Wisconsin Converting Inc. About WCI  Contact Us  Printing Specifications  Track Order 
Merchandise Bags SOS Bags Gourmet Bags Non-Woven Bags Rope Handle Bags Shopper Bags Eco-Shipper® Dura-Bag® Illuminations Sani-Liner®


Capabilities
Art/Plates
Charges
Ink
Handled Shoppers
Design Templates - Merchandise/SOS/Gourmet/Handled Shoppers
Design Templates - Post Printing & Hot Stamping
Design Templates - Eco-Shipper® and Dura-Bag®
Design Templates - Screen Printing (Non-Woven Bags)

 

WCI Printing Specifications

Printing Capabilities: Use for Merchandise, SOS, Gourmet, Eco-Shipper and Dura-Bag. For Handled Shoppers see below.

Subject to production capabilities. Art deviating from WCI specifications will require production approval or customer sign-off.

Flexographic printing:
(1) Finest line screen: 55 line screen at 15%. Screening may be subject to run as a two color job upon production review of artwork (based on machine parameters).

(2) Registration Factor: 1/8” plus or minus. When printing more than one color, we cannot guarantee colors will jump in the same direction at the same time.
(3) The smallest font:
a) Positive: 9 pt. Helvetica
b) Negative (reversed out): 16 pt. Helvetica
(4) Minimum Line Weight:
a) Positive: 1/64”
b) Negative (reversed out): 3/64 ”
(5) Gusset printing available -25% maximum ink coverage.
(6) On two-sided print: Seam placement to be determined by production and machine capabilities. Back seam match-up may vary.

Specifications:

Artwork Specifications:  Any additions deletions or changes to artwork will be charged at cost. An estimate will be provided and must be approved before any changes will be made.
Artwork may be submitted in the following formats:

(1) Camera ready mechanical or scanned (raster) digital images that do not have to be enlarged more than 150%.
(2) .004 right reading emulsion up negatives (RREU). Please do not furnish negatives for designs with screens/halftones.
(3) .112 photopolymer plates, .050 relief. Please do not furnish plates for designs with screens/halftones.
(4) CD for Mac or PC
(5) Adobe Illustrator files are preferred, with confirming PDF file.
(6) When submitting artwork on disk, all screen fonts, printer fonts, and graphic source files must be furnished with the layout.
(7) Must supply confirming PDF or hard copy - scaled laser or ink jet print, etc. - for all digital files supplied by disk or email.

Click here to submit artwork for review or quoting.

We send proofs on all orders with new or revised art. We send ink drawdowns on white paper only when requested on PO, or when there are traps and/or overprints that in our judgment should be approved prior to production. We send drawdowns on all PMSu matches on natural kraft and colors, as well as all custom matches.

A proof approval form must be signed and returned before any production can begin. No credits or returns will be allowed for any element in accordance with the approved proofs and/or approval form.

Lead-time begins when art and ink are approved. Any changes after approvals will delay the order and may incur additional charges.

Negative Specifications
(1) Emulsion side UP (matte finish)
(2) Right Reading
(3) 7 mil thickness
(4) 3/4" flashing
(5) Centerlines scripted into negatives (on the outside of the flashing, 1/4")
(6) Negatives cannot be used if they are creased. Send in a rigid package.

Plate Specifications
Sticky backing on plates is not recommended. We require 1/2” flashing all around the plate. Centerlines are required on all plates. Please call for distortion information requirements. Failure to distort plates can cause production delays. WCI is not responsible for the maintenance, condition or return of printing plates.
Copy of artwork must be sent with plates. Slug (logo) change fee of $20.00 per plate change.


Merchandise, Gourmet, Eco-Shipper, Dura-Bag:
1-Sided Print
Bag length of 9” and less: 2 plates per color.
Bag length of 9 1/4” and more: 1 plate per color.

2-Sided Print
Bag length of 9” and less: 6 plates per color.
Bag length of 9 1/4” and more: 3 plates per color.

SOS:
1-Sided Print: 1 plate per color
2-Sided Print: 3 plates per color

Photopolymer Plate Requirements: Sheet photopolymer plates are preferred to liquid photopolymer plates. If screening, sheet photopolymer plate is required.
Place a sheet of paper between the photopolymer plates to prevent damage. 

Thickness for sheet photopolymer  .107 to .112
Thickness for liquid photopolymer  .110

Natural Rubber Plate Requirements: All plates must be suitable for waterbase flexographic printing.
     Total Thickness            .110 + .001
        Durometer                    -55
        Base Relief depth of .04 minimum


Plate/Negative Charges:
Art Charges: Any additions, deletions or changes to artwork will be charged at cost. An estimate will be provided, and must be approved before any art changes will be made.

