Of course printing the job is just the beginning.
Frequently finishing options are required in order to complete the job.
Many digital presses offer inline finishing options.
Now inline finishing means a separate module is attached to the
end of the press to perform something beyond the printing process.
Many digital presses can even make
booklets with little staples and everything.
Some inline finishing options for digital presses include perfect binding.
Perfect binding is that flat spine that you see on a book, such as a textbook.
UV coating may be applied in order to ensure that
the color doesn't fade when the piece is exposed to sunlight.
And, scoring gives an advantage when a piece, especially
one printed on heavy stock, needs to be folded.
Scoring can prevent any kind of flaking or
cracking of toner that's applied during a printing process.
And that ensures a more attractive result when the piece is folded.
Additional inline finishing features include
cutting and slitting and perforating.
Now large format output is frequently used for outdoor signage.
So that requires a different set of finishing options.
For example, lamination to ensure that a piece can't be torn.
UV coating to prevent deterioration of the look of the
piece when it's exposed for long periods of time to sunlight.
And, in a vinyl banner, for example, welded seams to ensure that it
stays together if it's had to be pieced together from multiple individual pieces.
And sometimes they'll even sew the seams.
Again, it's for stability and for making a long lasting product.
Finally, if you're sign's going to be displayed on
a building or other structure grommets may be inserted,
so that you can anchor the tie downs and
then anchor that piece to the building or other structure.
So all of these finishing options are just as
important as the printing itself because they complete the job.