Clear Lamination enhances the appearance and durability of Large Format Print Projects

In business, large format printing is used to create high-impact visuals, such as posters, announcements, charts, diagrams and marketing displays.

Applying clear lamination helps further boost the appeal of these large printed messages by adding sheen and vibrancy to the ink colors. Lamination also stiffens and protects large printed pieces, which allows them to last much longer.

Large, Laminated Visuals Serve a Variety of Purposes…

Promotional Purposes:  Large, laminated visuals are used extensively for marketing and advertising purposes. Retail locations, showrooms, lobbies, tradeshows, event venues, school campuses and points of purchase are all places you will commonly find large, laminated visuals. Basically, anywhere people pass by or congregate is an excellent location for attention-grabbing posters and displays.

Educational Purposes:  Instructional settings – such as classrooms, seminars, business presentations, and corporate training rooms – often use large, laminated visuals such as diagrams, maps and flipcharts. The large format allows everyone to see the information clearly and the laminate coating extends the life of the printed pieces so they can be referred to again and again.

Operational Purposes:  Large, laminated visuals are used by a wide range of companies and organizations for day-to-day operations. For example, large laminated signs on walls or equipment can be used to provide information or explain procedures to employees and visitors. Large, laminated visuals can also be created in a simple write-and-erase format for use in scheduling or planning.

If you have a need for custom-printed posters, charts or other large format pieces, get in touch with Formax Printing Solutions. Whether your project prints in black ink or full color, we can apply a gloss or matte laminate to enhance its look and extend its life.

By the way, you will be quite impressed with our prices for laminated printing. So give us a call to compare!

Take care! Keith

A laminate coating greatly enhances the look, feel and function of a Presentation Pocket Folder

A Presentation Folder is a sturdy and high-quality pocket folder used to distribute and organize documents for presentations, meetings, seminars and other important business events.

As the name implies, presentation folders are designed to promote an organization’s professional image and make a lasting impression. Hence, they are always designed to offer high visual appeal.

One of the best ways to enhance the look and function of a presentation folder is to have it created with a gloss laminate finish. This is because gloss lamination provides five important benefits:

1) Creates a Prestigious, Lustrous Appearance – the high sheen provides a distinctive, finished look…improving the overall aesthetics of the folder’s design.

2) Adds a Layer of Protection – protects the paper substrate against spills, stains and abrasions, thus increasing the longevity and usefulness of the folder.

3) Enhances the Ink Colors – the thick clear coat adds depth and vibrancy to the underlying ink colors, which attracts and embraces the recipient’s attention.

4) Improves Overall Rigidity of the Folder – stiffens and strengthens the folder to improve its functionality as a portable carrier of important documents.

5) Increases Thickness of the Card Stock – adds a durable, high-quality feel while guarding against tears, creases and wrinkles.

If you’d like to learn more about custom-printed presentation folders, give Formax Printing a call. In addition to our optional lamination, we offer a vast selection of creative folder sizes, shapes, and designs…and they’re all stock dies. This means your presentation folders will have a customized look, but at no additional cost to you.

Let Formax help you create impressive, attention-getting folders for your next presentation or business gathering. You’ll be surprised at how affordable quality presentation folders can be!

Take care! Keith

If your organization uses full-color business cards, postcards, flyers, door hangers, or any other common item printed in full-color ink, you may be able to attain a lower cost by working with a printing company that has gang run capabilities.

What is a Gang Run?

A gang run, also known as a combination run or combo run, is a print industry term for grouping multiple smaller jobs into one large production run. Gang runs are used in conjunction with offset printing presses, which produce very high quality printing.

Even though offset presses produce high-quality printing, they often have substantial set-up costs. Normally, these high set-ups costs would make an offset printing press too cost prohibitive for a shorter production run.

However, by printing similar jobs from a multitude of customers all at the same time, the cost of each job is substantially reduced. This is because the set-up costs – like plate charges and other press preparation costs – are distributed across many jobs, not just applied to one job.

