by Jack Rickard, Rickard Bindery Wouldn't you like to improve your company's bottom line with high margin and frequently repeating print jobs? Would a new niche help differentiate your business? Have you ever considered small format "miniature" work? If you thought that miniature printing begins and ends with the pharmaceutical industry, think again. The world of miniature … [Read more...] about The Big Business of Miniature Printed Products
ENews
Q&A: Thermal Kisscutting
by Doug Pendergast, Owosso Graphic Arts, Inc. Also known as thermal diecutting, thermal kisscutting gives designers, screen printers and diecutters the ability to create products with complex designs and intricate details unachievable with conventional steel-rule cutting dies. Any platen press with heat, dwell and pressure can thermal kisscut, including clamshell and four-post … [Read more...] about Q&A: Thermal Kisscutting
Report: E-Book Use Rises, but Print Still Popular
A new study from the Pew Research Center indicates readers prefer both print and electronic books. Some 76 percent of adults (age 18 and older) said they read at least one book in the last year. Of the 1,000 American adults surveyed, about seven in 10 reported reading a book in print, up four percentage points over the previous year's survey. In almost every demographic, Pew … [Read more...] about Report: E-Book Use Rises, but Print Still Popular
Tax Foundation Ranks Best States for Business
Wyoming, Florida and Indiana rank among the 10 best states for taxes on business, while companies in states like New York, New Jersey and California must struggle with the worst tax codes in the country, according to the newest edition of the Tax Foundation's State Business Tax Climate Index. Several states have moved in the rankings since last year, with Texas dropping out … [Read more...] about Tax Foundation Ranks Best States for Business
OSHA Releases New Resources on Hazardous Chemicals
The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched two new web resources to assist companies with keeping workers safe. The first is a toolkit to identify safer chemicals that can be used in place of more hazardous ones. The toolkit walks employers and workers step-by-step through information, methods, tools and guidance to either … [Read more...] about OSHA Releases New Resources on Hazardous Chemicals
PIA Moves to Online Training Platform
PostPress Printing Industries of America has announced a major restructuring in the model for its delivery of technical training. Beginning in 2014, PIA will introduce a new online training platform that will offer training for members without requiring them to budget for travel costs to Pittsburgh. Offering distance training allows PIA to be more nimble in educational … [Read more...] about PIA Moves to Online Training Platform
Proper Die Management Saves Time, Money
by Mark Porter, Dienamic MIS Software Inc. A large number of companies in the print finishing, trade bindery, diemaking, packaging and diecutting industries use steel rule, foil and embossing dies. Any user of dies can save a tremendous amount of money simply by managing those dies correctly. Generally, die users have a large inventory in their plant, but the ability to … [Read more...] about Proper Die Management Saves Time, Money
The Press Release: How and When to Promote Company News
by Dianna Brodine, PostPress As the editor of a magazine, I have a vested interest in promoting a well-written press release. It makes my job much easier when companies send me their news, rather than requiring me to seek it out. I'll tell you a little secret. Media representatives rarely will "seek it out." Companies that promote themselves are the ones that receive … [Read more...] about The Press Release: How and When to Promote Company News
Finishing Processes Not a Barrier to Recyclability
by Victor Bell, Environmental Packaging International There's growing interest among many of the largest brand owners, retailers and governments in promoting environmental best practices. Some of these new initiatives impact the finishing industry. Paper-based packaging remains the most commonly used packaging material in the world – contributing nearly 40 million tons to … [Read more...] about Finishing Processes Not a Barrier to Recyclability
Q&A: Decorative Laser Cutting for the Trade
Decorative laser cutting is an emerging, innovative technology that not only provides flexibility in production but also enhances consumer appeal by improving functionality and shelf appeal. Decreased costs and better availability of laser cutting equipment have helped make the process a more feasible option for the print finisher to consider. InsideFinishing consulted with … [Read more...] about Q&A: Decorative Laser Cutting for the Trade