Print FAQ's

Q: How do I know what kind of printing is right for my project?

A: Contact our experienced team to discuss your project. Our Print Services Manager will help determine the best printer for your project at the right price.

Q: What is the difference between conventional lithography and the new stochastic lithography?

A: Stochastic lithography is a new advancement in printing technology that can give a better print quality, cleaner more dynamic and accurate color images, and reduce running waste.

Conventional lithography uses half-tone dots of various sizes and spaces these dots at the same distance from each other. Stochastic lithography uses microdots of a common size of various spacing according to tonal value. Stochastic screening uses smaller printing dots to create a higher image detail. Tonal ranges and color contrasts are also improved because the variation in dot distribution increases ink densities.

Q: What is on-demand printing?

A: On-demand printing utilizes an "electronic master" file which can be provided in a digital format or simply scanned from a physical copy. At the client's request, this master file is used to generate a given quantity of printed materials in a very short period of time. This is good for short, digital runs and not larger and more complex offset lithography. With on-demand printing, you print only what you need as you need it, rather than printing a large quantity and storing the inventory until it is needed.

Q: What is variable data printing?

A: Variable data printing is a form of on-demand printing that allows you to customize and personalize your direct mail pieces for potentially increased response rates. With variable data printing, the basic layout is the same but you can insert different names and addresses, graphics, messages, and other customizable elements into the layout to create unique targeted mailers in one print run.

Q: What are the standard envelope styles?

A: Envelopes come in a wide array of sizes and shapes. You can find in-stock envelopes to serve almost any business function, or you can have your envelopes made to just about any specification. The most common styles include: A-Style, Baronial, Booklet, Catalog, Commercial and Square. Each style can be used for different purposes, but it is important to know if machine automation is part of the mailing job. This will dictate the exact construction of the envelope to be ordered or converted to fit the job. Admail West's project managers are happy to consult on which envelopes meet machinable requirements.

Q: Does recycled paper cost more?

A: The manufacturing process to make recycled paper uses less energy, water and oil, in addition to saving trees. Why then, does recycled paper sometimes cost more than virgin paper? The answer has to do with economies of scale and mill design. Most modern paper mills in North America are heirs to billions of dollars of industry investment in using trees and are designed to make high quality, low cost virgin paper.

Given the extremely low profit margins in the paper industry, these mills are finely tuned to minimize cost. They make enormous quantities of very specific paper grades because long production runs result in less down time and lower cost per ton of product. Any variation from this formula results in higher costs. Ask one of these virgin mills to make recycled paper and you will pay more because most mills are designed to produce virgin pulp for all their fiber needs and are located deep in the woods, far from sources of recycled fiber.

Q: What is color separation?

A: The method used in breaking down the primary colors needed to prepare plates for printing color work.

Q: What is dpi?

A: DPI (dots per inch) is the measure of the resolution of a printer, though it is frequently used to refer to image resolution. DPI refers to the dots of ink or toner used by an image setter, laser printer, or other printing device to print your text and graphics. In general, the more dots there are, the better and the sharper the image.

Q: How do I get more information about your services?

A: Visit the Contact Us page to receive more information about Admail West's Print Services.