What Are Digital Prepress Services?
Prepress services involve all the steps taken to prepare an idea for a print run. These processes used to be done entirely by hand, but new technology has allowed for the digitization of the process, making it faster and more accurate.
Some of the digital prepress services we offer include:
- Layout
- Proofing
- Seamless Textures
- Graphic Design
- Design Consultations
- Color Management
Our Graphics Team
Whether you’re working from a rough sketch or a final RIPped bitmap, the Luminite graphics team is here to ensure that your files are optimized for the best possible print.
Our state of the art facility is staffed by a team of highly trained graphics professionals with many years of experience in both computer technology and the flexographic process. Don’t know where to start with graphics for flexo printing? We do. Reach out!
File Requirements For:
| Rasterized Screen Work | |||
| 8-Bit – Grayscale | |||
| 300 dpi – Screen only | |||
| 1270 dpi min – Combo screen & line work | |||
| Minimum line weight of 0.002” | |||
| Minimum font size of 0.75pt | |||
| Compensation curves | |||
| Rasterized Line Work | |||
| 1-Bit – Bitmap | |||
| 1270 dpi | |||
| Minimum line weight of 0.002” | |||
| Minimum font size of 0.75pt | |||
| Vector Screen/Line Work | |||
| Fonts: Outline or send with files | |||
| Embed placed art – no anti-aliased images | |||
| Trapping to be included | |||
| Each separation assigned a unique ink | |||
| Minimum line weight of 0.002” | |||
| Minimum font size of 0.75pt | |||
File Formats
Luminite can accept designs in all major graphics file formats. In order to expedite the processing of your order the following information should be included:
- Image Dimensions: Repeat (cylinder circumference), Design Width
- Stepping requirements
- Margins required (Bleeds, registration, etc)
- Orientation of design on cylinder (“Right” or “Wrong” reading)
- Gear Side (if applicable) (*See sample)
- Curves that have been applied
Accepted File Formats
Our graphics team primarily use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Press Quality PDFs*. To ensure the fastest processing of your order, you should include the following information:
- Image Dimensions: Repeat (cylinder circumference), Design Width
- Stepping requirements
- Margins required (Bleeds, registration, etc)
- Orientation of design on cylinder (“Right” or “Wrong” reading)
- Gear Side (if applicable)
- Curves that have been applied
*Other formats that are compatible with Photoshop or Illustrator are also accepted. Files received in formats other than what is listed will be subject to additional art charges. Use the buttons below for printable versions of our art specifications.
Try Our Digital Prepress Services
If you’re looking for a full service printer, someone who works with you from initial design ideas to final product, Luminite is your partner!
Additional Resources
Find more information about flexo printing, sustainable materials, and prepress services on our blog!
- Behind the Scenes: Flexographic Image Carrier Production
If you've ever wondered how the flexographic printing process works, an important component is the image carrier services. After an image has been provided and edited for the printing process, flexographic printing plates or cylinders are created. Behind every image carrier that leaves Luminite Products Corporation, there is a carefully engineered process of creation. We’ve outlined this process below to take you on a virtual tour of what happens behind the scenes on our shop floor, and to show you how we maintain quality and precision through every step of the production journey.
- Elastomer Blend vs. Photopolymer Choices in Flexo Printing
Along your path to flexographic printing perfection you’ll have a choice between elastomer blend sleeves and photopolymer. Get it right and you’re sure to reap the financial benefits of return customers and repeat sales.
- Common Flexographic Printing Defects: Doughnuts
Your substrate comes off the press, and you notice screen dots on the print appear slurred and distorted. They look like little, lopsided doughnuts. And while we’d all love to eat them, these doughnuts are an aggravating and potentially costly flexo printing defect, as opposed to a delicious confectionery treat