Folders

The principal type of business print is the folder, distinguished by its texture, style, size and purpose. The functionality of this product is quite broad. Folders can be used to store documentation or other paper materials. They are an attribute of a company's corporate identity. Depending on their purpose, there are several models of printed products:

· Lever-arch folders;

· Menu folders;

· Image products;

· Corporate (branded) folders.

They are also divided into groups based on their model and method of fastening:

· Folders with flaps;

· Plastic file folders;

· Products made of plastic with ring clamps;

· Leather products with a presentable appearance.

The most widespread models are the branded ones. They carry an advertising and informational character, since the company's individual symbols are displayed on them. The first impression of the owner depends on how skilfully and stylishly the folder is designed. The purpose of such a product is not simply to hold the necessary documentation, but also to constantly remind people of the company.

Making folders

Making folders in Kyiv and beyond goes through three stages: developing the design, the printing of the product itself, and finishing work. Depending on its direct purpose, the material is selected — cardboard, designer paper or plastic. The format of the finished product slightly exceeds that of standard A4 typing paper. This is done so that it is convenient to store all the necessary materials in it.

Products are printed using screen printing or offset printing.

1. The offset method is applicable to flat printing. This method has a number of advantages:

· Print quality;

· The offset method allows printing on a wide range of materials and lends itself to any kind of finishing work.

· Large print runs can be produced within minimal timeframes;

In turn, this method is divided into digital and photo-offset.

2. Screen printing, or in other words stencil printing, can be carried out by machine or by hand. The latter method is widespread in art. The advantage of screen printing lies in the ability to apply lettering and images in both monochrome and colour. The fewer the openings in the stencil, the larger the resulting image.

Applying a logo.

Making folders with a logo is a creative process. Branding can be done according to the customer's individual sketches or following a particular theme. There are several methods of displaying the symbols directly on the folder.

Pad printing. The ideal option for applying an image to any surface. It is transferred from the cliché using an elastic material in the form of a pad. Pad printing allows the use of a rich colour palette.

To convey individuality and refined taste, many customers settle on foil stamping. This method imprints images made of metallic foil in any colour onto the folder. The main time is spent on preparing the photopolymer cliché. To transfer the image directly onto the product, the cliché is heated thoroughly using special equipment.

Engraving. There are three ways of carving symbols onto a product. The manual method is performed using a special cutter, the burin. The mechanical method is carried out by etching with acids. The modern method of engraving involves the use of a laser. This process is fully computerised and, unlike the two previous methods, allows images to be applied in various colour schemes and at any level of complexity.

Lettering or images can be applied using the congreve embossing method. With the help of special tooling and a press, the image is embossed onto the surface of the folder. It is worth noting that, for example, the resulting raised logo can be either convex above the surface or concave into it.

Printing is an entire industry and the true craftsmanship of professionals, from the project developers to the technologists who carry out the whole process.