Drilling & Shrink-Wrapping
Drilling
Drilling is the binding process that bores holes in a printed sheet, form or book. The equipment used to produce these holes is called an auto drill. Holes are drilled in forms and books to allow for use with ring binders, screw posts, or acco fasteners.
Most books and form projects can be drilled at NPC.
NPC can drill one to five holes, 5/16 inch in diameter. Drilling requires special considerations during the design phase of a book. Adequate allowances need to be made for the holes so that the auto drill does not cut into text and graphics. From the edge of each page to the center of a drilled hole measures 3/8 inch. In three-hole drilling, the center of each hole to the center of the next hole measures 4 ¼ inches on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper.
Books are drilled on the binding edge. Forms can be drilled on any side.
Shrink-Wrapping
Shrink-wrapping applies a plastic wrap around stacks of printed forms or books. The wrap is then heated so the wrapping shrinks tightly around the products. Shrink-wrapping protects the product and keeps it uniform during shipping.
You can shrink items individually or in packets containing multiple copies of the same piece. However, there is a limit to the overall thickness of the product or products that can be shrink-wrapped.
NPC uses three plastic thicknesses:
- 3 mil. - This is a heavier type of shrink film. It is used mainly for mailing or if the product will be handled multiple times before use.
- 1.5 mil. - This type is a little lighter than the 3 mil., but still withstands more handling and allows for a longer shelf life.
- 60 gauge - This is a lighter type of shrink film. It is used for products that are not going to remain in the shrink-wrap for a long period of time.
You do not need to specify plastic thickness when quoting your job unless a specific type is required. NPC will use the thickness that is most suited for the item produced.
