Offset Printing or Lithography

Flat Printing or lithography is a method for printing on a smooth surface, most commonly used to print text or artwork onto paper or another suitable material. The printed image obtains ink from ink rollers, making this method the most logical choice when a more complete range of color is desired. Flat printing is ideal for any type of stationery, business card or brochure, whether that piece is printed on one side or both sides. Any combination of PMS colors is possible, as well as basic black. Due to the flat “texture” of this process, lithography works especially well when a “screened” effect is required for the printed piece. The same holds true for “flood-cote”, or “flooding” the entire piece with an overall color. “Solid reverses”, graphics or type “reversed out” of a flood-coated color or “bleeding” (color taken to the ends of the piece) are some other variations that lend itself well using offset printing. In addition, flat printing can be used alone or in a combination with other processes such as foil stamping, letterpress or embossing to create that extra special, unique look.


Thermography or Raised Printing

In the printing process of thermography, or “raised printing”, a special powder is added to the ink printed on the paper. The printed piece is then heated, or “baked in an oven” until the powder and ink dry to form a raised effect on the paper. The biggest difference between thermography and flat printing is in the shine & texture that can be readily seen & felt. Like flat printing, any combination of PMS colors may be used as well as “metallics” such as golds and silvers. Thermography is similar in appearance to engraving, its more expensive counterpart. And, also like flat printing, thermography can be combined with most other printing processes. It is a number one choice for a “rich-looking” textural piece without the strain on the pocketbook!!


LASER Thermography

In addition to “regular” thermography, Eagle Printing offers a special technique to “lock in” the color the color of a thermographed piece when it is run through a laser printer. Laser Safe thermography ensures that the color won’t bleed or run. It is a necessary process in today’s world where just about every piece of stationery runs through a laser printer at some point.


Foil Stamping

Foil Stamping is the application of foil, a special film-backed material, to paper where a heated die is stamped onto the foil. This will then adhere to the surface, leaving the design of the die on the stock. Foil stamping can be combined with embossing to create a more striking 3 Dimensional image. Foils are available in a myriad of colors as well as “finishes”, ranging from matte, to shiny to holographic. This process has several desirable features: 1. It may be used on different & heavier stocks than in traditional printing 2. A darker stock choice may be utilized with a lighter color, such as white foil stamping on a black cover stock. 3. A look of “richness” is conveyed. Customized foil stamping is especially suited for business cards, company or personal stationery, presentation folders & report covers, labels and invitations to name but a few.


Embossing/Debossing

The creation of a three-dimensional design or image on stock or paper is known as “embossing”. Heat and pressure combine to reshape the surface of the paper to create the image. There are several different styles of embossing: 1. Single level 2. Multi-level 3. Beveled 4. Sculptured. Embossing may also be done “blind” (with just the color of the stock showing through) or “register” (combining with ink or foil for special effects).

In Debossing, the image is pressed “into” the paper, creating depressions rather than raised impressions such as embossing. Debossing can also be used “blind” or used with foil & inks. Both of these processes are especially suited for stationery, business cards, memo pads, invitations & pocket folders. Corporate logos and monograms look “extra rich” when embossed.


Letterpress

Letterpress printing is the “grandfather” of printing, and remains the oldest printing process available. It is accomplished by using a die to press ink onto stock to obtain the image in reverse. The effect achieved by using letterpress printing is one of simplicity and elegance. Most commonly used on wedding invitations, this process can also be used to create unique business cards as well as other custom printed products. Letterpress printing has made a huge come-back recently with our cultural lean of “back-to the-basics”.


Die-Cutting

Die-Cuts consist of areas on the printed piece that are either partially or completely cut, shaped or cut out into an assortment of shapes. A die consists of a steel blade that is used to punch out the desired shape through a wide range of materials quickly & easily. Die-cutting is normally done after a piece is printed & is part of the finishing process. Die-cutting is used to create business card slits, pocket folder shapes, business cards, round-cornering, cut-out windows on folders & report covers, custom labels & whatever else may come to mind. Eagle Printing has a wide variety of “standard” dies available, but we can also create “custom” dies to fit your individual needs, giving a unique shape to your printed piece.


Pre-Press Services

Before a future product goes to press, a certain amount of prep work is required. This “prepping” is handled in Eagle printing’s pre-press department, combining the latest in computer technology with many years of experience, working together to print what you envision. Our pre-press services include typesetting, digital scanning, proofing, plate making and data archiving. Eagle Printing can convert your digital files, positives, negatives and/or camera-ready art to plates ready for press. We are Macintosh based format using the industry’s top software including Quark X-Press, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and Acrobat which we constantly update to remain compatible to your needs. Proofing options include dylox, digital pdf’s and laser. For more technical information or questions, please contact our pre-press department.


Finishing Services

To further enhance your custom printed piece, Eagle Printing offers a wide variety of finishing services. These include numbering (commonly used on invoices or tickets), varnishing (a liquid coating applied to speed up the drying process, lock in color & to add a glossy or matte finish), and hole-punching. Business Card slits and/or round corners can be added to folders and note cards. Eagle Printing can perforate your final piece, score it, fold it, glue it, trim it, box it, shrink wrap it and ship it all under one roof! Whatever your custom printing needs may be, let the experts at Eagle Printing be your one source for “direction in conception” leading to “products of distinction”.