A die-cut and creased cartonboard blank is made into a carton (see “DIE CUTTING” and “CREASING”).
Finishing
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The printed sheet is coated with a protective layer of plastic or metal foil - the laminate. There are gloss and matt laminates. They are applied by a special lamination machine. The laminate provides excellent protection against dirt, moisture and wear. Lamination can also be done for aesthetic reasons.
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PASTING |
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To join two or more cartonboard sheets with adhesive or wax to create a single unit.
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SCORING |
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A fine line is scored in the cartonboard to create a flexible hinge. A scored line is less durable than a crease line (See “CREASING”). |
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DIE CUTTING |
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Die cutting occurs when the cartonboard sheet is cut into a shape, e.g. to create a blank which can be folded and erected to form a carton. After printing, die-cutting and creasing are done simultaneously in die-cutting machines. Die-cutting and creasing can be combined with embossing (See “EMBOSSING”). |
| NICKS |
| Nicks are non-die-cut sections which hold the blanks together to facilitate handling during the subsequent conversion process. |
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PERFORATION |
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A row of punched holes which make it easier to tear off e.g. a coupon or reply card. |
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CREASING |
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To facilitate folding, a well-defined folding line or crease is made. A perfect crease can be compared with a hinge and its aim is to produce the desired shape and function in a carton or in printed material. |
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EMBOSSING |
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Embossing means that the cartonboard is shaped into well-defined, permanent relief patterns. Before the cartonboard sheet is embossed it is often printed or foiled. If the relief is raised it is described as positive. If it is impressed, it is negative. Embossing which is done without prior printing with ink is called blind embossing. Embossing can also create a pattern which covers the entire surface. |
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HOT FOIL STAMPING |
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A text or pattern in metallic foil is applied to the cartonboard with the aid of heat, often in combination with embossing. |
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FOLDING WITHOUT PRIOR CREASING |
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When a cartonboard sheet is folded without a pre-existing crease or scoring (see “CREASING” and “SCORING”). This is usually done in a folding machine. |
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FOLDING/ERECTING |
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