Frequent questions
Generals
Our Flexo printers have 8 stations (1 for each color including varnishes). In Digital, due to its innovative way
of processing colors, you can place as many colors as you want.
Yes, we can work with databases if they require a variable code, consecutive numbering or name to
personalize the product.
Yes, each additional color has a surcharge. There are cases in which you will need an additional color,
especially if there is very small or inverted texts. Many times there are additional colors that are being
placed without the need to do so.
We do not produce printed samples. If you require any proof, consult your sales executive to see if we can
give you another option depending on what you need to verify.
Yes we can, this is called multi-version and it is a way to get a better price per thousand by joining the
production of your products that have the same characteristics (same material, size, finishes).
Art and Design
- The designs must be created in the Illustrator (essential) and the images in Photoshop in CMYK
format. - They must bring all the images that are being used in the design in a separate folder.
- Images must have a minimum resolution of 250 dpi and a maximum of 350 dpi, preferably in psd,
tiff and eps formats. It is suggested to use images as close as possible to the size of the label. - Attach a pdf of the design among the files you are sending for reference.
- The measurements of the files must be exact or close to the size of the label. The client can request
the die guide or mechanical drawing to work with it. - The design texts must be created from Illustrator and converted into paths or strokes.
- If the design requires White ink, the areas where it should be applied must be clearly indicated.
- The design must have 2.5 mm margins between the die line and the texts. Also leave 2.5 mm
margin or safe area for Images that must not be lost. - All images or backgrounds of the design must have a minimum excess of 3 mm around the die or
cutting area to avoid unprinted edges during the die-cutting process. - If the label has a barcode, please indicate the numbers and the type of code (EAN, UPCA, CODE 128,
etc.)
No, in order to have a better quality, it is essential that texts, logos, lines and vectors are created in
Illustrator since these generate better clarity for printing.
We don’t have a creative department, we only adapt your design to be able to print it.
The design must have a minimum resolution of 250 dpi and a maximum of 350 dpi, in psd, tiff and eps
formats, preferably not embedded but inside a separate folder. Linked Images should be preferably similar
in size to the label. The images should come in CMYK.
Yes, we can do minor changes in design and text as long as you send us the fonts or we
would have to change it for a similar one.
In flexo printing the minimum size recommended is 4 pts and if they are inverted 6 pts. It is important to
mention that the typography standard must be respected, not making modifications in widths or spaces
between letters, since this can affect the minimum established size. In digital printing, the minimum we
recommend is 3 pts and 5 pts if they are inverted so a normal person can read it, but we can actually print
micro texts.
Additionally to the size, there are certain limitations that should be considered. if the design of your label
uses a lot of text, make sure that you use a color that requires only one ink to avoid unreadable letters due
to register. (Also for inverted text)
They are the texts that are in white or light color and have a background of another dark color.
In digital printing, it is possible to print micro texts by choosing the appropriate type of font and color.
If the design requires White, the areas where this color is applied must be clearly indicated. For digital
prints, white can be applied throughout the design, including small texts, while for Flexographic prints, white
can be applied from texts of 14 points or more.
For digital prints, white can be placed throughout the design, including small text, but you cannot segment
two layers of white, it only allows one layer.
The barcodes must be correctly generated in the corresponding script, with the following dimensions: bar
width 0.05 mm, a magnification no less than 60% and must have a space of no less than 3 mm on the sides
with a white background. Barcode color combinations for optimal contrast should be: white background
with black, brown, blue, or dark green bars.
In flexography, the gradients cannot be finished at 0 because there is a loss of screen percentage in the
minimum on the plates. We have a special screen that we apply to reduce color in values below 3% to
smooth the color fade.
The recommended minimum thickness in “positive” lines and strokes is 0.25 pts., and the minimum
recommended thickness in inverted lines and strokes is 0.75 pts.