When is a Gang Run used?

To take advantage of gang run savings, all of the printing jobs in the press run must share the same paper and ink specifications. This makes the more popular printed items like business cards, postcards, flyers, simple brochures and door hangers better candidates for gang runs.

For example, by printing a gang run of business cards on an offset press, Formax is able to offer full-color 2-sided business cards with UV coating for what other printers might charge for a one-color 1-sided uncoated business card.

In fact, a gang press run can significantly lower the price of many popular items printed in full color, particularly smaller orders which might have otherwise been too cost prohibitive if produced by their own separate offset press run.

Does a Gang Run work well for all Full-Color items?

No. Some projects are better suited for their own press run instead of being printed along with other jobs. For example, if the project requires an exceptional degree of color control, such as an annual report or flagship brochure, a gang run may not be the best option.

Also, if the project requires a unique type of paper, a special print effect or any other uncommon specification, then gang running will likely not be an available choice.

If you have any questions about whether or not your full-color project is well-suited for gang run printing, give Formax Printing Solutions a call. We’ll be happy to discuss gang printing and share any other ideas that will reduce the cost of your project. Our goal is to make your print buying experience simple and cost-effective!

Take care!  Keith

Lamination protects Instruction Sheets from the rigors of use

Instruction Sheets provide logical, step-by-step procedures on how to accomplish something.

Some instructions explain how to follow a specific course of action, such as safety or maintenance procedures.

Other instructions explain how to complete a task, such as how to assemble, install or operate a product or device.

Regardless of the actual message, certain types of printed instruction sheets should be covered with a clear laminate film to extend the life of the documents.

These include…

1) Instructions that are handled frequently -

If your business or organization uses instruction sheets that are referred to over and over again – by employees, customers, technicians, etc. – these printed documents should be ordered with a clear laminate film applied.

The laminate will protect the instructions against stains, smudges, tears, creases and so forth, thus prolonging the life and functionality of these documents.

2) Instructions that are used in dirty or damp environments -

Lamination, particularly sealed-edge lamination, protects printed instruction sheets from dirt, grime, moisture, oil, grease and other contaminants.

This is why any printed document used in a dirty environment – such as around machinery or industrial equipment – or where spills or splatters may occur – such as in a commercial kitchen – should be protected with a laminate film.

3) Instructions that suspend from a chain, hook or lanyard -

Lamination adds rigidity and thickness to printed instructions, allowing the documents to be created with a hole or slot that won’t tear out.

Any instruction sheets that hang from a chain, hook or cord – such as instructions for certain types of equipment or consumer goods – should be laminated. Depending on the application, a metal grommet may also be installed to further reinforce the hole.

Sometimes, instructions – such as certain operating procedures or codes – are printed as a small card to suspend from a lanyard worn around an employee’s neck. In this instance, the rigid lamination is made with rounded corners to increase its safety.

If you have a need for custom printed and laminated instruction sheets, get in touch with Formax Printing Solutions. Whether your instructions print in black ink or full vibrant color, we can apply a gloss or matte laminate to protect them from the many rigors of use.

By the way, our current customers are thrilled with our prices for laminated printing…you will be too!

Take care!  Keith

Lamination is a popular option for many printed pieces, especially those that will experience frequent handling or be exposed to dirty, greasy or damp environments.

However, many quick printers, copy shops and other commercial printers do not have the equipment to produce laminated pieces, nor can they justify buying laminating equipment based on the occasional need. So if one of their customers requests laminated printing, they often decline the project.

By declining, three negative outcomes usually occur. First, the printer misses an opportunity to expand the client relationship. Second, the printer forgoes the chance to earn additional profit for the business. Third, the printer inadvertently opens the door to a competitor.

Sometimes, a printer may arrange to print the base material in-house and then send it elsewhere to be laminated. However, this can become quite a hassle as well, because it involves extra handling and the shipping of bulky boxes back and forth.