Plate Charges: Maximum cost $100.00 per plate (see above for number of plates required, chart below for maximum costs). Includes art processing, film prep and plate charges. Cost dependant on camera or digital ready artwork provided to WCI specifications. Plate charges subject to review of actual art and graphics size. If actual cost is less than $100.00/color, customer will be billed at actual cost. Art, negative and plate estimates are available from customer service.

Any charges necessary to produce your order will be indicated on the "Proof of Art" form, as proof approvals are required before order can be produced.

#c/#s
1c/1s
2c/1s
3c/1s
1c/2s
2c/2s
3c/2s

Max. Plate Charge

$100.00
$200.00
$300.00
$200.00
$400.00
$600.00

Hot Stamping Die Charges: Maximum cost $100.00 per die (if less, charged at cost). Cost dependent on camera or digital ready artwork provided to WCI specifications. Subject to review of actual art. Die Specification: .250 Magnesium Die (.0625 to .09375 relief) with centerlines.

Flexographic Ink Specifications

Special Pantone(U) ink colors - $50.00 per color, per order.  Custom matches other than PMS colors, and metallic inks - per quotation.  Metallic Ink - add 10% to product cost. All inks can vary in color due to paper, ink, machine, and ambient lighting differences. Ink colors are based on printing upon white paper in ideal conditions. Due to the nature of waterbase ink, ink colors will change when printed on colored paper. Therefore, if WCI is required to match a Pantone color on colored paper (regardless of PMS number) a special match charge will be added. Ink roll-outs available upon request.

Ink Color Pantone Number
Teal 327u
Maroon 207u
Ruby Red 199u
Red 185u
Pink 232u
Orange 165u
Yellow Pantone Yellow
Dark Yellow 109u
Light Yellow 127u
Blue 293u
Pantone Reflex Blue Pantone Reflex Blue
Process Blue Pantone Process Blue
Dark Blue 289u
Aqua 3115u
Green 340u
Dark Green 342u
Light Green 354u
Purple Pantone Purple
Violet Pantone Violet
Black  
White  
Gray 431u
Dark Brown 175u
Gold 871u
Silver 877u
Copper 876u

Handled Shopper Printing Specifications
Art Charges: Any additions, deletions or changes to artwork will be charged at cost. An estimate will be provided, and must be approved before any art changes will be made.

Plate Charges: Maximum cost $125.00 per color per art size. Includes art processing, film prep and plate charges. Cost dependant on camera or digital ready artwork provided to WCI specifications. If actual cost is less than $125.00/color, we will bill at actual cost. Art, negative and plate estimates are available from customer service. Estimates subject to review of actual art supplied by customer. Any charges necessary to produce your order will be indicated on the "Proof of Art" form, as proof approvals are required before order can be produced.

Print name must be provided prior to order acceptance.

Proofs & Ink Drawdowns: We send proofs on all orders with new or revised art. We send ink drawdowns on White Kraft and PMSC Claycoated only when requested on P.O., or when there are traps and/or overprints on White Kraft that in our judgment should be approved prior to production. We send drawdowns on all PMSU matches on Natural Kraft and Oatmeal, as well as all custom matches.

Proof Approval Form: A proof approval form must be signed and returned before any production can begin. No credits or returns will be allowed for any element in accordance with the approved proofs and/or approval form. Order Confirmation: We send Order Confirmations for all orders. Signed approval and fax back is required before any production process starts.

Registration Tolerance & Trap: Wherever two colors meet, a 4.5 point trap - 1/16" - is required to trap the colors. Where two colors are adjacent and the designer does not want them to touch, there should be a minimum of 4.5 points of space between the two colors. As a general rule this register tolerance precludes the use of two overprinting colors to create a third color, whether with solids or screens; and when attempted would need a third color such as black to outline the shape. Note that due to our production process, there is no trapping or overprinting on Claycoated paper.

Line Width & Type Size: Minimum positive printing line width is two (2) point. The minimum reverse printing line width is (3) point. Minimum positive printing type size is ten (10) point. The minimum reverse printing type size is twelve (12) point bold. These guidelines are subject to review with serif type faces, and with designs including heavy areas of broad solid along with small type in the same color. In these circumstances the type may need to be larger and/or bolder.

