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Post-Press Process Selection & Preflight Guide

A production-ticket workflow for choosing and checking post-press steps.

Start with the physical job

Confirm trim, flat size, stock, grain direction, ink or coating, curing condition, quantity and delivery expectation before choosing a finishing route. A fold pattern is a structural decision: a roll fold nests panels, a Z fold alternates direction, and a gate fold closes from the sides. Create a dummy using the specified stock whenever panel clearance matters.

Folding and creasing

Check whether the stock and coverage need scoring or creasing before folding. Mark fold direction and reading order on the artwork proof. For roll, gate and closed-gate forms, do not borrow a generic compensation number: enter the supplier-approved clearance, then inspect the dummy for cracking, buckling and panel collision.

Lamination

Choose sheet-fed or roll-fed treatment deliberately. Record one- or two-sided coverage, usable film width, edge trim, leader/trailer, setup waste, speed and pricing basis. Ink, coating and cure must be compatible with the film and adhesive system before the job enters the laminator.

Cutting, spoilage and handoff

Use measured caliper and the operator’s lift limit to plan cutter lifts. Curl, static, grain, coating and blade condition can reduce that limit. Keep setup, folding, laminating, trimming and binding loss separate so the remaining quantity can be traced by stage. Handoff should state the approved dummy, sequence, inspection points, packing count and exceptions.

Preflight checklist

• Flat and finished dimensions, bleed, safe area and fold sequence are approved.
• Grain, score/crease, stock and coating constraints are written on the ticket.
• Film basis, waste, lift target, blade drops and process rates are job-specific.
• Each process has a setup, run, labour, machine and outside-cost assumption.
• Finish quantity is checked after each loss point, not only at dispatch.

Use the Post-Press & Finishing hub to choose the relevant calculator. Last reviewed: 2026-08-02.