizes.
How much stock is needed for setup and waste?
An over run for setup and waste is required. The minimum for Standard sizes is 300 or 10%, whichever is greater of the finished count. Allow 500 or 10% for Open End Catalog and Large Open Side Booklet sizes.
Is full outside or inside ink coverage on the stock a problem?
Full ink coverage requires NO ink or varnish in glue and gum areas. Adhesion is NOT GUARANTEED if ink or varnish is printed in those areas.
Can the converting process mark the stock?
The characteristics of certain stocks and/or inks may result in scuffing or cracking.
What information should I send with my job?
The ECS Order Now page will guide you on how to provide the information we need to successfully produce your job. Please be sure to include a proof, sample, or blue line of the work with the stock, or simply email a pdf to our production desk.
How long will it take to produce my job?
Our normal production time for most jobs is 7 to 14 days after the stock arrives here. Open end catalogs and large open side booklets can take 7 to 14 days. For RUSH ORDERS, please call in advance to schedule.
If your question is not answered here, please contact us.