If you are a commercial printer and any of the above describes your situation, you should consider outsourcing your laminated print projects to a trusted trade partner. This will enable you to profit from laminated projects that you might otherwise be compelled to decline…and outsourcing is super easy.

How outsourcing works…

It is a very simple process – the printer takes his/her customer’s order, forwards the specs and artwork to a trade partner, then the trade partner prints and laminates the project at a wholesale rate. Depending on the arrangement, the completed order is then either sent to the printer for distribution, or blind-shipped directly to the printer’s customer. Either way, the printer’s relationship with its customer is protected at all times.

Print shops that outsource laminated projects have an edge over other printers that say “no” to laminated projects or merely refer the customer to someone else. If you are unable to accept laminated printing orders because you lack the equipment or expertise, you really should explore the many benefits of outsourcing. It’s really quite easy to do, and outsourcing helps you capture profits you might other wise miss!

Do you have additional questions about the advantages of outsourcing your laminated print projects? Just give Formax a call at (314) 997-2616 or (866) 367-6221.

Whether you need price lists, instruction sheets, diagrams, maps, cards, tags, educational materials or any other laminated pieces, Formax will print and laminate these projects for you…so basically all you’ll have to do is forward us the job specs and then invoice your customer.

Let us show you just how profitable – and incredibly simple – outsourcing laminated printing can be!

Take care! Keith

An Assortment of Promotional Literature

Promotional literature refers to print materials that are designed to promote an organization and/or its products and services. Promotional literature can be created as a stand-alone piece, or as a supplement to a meeting, presentation or event.

Most businesses use some form of printed promotional literature to reach potential customers. Promotional literature is also used by many non-commercial organizations to build awareness among the general public.

As a commercial printer for over 25 years, I wanted to provide an overview of three popular categories of promotional literature – Flyers, Pamphlets, and Brochures. These three are somewhat related, but as you will see there are some important differences.

Flyers: A flyer is one of the most basic and economical promotional pieces. It is usually produced as a single, unfolded printed sheet that draws attention to a specific product, service, or event. A flyer usually contains a very simple message that can be conveyed quickly. As such, a flyer typically makes effective use of graphics with minimal text.

Flyers are generally printed in the common 8.5” x 11” paper size to keep the cost as low as possible, though flyers can be created in any size that is easy to handle. Also, the printing is most commonly on one side of the paper, though there is no law that says flyers can’t be printed on both sides.

Flyers are commonly distributed by hand, such as at a trade show or other popular venue. They are also commonly distributed door-to-door, such as part of a neighborhood canvassing campaign. Flyers can also be sent out by mail, either enclosed in an envelope or folded and tabbed as a self-mailing piece (aka a “mailer”).

A flyer usually has a relatively short lifespan, such as being used to announce a new product or service, or a one-time event like a grand opening or special promotion. Because a flyer has a limited life, the paper used is often light weight. Flyers can be printed using any ink or paper color, however to be fully effective, full-color printing is generally the recommended choice. Full-color provides a more professional appearance and helps the flyer grab and maintain attention.

Pamphlets: A pamphlet is a small, unbound booklet. It has a very simple design and a size that is easy to hold. Many times, pamphlets are made from a single sheet of 8.5” x 11” paper folded in half to 5.5” x 8.5”.

Despite being small, pamphlets usually contain a fair amount of text. This is because most pamphlets are created to be informative and/or persuasive in nature, such as providing the background and mission of an organization, introducing and explaining products and services, or announcing an upcoming event.

Pamphlets usually have very basic design elements, including paper that is light to medium in weight. As such, pamphlets are relatively economical to produce. Also, the compact size of a pamphlet allows it to be easily distributed by hand or through the mail. Pamphlets are also well-suited for display in a literature rack, such as in a POS location, showroom, lobby, or waiting area.

Pamphlets sort of bridge the gap between flyers and brochures. They have simple features like a flyer, yet make use of multiple pages like a brochure.

Brochures: A brochure is the flagship of promotional literature. Unlike simpler flyers and pamphlets, brochures are created with design elements that project an image of high-quality and professionalism. A brochure must be of top quality since its job is to help promote a company or organization by showcasing its products, services and other offerings. Brochures are designed to make a positive and lasting impression.