Screens & Halftones: The line screen rulings used in our process are 45 to 55 line. Maximum Photoshop resolution needed is 125. The coarse screen is not apparent and insures cleanest possible dot reproduction. Due to the differences between how wide web flexo and offset litho reproduce screens and halftones, we request the opportunity to review the design elements to provide specific production art direction as early in the planning process as possible. Halftones must have strong contrast, as must steps between manually selected screen values of the same color. Subtle tone variations will not reproduce.

Custom Ink Match: We can custom match submitted materials, or use PMS color specifications. When using PMS, specify colors from the Uncoated "U" section of the book or Coated "C" section of the book as appropriate. PMS ink color standards and formulations are per our ink supplier's current PMS swatch book. If we are printing a PMS color on uncoated paper that has been reproduced on coated paper previously, we suggest the end user and/or artist specify a PMSU shade that best matches the coated paper version when submitting the art and order. We print on Natural Kraft, White Kraft, Oatmeal and Claycoated papers. All inks are water based. No metallics on Claycoated. We send ink drawdowns for PMS colors on White Kraft and Claycoated only when requested on P.O., or when there are traps and/or overprints that in our judgment should be approved prior to production. Note that due to our production process, there is no trapping or overprinting on Claycoated paper. We send ink drawdowns for PMSU matches on Natural Kraft and Oatmeal, as well as for all custom matches to colors other than PMS numbers. Approval is required before bags can be produced.

Metallic Ink:
• Metallic inks are only available on NK, WK and Oatmeal papers - not on Claycoated.
• Metallic Silver and Gold are available up to 50% ink coverage. We offer one shade of Silver and one shade of Gold.
• Add $7.50/M bags for Silver 877u
• Add $15.00/M bags for Gold 872u and Copper 876u
(No custom metallic ink matches available)

Design Templates - Merchandise/SOS/Gourmet/Handled Shoppers (Flexo)
Merchandise Bags:
6 1/4 x 9 1/4
7 1/2 x 10 1/2
8 1/2 x 11
10 x 13
12 x 15
12 x 2 3/4 x 18
14 x 3 x 21
16 x 3 3/4 x 24


Pharmacy Bags:
3 1/2 x 2 x 10 1/4
5 x 2 1/2 x 10 1/4
5 x 2 x 12

Gourmet Bags:
1/4# - 4 3/4 x 6 3/4
1/2# - 5 3/4 x 7 1/2
1# - 6 3/4 x 9 1/4

SOS Bags:
2#
(4 1/4 x 2 3/8 x 8 3/16)
4#
(5 x 3 1/8 x 9 5/8)
6#
(6 x 3 5/8 x 11 1/16)
8#
(6 1/4 x 3 13/16 x 12 1/2)
10#
(6 9/16 x 4 1/16 x 13 3/16)
12#
(7 1/8 x 4 3/8 x 13 15/16)
16#
(7 11/16 x 4 7/8 x 16 1/16)
20#
(8 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 16 1/8)
25#
(8 1/4x 5 1/4 x 18)
Modified 1/6 Barrel
(11 x 6 x 17)

Handled Shoppers (Illustrator):
5 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 8 3/8
5 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 13
8 x 5 x 10
10 x 5 x 13
13 x 6 x 16
13 x 7 x 13
13 x 7 x 17
14 1/2 x 9 x 16 1/4
16 x 6 x 12
16 x 6 x 16
16 x 6 x 19
18 x 7 x 18

Flat Handle Sacks (Illustrator):
12 x 7 x 12
12 x 7 x 15 3/4


Design Templates/Guidelines - Post-Printing & Hot Stamping

Merchandise Bags:
6 1/4 x 9 1/4
7 1/2 x 10 1/2
8 1/2 x 11
10 x 13
12 x 15
12 x 2 3/4 x 18
14 x 3 x 21
16 x 3 3/4 x 24


Pharmacy Bags:
3 1/2 x 2 x 10 1/4
5 x 2 1/2 x 10 1/4
5 x 2 x 12

SOS Bags:
2# (4 1/4 x 2 3/8 x 8 3/16)
4# (5 x 3 1/8 x 9 5/8)
6# (6 x 3 5/8 x 11 1/16)
8# (6 1/4 x 3 13/16 x 12 1/2)
10# (6 9/16 x 4 1/16 x 13 3/16)
12# (7 1/8 x 4 3/8 x 13 15/16)
16# (7 11/16 x 4 7/8 x 16 1/16)
Modified 1/6 Barrel (11 x 6 x 17)
1/6 Barrel (12 x 7 x 17)


Handled Shoppers:
5 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 8 3/8
5 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 13
8 x 5 x 10
10 x 5 x 13
13 x 7 x 17
16 x 6 x 12
16 x 6 x 19
18 x 7 x 18

