• What is flexographic label printing?
• What is our turn-around time for label printing?
• How do I get a barcode if I need to have barcode labels printed?
• What is a "proof"?
• Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
• Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
• What is the most economical material Kopco Graphics offers?
• What is a die?
• What are UV coated labels?
• What is the maximum amount of color that can be printed on a label?
• What determines the price of custom printed labels?

What is flexographic label printing?
Flexographic printing is a high resolution form of printing that uses polymer plates which image directly on to the substrate (label material). This form of printing is fast, economical and is widely used in the label industry.

What is our turn-around time for label printing?
Turn around time varies throughout the year. However, typical lead time is about 6-8 business days after we receive the signed art proof.

How do I get a barcode if I need to have barcode labels printed?
Barcodes are issued and controlled by the Uniform Product Code Council. You can contact them at (937) 435-3870 and for a fee they will issue your company a set of numbers which can be used for your product barcode. We can then use this number to produce barcode artwork for your label. Uniform Council Code, Inc. can be contacted via the web at: www.uc-council.org

You can opt to purchase a UPC code from an independant company if you are only in need of just a few UPC codes for your product.

What is a "proof"?
A proof is a way of ensuring that your art will be reproduced according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online or printed on paper which can be viewed by you. Once approved, we will reproduce according to the art provided.

Please remember, graphics, art and colors will yield different results if viewed on a computer display, inkjet, color laser, high quality proofing systems and even to the individual eye. The only way to ensure an exact match to your complete and total satisfaction, is for you to do a press check which involves you being here when your job is on the press.

Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of the job and approved it as accurate regarding the colors, text, placement and all other factors associated with the job. It is the customers' responsibility to ensure all errors are identified prior to printing. It does benefit everyone, mentally and financially, if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.

Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
It may seem like a proof wouldn't be needed in this case but it is corporate policy to have the customer sign and submit the proof as evidence that the item has been approved before printing. Besides, your approval of the proof which we will provide assures that the output device used has correctly interpreted and processed the information you have provided.

What is the most economical material Kopco Graphics offers?
Paper labels are the most economical type of label because paper unlike film is not as durable, thus making it cheaper and good for applications such as food products, candles, etc. which will be used for a period in time and then discarded. Paper materials include semigloss, thermal transfer, EDP matte, etc. Films include vinyl, white and clear polypropylene, primax, etc.

What is a die?
A die is a tool responsible for cutting the shape of the label out of the material. The material is shipped to us in large rolls. The ink, uv or laminate is added to the label material before it is die-cut. A die to the material is like a cookie cutter to dough. Therefore, we have developed a large die library over the past 20 years.

What are UV coated labels?
UV coated labels that have an aqueous finish put on them for some protection from the elements.

What is the maximum amount of color that can be printed on a label?
Kopco Graphics has presses that can handle up to 10 colors without uv coating. However, 9 colors can be printed with a uv coating.

What determines the price of custom printed labels?
The price of custom labels is driven very much by quantity, amount of colors on the label as well as the material you select. The higher quantity of labels you purchase the better the price. The set-up time of a label is the same regardless of how many labels someone orders, therefore, this is a fixed cost and will not change. Thus, once you get the ball rolling, ordering more labels is much more cost effective. Colors on a label also affect the price because the amount of colors you choose requires the same amount of polymer plates. Also, a 4-color process label requires much more set-up time than a 1 color label. Then material is the final factor. Film is much more expensive than paper because film can adapt to specific custom factors and carries a much longer life-span than its counterpart.

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