A brochure contains multiple panels or pages of information. These panels or pages may be created by a variety of folds, or from multiple sheets bound together in booklet form. Whether folded or bound, brochures can be created in a variety of standard and custom sizes.

Also, a brochure is generally constructed from heavier weight paper. This is done not just to enhance the perception of quality but also because a brochure should be more durable, since it will be kept around for a while and referred to. Also, every quality brochure is printed in full color and has some type of sheen from a laminate, UV or Aqueous coating.

In addition, many brochures use special creative features to further enhance the image of quality and trust. For example, a brochure’s cover and pages may be die-cut to a unique shape, or contain embossed, foil-stamped, or spot-coated areas for emphasis.

As far as actual content, brochures are very well written and contain informative and persuasive text. They commonly include a thorough summary of features and benefits and focus on the reader’s needs. Also, the images used are generally “beauty shots” that cast the organization and its offerings in the best possible light.

Needless to say, brochures are one of the most important pieces of promotional literature an organization can produce. However, brochures are generally not distributed as freely as flyers or pamphlets. Usually brochures are distributed by salespeople only after some initial interest is shown by a potential customer. This is because more money is typically invested in a brochure than in a flyer or pamphlet.

Formax Printing Solutions specializes in full-color literature printing. Whether you need a simple pamphlet or a premier brochure, give us a call. We look forward to assisting with your next promotional project!

Take care! Keith

Coil-Bound Flip Books Used for Educational Purposes

Flip Books and Flip Charts contain pages that turn, or flip, easily. They are usually created as a simple ring or spiral coil bound document that either lays flat or forms a self-standing easel shape.

Designed primarily for table or desktop use, flip books and flip charts provide a convenient and low-tech way to convey information to a limited audience.

Popular Uses of Flip Documents

Flip books and flip charts are popular for promotional purposes. They can be part of a sales presentation or designed for customers to browse through on their own, such as part of a showroom or lobby display.  They are also frequently used for tabletop dessert or drink menus in restaurants.

Flip books and flip charts are also commonly used for educational purposes, such as in a classroom, business meeting or other instructional setting. They can be used to compliment a lecture or provided for self-instruction.

3 Reasons to Apply a Clear Laminate:

1) Lamination Increases Rigidity – pages which have been laminated become stiffer. The laminate coating also helps the pages separate easier. This makes the pages very easy to flip.

2) Lamination Adds Protection – plastic lamination protects the frequently-handled pages and cover of a flip document against tears, stains, smudges, moisture and other contaminants. This greatly increases the useful life.

3) Lamination Enhances Appearance – lamination enhances the vibrancy of the underlying ink colors and adds sheen. This gives the content a more attractive, professional appearance and helps hold attention.

If you have a need for custom-printed flip books, booklets or charts, give Formax a call at 866-367-6221. We can professionally print, laminate and assemble your flip documents to your exact specifications.

Take care!  Keith

Whether you are participating in a trade show, meeting, conference or other important event, a colorful throw or runner will add the finishing touch to your display table.

A custom-printed table throw or runner is a reasonably priced method for prominently displaying your logo and marketing message to visitors.

Available in a wide variety of colors, imprinted throws and runners attract attention…which enhances brand awareness and maximizes your promotional efforts!

Full Table Throws

A full throw covers the table top and also drapes over the sides of the table, extending to the floor on all four sides.

A full throw is ideal when you wish to keep items stored under the table and out of sight. Also, because it covers the table completely, a full table throw is recommended for tables that will be visible from all angles.

Open-Back Table Throws

An open-back throw covers the top of the table, plus it extends to the floor on the front and sides of the table.

An open-back throw does not cover the back of the table, leaving it open for exhibitors who require easy access to items stored underneath.

In addition, an open-back throw is essential if you wish to sit behind the table, such as to greet or register visitors.