When placing a frame on a design, due to the normal movement of the machine , generates the risk that
when the label is cut it will leave uneven sides. It is not recommended to leave thin frames on the designs, if
it’s strictly necessary, keep them at least 5mm thick so the difference is not so noticeable.
We need a file made in Excel with the variable information with a surplus of 20% of the total number of
labels you need for the waste that is produced. In addition, it is required that in the illustrator design there
is enough extra space to place the variable printing (consider a movement in register of +2mm. Use a
common font in the Excel file for the variable information. It is very important to provide a reference of the
variable information in a Excel or in a pdf file.
It is the digital simulation printed in special photographic paper, as close as possible, of how the results will
be once the job is printed. The color proof can simulate only the images printed in CMYK. The Pantone
colors appear only as a reference, the exact color formulation and the substrate cannot be represented in
this color proof.
No, the color proof is only a color simulation of the print but cannot represent the characteristics of the
printing press. Due to this limitation, there will be always difference between the color proof and the
printed material especially in the areas where light colors and minimum % of color is present.
Deliveries
Shipments in Guatemala City doesn’t have additional cost. For the rest of the country we can deliver to your
shipment company in Guatemala City and you will pay their shipping fee.
We only have one production plant, we are located at Calzada Atanasio Tzul 42-85 zone 12 in Guatemala
City, Guatemala.
We work with a schedule to be able to fulfill all the commitments with our clients. We ask you to organize
your purchases so you don't have inventory breaks. We will always try to help and deliver as soon as
possible based on our production schedule.
Commercial terms
We can do short and long print runs. It really depends on the type of product you need. We have options
from 1,000 or 3,000 units; but the best way is to consult with a sales executive so that we can advise you.
We start work with a 50% advance payment and 50% against delivery. If you are already a recurring
customer, you can apply for credit. We don’t give more than 30 days credit.
Special finishes imply using special materials and machinery, so they will add additional costs, extra
production time, and adds additional days in the delivery time.
We need to know the type of product, size, material and finishes you want to have in your package or label.
We need to have a complete idea of what you expect and to what conditions the product will be exposed in
order to advise you the best option for you.
Technical aspects
Although some of the materials may look the same, the adhesive is what makes the difference. We need to
know what the label will be applied to, the temperature to which it will be exposed, what its use will be and
other details to advise you on the option that applies in each case.
Yes, the temperature at which the adhesive label, heat shrink sleeve or the product inside the packaging will
be expose during its useful life is important that you communicate it to the sales executive. We have
multiple materials that are suitable for different situations.
Yes, shrink sleeves are very susceptible to shrink in temperatures over 30 C. It is important that they are
transported and stored in suitable places so that they fulfill their function correctly.
It depends on the product to be packed and the barriers required.
The die is the tool with which the adhesive label is cut and it comes in different shapes (circles, rectangles,
ovals, special shapes, etc.). Die-cutting gives the label the shape you require. The dies are made out of
Guatemala, so you must take into account when you place a new order.
They are the final details that distinguish or protect the image of your printed product. We can apply
different varnishes, plastic lamination, hot or cold stamped (hot foil or cold foil), screen printing, embossing,
variable printing and special inks.
No, this is something that many mistake for both having adhesive materials. The main difference is that
industrial adhesive labels "sell" your product and are custom-made in industrial machinery with materials
and adhesives suitable for their use, while "stickers or decals" are generally generic, made with commercial
materials. The adhesive labels are delivered on a roll for easy manual or automatic application, suitable for
industrial processes, while the stickers come on sheets and you can find them in bookstores or shops.
The “winding direction number” will give us the information of the way in wich the label comes out of the
roll in reference to the main texts of the roll. This is key when your application is going to be automatic, so
you must give us the information to be able to quote correctly. Generally the manual of the machinery use
to apply the labels will have this specification. It is also important that you tell us the diameter of the center
or "core" used in each roll and the maximum outside diameter your machine can handle.
Yes, we can make the rolls with the quantity you need. So from the quote you must tell us how much you
units per roll or per package we need to deliver.