Print pass.
After extensive design process, setting up all extras like stamping, Pantone colors, selective varnishes – it is time for print pass, known also as print approval. Taking place in printing house located close to or integrated inside packaging manufacturer factory.
What we need to prepare price offer?
- where packaging vendor is*.
- complete documentation of project if we were not a part of it (dielines, color proofs, paper samples)**.
- physical models if they were made.
- timetable – when initial printing will be and when packaging needs to be ready to ship to the final client.
* we need this info to calculate trip/hotel expenses if needed.
** depends on technology, some differences are present.
** depends on technology, some differences are present.
Understand entire process.*
* how entire print approval process will look like depends of packaging type, substrates and entire supply chain needed to complete the procedure and will be discussed with client and setup individually.
One, most important thing about print approval process is to understand entire procedure. It makes you sure, your company box/doypack/sticker/tape – whatever, is really what you paid for. Print-pass is not only about color it is also about paper thickness and [paper] substance, durability, extra finishing… and many more.
We use specialized mobile microscope, certified color proofs, paper samples, calibrated balance to be sure about final product.
1st step – initial check.
Checking physical existence of factory.
Upon arrival – we check if printing house exists, OK, we do it on pre-arrivial process but, it happened few times, (when inexperienced client was responsible for choosing final manufacturer) that we visited plain field or individual flat/office building because manufacturer proved to be agent. – this point happens rarely, but still, such situation could emerge.
2nd step – we enter the production site.
Obligatory for first print run. This is most important part, we enter the production site and checking if technical equipment is ready, paper prepared and amidst other we do first color adjustments and making sure that entire process is as agreed and approved in models part of order preparation.
3rd step – Evaluation of final product.
After manufacturing process is complete, product shaped, we will do final laboratory and packing tests (+ logistics) and put required number samples to the archive.