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Digital printing includes a variety of printing processes in which a computer directly transfers the print image to a printing machine without the need for a static printing plate. Usually, an electro photographic printing system is used such as a laser printer constructed for high circulation figures. Other common procedures are, for example, ink-jet printing for large format placards and posters.

Hybrid printing is a combination of two printing technologies in one print job. Offset printing provides high circulation and top quality cost-effectively production. The second run, laser printing, allows the customer to add a relevant and personalized message on each page.

Flexo printing is a high-pressure process based on the principle that a slightly raised pressure plate gets colored with print color which is transferred by being pressed on the plastic foil. With so-called counter-pressure the print is on the inside and the print image obtains a special effect (gloss, color intensity) through the transparent outer layer of the foil. In contrast, recto print has the print on the outside of the printed film. Interlayer printing means the print image is positioned between two or more layers of foil. For interlayer printing another foil is applied after the reverse printing through a laminating process. Nowadays this is the standard procedure in the food industry for labels.

The paper refining by UV coating is made by applying glossy or matt varnishes. This mostly happens in the screen printing process. The varnishes can either be applied partially (only on certain areas of a surface) or on the whole surface. Moreover, a variety of so-called special varnishes is used in the paper refining. A substance which specifically provides the desired effect is added to the varnish most of the time.

Coating means connecting several layers of the same or different materials (mostly foils) to apply or to obtain adding of favourable material characteristics (protective or decorative-matt or glossy) with the help of suitable concealing means.

Printing decorative upgrades using foils, their coating (for example metallic colours) is dissolved out by pressure and heat and is pressed on paper or carton. Hot-foil embossing is often used in connection with embossing.

Blind Print is also a pressure forming procedure where a profiled stamp (matrix) is pressed into a counter-form (punch) to obtain signs or structures to the paper. This is done for a special refined surface.

A groove is a longish deepening in technology. In paper technology it is a condensed deepening to prevent the paper from breaking during the folding process.

Bookbinding operation in the cut flush binding and folding box production. A creasing machine carries out a line-type material displacement (similar to grooving) with pressure tools to create material bend ability.

Notching or slitting of thin materials like paper or carton for dividing a sheet or part of it off.

a ) Parallel Folds

In the simplest form of the parallel fold, all folds go parallel. The letter fold, the gatefold, the Leporello fold, and the double parallel fold are part of the parallel folds. Parallel folds are frequently applied to simple advertising prints.

b ) Letter Fold

The letter fold is a form of the parallel fold at which two or more equally wide parts of the fold bend are joined with a lock seam without changes of direction around a bend part. The fold going respectively in the same direction is the reason for the name. Three pages or six pages are the results of two parallel folds from one fold bend. This is called a double letter fold. A three triple fold yields four / eight pages etc.

c) Gatefold

The gatefold, seldom called church fold, owes its name to the similarity to three-part winged altars in churches. In this form of the parallel fold the exterior parts of the fold bend are joined inside with a lock seam without overlapping. The altar fold has six pages, an additional break in the bend middle yields the eight-sided gatefold.

d ) Leporello or Zigzag Fold

The Leporello fold is a form of the parallel fold at which two or more parts of the fold bend are joined with a lock seam in changing directions. Through this, a zigzag-like fold arises, therefore this form is called zigzag fold. Three/six pages are the result of a two parallel fold.

e ) Double Parallel Fold

The double parallel fold & parallel map folds require a four-panel design (8 pages). This fold is commonly used for larger sheet sizes. The two inside panels are slightly narrower than the two outside panels. This fold is popular for programs and promotional pieces.

f) Cross Fold

The cross fold requires repeatedly folding in right angle. This method is applied when the fold bend is stapled and cut for the production of booklets, magazines, books. The direction of movement of the paper should run parallel with the last fold.

Method to order the printed sheets in reading direction.

Also bookbinding. The last operation after completion of the print. Covers all steps of organising and joining the pages or layers of a print product up to the furnishing.

The connection of the individual pages or the seamed paper bends to an exercise book or book block with thread or wire stitches. The staple, a u-shaped metal piece commonly made of galvanised steel, forms an indissoluble connection between two or more sheets of paper.

The unbound sheets get connected with an adhesive (hotmelt or dispersion adhesive or PUR) at the adhesive binding in the book production.

Industrially prefabricated cartons, folded space-savingly which can get on-folded to boxes. Foldable cartons which consist of a tube (frame) with a side seam running parallel to the carton height. With attached bottom and top flaps or attached tuck-in bottom and top are glued at the lateral seam.