Table Runners

A colorful table runner is an economical way to add visual impact to your display table. A runner covers the mid-section of the table, draping over both the front and back.

Imprinted with your logo and message, it provides the perfect accent to a white or solid-color table throw. A custom-printed table runner even maximizes the appearance of a bare table.

Designed to Fit Common Table Sizes

Full and open-back table throws are designed to fit the most common sizes of folding tables, such as table lengths of 4’, 6’ and 8’.

Table runners generally range from 2’ to 5’ in width, which accentuates the majority of display table sizes.

Custom-printed table throws and runners are a very affordable and practical way to enhance your organization’s presence at important exhibits and business gatherings. Give Formax a call at (866) 367-6221 if you’d like to learn more. We’ll help you create a custom-printed table cover to ensure your next event is a resounding success!

Custom Printed Maps Can Serve a Wide Variety of Purposes

Maps are used to share details
of a large geographical area, so they are usually printed in a
large format.

This is true whether the map is designed to be hung on a wall or folded into a portable size.

Who Uses Custom Maps?

Custom-printed wall and folded maps are used by a variety of organizations, including businesses, schools, park departments, event and
project planners, utilities and government agencies.

Some maps are used to share information with the general public while others are designed to share information within the organization.

A Few Examples
of Custom-Printed Maps…

> Chamber of Commerce Maps: Shopping Districts, Local Businesses
> Maps for Tourists and Visitors
> Maps of Public Transportation Routes
> Industrial and Utility Company Maps: Facilities, Branches and Service Centers
> Specials Event Maps: Fairs or Festivals, Parade or Marathon Routes
> Educational Maps: Geography of Countries, States or Regions
> Travel Maps: State, County or City Road Networks
> Maps of Parks and Recreational Complexes
> Hiking, Walking and Biking Trail Maps

Map Printing is a Specialty

Large format map printing requires specialized presses that can handle very large sheets of paper. Plus, if the maps are to be folded down, additional equipment is needed to apply a series of accordion and parallel folds. It is the need for special presses and folding equipment that explains why relatively few printers are able to produce large maps.

If you need large maps printed, Formax Printing Solutions can assist you. We can print custom 1-sided or 2-sided maps to your exact specifications, up to 54” x 77” in size (500 piece minimum). If you choose, we can also fold your map down to a compact and easy-to-handle size. Just give us a call at 866-367-6221 to discuss your map printing project in more detail.

Take care!  Keith

Great for Promotions or Retail

Growth charts are a popular printed item. Parents enjoy tracking the progress of their child’s height, as do the children themselves.

Growth charts are usually hung on a wall in a bedroom or playroom and remain in place for years, eventually ending up as a keepsake. Because growth charts have such a long life, they make great promotional giveaways, especially when designed to include an organization’s name and marketing message.

Well-suited for Health or School-related Promotions

In addition to a fun and colorful appearance, growth charts are often designed to be educational. This makes them particularly well-suited for health or school-related promotions. For example, a dentist or pediatrician’s office may design a growth chart to give to young patients. Police stations and fire departments often give them out after a station field trip or classroom visit. Custom growth charts also fit well with the promotional efforts of daycares, preschools and elementary schools.

Can Also be Designed as Saleable Items

In addition to being provided as a free giveaway, a growth chart may also be created as a saleable item. Any place that offers items related to young children can also offer custom-printed growth charts. You may see them in gift shops at zoos, museums, and other attractions, or offered at stores and online outlets that sell children’s books, toys and other kid-related items.

Very Versatile

You can design child growth charts with any colors, design or theme you choose, making them extremely versatile. But bear in mind that not all printers can produce growth charts. Because of their size, growth charts require a special printing press that can produce a large format print.

If you have a need for a colorful, family-friendly growth chart for promotional purposes or to sell outright, give Formax a call. We’ll take your design and produce high-quality growth charts up to 77” high using a large-format offset printing press (500 piece minimum for custom growth charts). Why not grow your own success while helping parents capture their child’s growth?

Take care!  Keith