Renew™ Rope Handled Shoppers:
6 x 3 1/2 x 6
5 x 4 3/4 x 14 1/2
8 x 4 x 9 1/2
11 x 5 x 13
16 x6 x 12




Subject to machine capabilities per bag size. Art deviating from WCI capabilities will require production approval.
(1) Screening Capabilities
Hot Stamping: 30 line screen at 30%
Post Printing: 55 Line Screen at 15%.
(2) Registration Factor:
Hot Stamping: May vary up to 1/4” in either direction.
Post Printing: 1/8” plus or minus. We cannot guarantee colors will jump in the same direction at the same time.
(3) Logos containing fine detail and small reverses will probably fill in when hot stamped. Consider enlarging or post-printing. Subject to production review.
(4) Positive images preferred. Less than 25% ink coverage.
(5) Print location (Call for size-specific instructions): Copy must be at least 1” below handles on handled shopping bags. Copy must be no closer than 1” of any edge of the bag. Copy placement subject to thumb notches, seams, gusset creases, etc. Subject to production approval.
(6) Imprint size capabilities as noted below. Imprint size for 2-sided print area subject to production approval.

Design Templates - Eco-Shipper® and Dura-Bag®

WCI Mailers :
#000 (4 x 8)
#00 (5 x 10)
#0 (6 x 10)
#1 (7 1/4 x 12)
#2 (8 3/4 x 12)
#3 (8 1/2 x 14 1/2)
#4 (9 1/2 x 14 1/2)
#5 (10 1/2 x 16)
#6 (12 1/2 x 19)
#7 (14 1/4 x 20)



#4G (4 x 2 x 10)
#5G (5 x 2 x 10)
#6G (6 x 2 3/4 x 12)
#8G (8 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 14 1/2)
#9G (9 1/2 x 3 x 16)
#10G (10 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 19)
#12G (12 1/2 x 4 x 20)

Design Templates/Guidelines - Screen Printing

8x5x10 Avalon (wine bag with divider)
8x5x10 Whitney (no divider)
12x8x13 Thunderbolt
13x10x15 Rainier
16x6x12 McKinley
20x6x16 Churchill

Screen Printing Specifications:
Subject to specifications per bag size. Art deviating from WCI specifications will require production approval.

(1)

Minimum font size:
Positive - 16 pt Helvetica (17 pt for metallic ink)
Negative - 18 pt Helvetica (20 pt for metallic ink)

(2)

Minimum line width:
Positive - 1/32" width (same for metallic ink)
Negative - 1/32" width (3/64" for metallic ink)

(3) Registration/placement may vary up to 1/4"
(4) Trapping/Overprint: Wherever two colors butt, a 1/16" trap is required. Note: Where two ink colors overlap the lighter color will be run first. Ink colors may not stay "true" where colors overlap.
(5) Maximum ink coverage: Up to 100% coverage within print area per bag size. Heavy coverage may cause rippling when drying.
(6) Positive images preferred. WCI does not recommend images containing screen tints for screen printing. In the screen printing process, tint screens do not give the effect of another color, nor does it show a "lighter" color as it would in other printing processes. Actual appearance of screens may be unpredictable - please submit graphics containing screen tints for approval.
(7) We require vector graphics in Adobe Illustrator format. Other file formats (.tif, .jpg, .gif, .eps, .pdf, .doc) are accepted and reviewed on a case-by-case basis for quality and printability.
(8) Maximum imprint size as noted on templates.

Please submit all artwork for mill approval prior to ordering.

A Special Note About Our Imprinting Processes
Our imprinting processes operate in a post-production environment in which imprinting takes place on a bag which is already constructed. This means that some restrictions – such as a fold, handle, or gusset – may impact its printability and available imprint area. In addition, because colors in a multi-color design are imprinted individually, a space requirement between these colors is necessary for best results. Please work with our customer service team to make sure your design meets printing specifications prior to ordering whenever possible.

Screen Printing
Available exclusively on our non-woven polypropylene bags, screen printing offers a cost-effective way to promote your message on our complete line of eco-friendly bags. By injecting an ink through a fine mesh screen, your design is reproduced in clarity directly on each bag. Your first color, first location screen is FREE! Printing on multiple sides or more than two colors is possible but subject to production approval - please call for quotation and more information.

Stock Ink Colors for Screen Printing: Black, White, Green, Khaki Tan, Royal Blue, Scarlet Red, Yellow, Metallic Gold, Metallic Silver.

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All Rights Reserved.