Sports Cards--Bicycle Spokes Beware!

According to McGonigle, Lehigh Press enters the picture when it receives imposed films or, occasionally, digital files. Since most insert card production involves prepress or postpress decorative applications, film is mostly used. The proof of choice is Matchprint, he says.

"The marriage of print, foils and coatings can present challenges in manufacturing as these run on different equipment," McGonigle stresses. "Registration from process to process is critical and must be monitored throughout the process. Additionally, materials need to be selected that are compatible with each other. For example, selecting a foil that will accept ink in an overprinted application. The general choice of paper by card companies remains a coated, two-sides board grade, although the caliper of these sheets will vary from .014 to .024, depending on the product. Occasionally, foil boards, clear acetates or uncoated substrates will be specified."