Perfecting Proofing
In Hammer Packaging's fast-paced world, says Prepress Manager Bill Pope, state-of-the-art proofing denotes "having the capability to proof accurately on a wide variety of substrates, targeting all the printing systems and ink sets we use."
In Hammer's case, the effort extends to the entire lineup of the company's 12 conventional and UV web, sheetfed, and narrow-web UV flexo presses. In sum, it reflects a process of continuous improvement driven by Hammer's expansion in terms of new presses, job mix, ink sets, and substrates—especially the 2 to 3.2 mil film stock (clear, white, metalized polypropylene, etc.) it uses for a significant amount of its label and shrink sleeve applications. "The biggest issue for us is substrates," Pope confirms. "What prints well on paper may not print well on film."
