General information:

Custom printed binders are shipped in bulk cases which may include more binders per case than standard retail packaging.

Ships in a single shipment to a single location only. If you need special shipping, please make sure this is included with your initial order as there may be additional shipping or handling charges.

Minimum order quantity varies with the imprint process. Printed overlay and commercially printed inserts or labels requires a minimum of 500 of the same size/capacity. Silkscreen and digitally printed inserts or labels requires a minimum of 50 of the same size/capacity. details

Binder colors may be mixed within an order; same size/capacity is required for the entire order.

Lead time: approximately 4 weeks; we can often deliver in less time if our schedule permits. Please let your customer service representative know if you have a specific deadline.

A deposit of 50 percent of the total order is required with the art files. This deposit may be paid by check or credit card for your convenience.

Compliance with the artwork approval process REQUIRED. See Guidelines below. Artwork approval may increase lead time.

Guidelines for Printing

The quality of the finished product of any printing process is determined by two factors: the capability of the printing press and the appropriateness of the original artwork for both the design and the printing technique. The following guidelines were developed to help make sure that your finished custom UniKeep binder meets your expectations.

Every job submitted for printing MUST be accompanied by a Printing Checklist. Fill out all of the information. Jobs with missing or incomplete forms will not be accepted. Send the art along with the checklist to UniKeep.

Art file requirements are nearly the same for all UniKeep printing processes, but templates, print area and number of colors are different. Please review all information carefully.
Printed overlays / Silkscreening / Offset printed inserts / Digital printing / File requirements

Pre-sized templates files are available for each product and process. Please make sure to download the correct template file and do not confuse the overlay templates with templates sized for cover inserts.

Overlay printing

UniKeep poly overlays are printed on a narrow web flexographic press. This press prints onto a continuous “web” of rolled material, not individual sheets. Flexo technology allows for printing on the widest variety of materials from polypropylene to paper products as heavy as 12 pt.

Printing two sides

Both sides of the UniKeep cover overlay can be printed if necessary for unique design or product requirements. To print both sides on a single pass through the press, the use of a turn bar is required.

Determining number of colors available

There are eight stations on the flexo press. Each station allows for one color, varnish or process. For example, a varnish or other special coating can be applied to the overlay using one of the stations which reduces the number of colors available to seven. Each color, varnish or process requires a separate plate. The maximum number of colors/plates for a project is eight.

The number of stations used on the press, as well as the number of plates that are required, are two of the factors that determine the cost of printing.

UniKeep Overlay Sizes

The size of the overlay for each product is measured as a flat piece that wraps from the back (left side) to the front (right side). The spine is centered within the flat measurement.

.5 UniKeep View Case Binder overlay is 21.0625 inches wide by 11.5 inches tall. The spine area is 1/2 inch wide and the front and back panels each measure 10.28 inches wide.

1.0 UniKeep View Case Binder overlay is 21.5625 inches wide by 11.5 inches tall. The spine area is 1 inch wide and the front and back panels each measure 10.28 inches wide.

UniKeep Disc 10 Wallet overlay is 13.375 inches wide by 5.062 tall. The spine area is 1.062 inch wide and the front and back panels each measure 6.1565 inches wide.

Pre-sized templates files are available for each product and process. Please make sure to download the correct template and do not confuse the overlay templates with templates sized for cover inserts.

Design considerations for optimum results

Avoid reversing type from four color process. If this is not possible, outline the reverse type with a black or dark color line at least 0.010” thick to help the type remain crisp.

When using gradients or drop shadows, avoid stopping the gradient in the middle of an area. The edge will usually print darker on the flexo press, resulting in a visible edge. Try to carry the color to the edge of the art or hide it with other graphic elements.

Avoid value color traps with colors of contrasting hues such as orange and blue. The traps will be obvious as flexo traps are often wider than in offset printing. Try to use light colors trapping under darker colors. If you are unfamiliar with trapping, DO NOT try to adjust it within your files. UniKeep prepress can more effectively make necessary adjustments.

Graphics specifications

Typical minimum trap 0.012”
Minimum type size, positive copy 4 pt.
Minimum type size, reverse copy 6 pt.
Minimum line weight, positive copy 0.008”
Minimum line weight, reverse copy 0.012”
Typical color to color tolerance ±0.012”
Minimum printed border weight to register die cut 0.125”
Minimum printed image bleed beyond die cut 0.063”
Typical line screen 133 dpi
Minimum highlight dot 3%
Gradient/vignette range 3% - 100%

Preparing the art

All art supplied by the customer should be ready to print. If you cannot generate art for your project, ask your sales representative to recommend a service.

Separate black process copy from line copy (type, rules, etc.). When using both process graphics and solid black elements on the same side, results will generally be better if the solid black elements can be printed on a separate station from the black used in the process color. In this way, the process color can be adjusted on the press for optimum results without compromising the print quality of the solid black elements.

Digital files

The UniKeep prepress department is Mac based. For optimum results, submit native format Mac files in one of the preferred software applications. These files can be opened and, if necessary, changes can be made once the file is received. Files should be constructed so that all individual elements can be moved and adjusted independently.

File formats

Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign are preferred. Macromedia Freehand, Quark Xpress, and Adobe Pagemaker are also acceptable. Specify the version used. Word processing files such as Microsoft Word are NOT acceptable for printing.

Image resolution for photos should be 300 ppi/dpi and the image should be sized to 100%. Avoid scaling the image in the page layout software. Placed images may be sent as JPEG, TIFF, EPS or as Photoshop files. Photos should be CMYK, not RGB. Do not use under color removal (UCR) or gray component replacement (GCR). These will be applied by the prepress department where required.

Files to include

- Document file in native format.
- All screen and printer fonts used in the document. Even if type has been converted to outlines, the fonts will allow last minute editing if necessary. Do NOT send PC fonts.
- All placed images, files, logos, photos, etc.

Media options

All media must be labeled with your name and contact information. Media will be returned upon request. Files can be sent on 3.5” floppy, 100 or 250 MB Zip, Jaz or CD. Files under 5 MB total may be sent via e-mail. Larger files can be sent to our FTP site and instructions can be found on our web site at www.unikeep.com.

Compression

Files that are e-mailed or sent on disc may be compressed into .sea, .zip, .hqx or .sit.

Print approval process

To make sure that your printed packaging looks as perfect as your original concept, all jobs require signed client approval on the final proof produced after your art is received by the Custom UniKeep pre-press department. Please be sure to allow enough time to receive, approve and return this proof when planning your project timeline. Final proof will be a color print of the composite digital file that will be used to make the films for plates.

Customer changes to any art after the proof has been made may incur additional costs and require more time, especially if films have been made. Depending on the changes, you may choose to have Custom UniKeep make minor changes or you may submit new art. Any changes will always require that a new proof be made and approved.

Final responsibility for all spelling, text and numbers, layout and color breaks remains with the customer. All proofs should be thoroughly inspected before being approved.