Manark implements many lesser-used techniques to achieve unique results. Here are just a few of our techniques demystified.
Under Colour Removal (UCR)
Generally only used for printing on an uncoated stock, Under Colour Removal (UCR) is a technique that reduces the amount of ink in the cyan, magenta and yellow, replacing it with equivalent values of black in the neutral tonal areas.
The result is less overall ink creating a more neutral look. An addition to this is to remove the colour bias of the stock from the file, allowing you to run full ink density and match the rest of the job with a lot more accuracy.
Screen rulings
We pride ourselves in our ability to handle high-resolution screens with skill, printing up to 400dpi with ease. But the question must first be asked: can the stock handle the higher screen?
Aside from dropping the screen ruling there are other ways of optically achieving less gain by using stochastic screening, creating the look of a continuous tone that can be used on both coated and uncoated stocks.
Stochastic Screening
Unlike the traditional linear dot screen, stochastic screening is a technique that does not use a uniform pattern and has more space between each dot (relative to the ruling or micron), which helps to stop it ‘blocking up’.
Effectively there is less ink on the sheet. This works extremely well when printing on uncoated stocks. With less ink the drying process is sped up.
As always, it is a matter of choosing the right technique for the job. Stochastic does not suit every stock. Stochastic is particularly good with most uncoated papers as it has the appearance of a continuous tone, giving smoother blends and looking sharper.
Coatings
Plasticoat ‘Plasta-coat’ (also known as Cellosheen) can aid in reducing the affects of cracking in both directions completely.
Another consideration is an aqueous coat, an inexpensive and environmentally friendly method of improving and sealing the surface of most stocks.
Die-cutting
Another process that designers are often disappointed with is die cutting. Nearly all packaging jobs require it, but how often does the printer give you your samples back and tell you that your design does not fit the die shape?
Manark is able to output a blank dummy from your file before we print, ensuring that when we finally do get to the process of die cutting, the design fits and works.
Hexachrome
This is a six-colour process printing method that consists of the Hexachrome version of CMYK with the addition of Hex Orange and Hex Green. Hexachrome gives you the ability to expand your colour gamut, enabling you to match most PMS colours with a far greater level of accuracy.
Generally this improves the overall impact of the printing. There are some very basic rules to using Hexachrome, the most important one being to leave your file in RGB. The actual conversion is carried out at Manark, so designers need only concern themselves with designing for Hex.