Artwork: Logo & Text Printing Specs
To help ensure the accuracy and quality of your printed order, we have compiled a print-ready artwork requirements checklist overview to help you ensure your artwork is ready for print.
NOTE: If you are unable to get usable versions of your logos, please contact us. We have a graphic service that can RE-CREATE your logos for $65 per logo. We can also layout for best appearance if you want us to suggest. Just send us a photo example, rough sketch and whatever logo versions you can locate.
LOGO/Artwork File Formats:
Preferred file formats include:
- .EPS (text outlined / set to paths)
- .JPG/TIFF, 300 dpi minimum (72 dpi website logos are unusable)
- .AI (text outlined, version CS2)
- .PDF (text outlined / set to paths)
- .DOC (for documents WORD is acceptable)
. Include fonts used.
. Include placed images.
. Photos should have a final resolution of 300 dpi. Bitmap or line art should have a final resolution of 1200 dpi.
Fonts&Text
- To avoid font conflicts or issues during the printing process when working in a vector-based software, like Adobe Illustrator, we recommend:
- Save your .AI file with the fonts intact as text
- Save an .EPS file with the fonts outlined
- For final art for print, outline fonts and save as a .PDF file
- When working in Adobe InDesign, be sure to embed the fonts when exporting the document as a .PDF for print.
- If your project is designed in Adobe Photoshop, flatten your image before generating a .PDF file to send for print. This will rasterize your fonts to prevent font issues.
Resolution
- For an image to print properly, its resolution must be at least 300 dots per inch (DPI) at the final output size.
- Files with resolutions higher than 300dpi are ok to send for print, but not necessary, and the higher resolution will not improve the printed quality of your project.
Color Accuracy
- Graphic design files for print should be saved using a CMYK color profile to ensure color accuracy during printing.
- If your print job is CMYK only, make sure all spot colors (Pantone, etc.) are changed to CMYK.
- If your print job is a spot color (Pantone color) only, convert all CMYK or RGB images to your selected spot color.
- Make sure all black type is 100% black and not a build of CMYK.
The RGB color profile is intended for displaying graphics on screens, not for printed materials. RGB files should be converted to CMYK color, and any images placed in the art file should also be CMYK color to ensure proper printing.
We Cannot use the following formats: (we may be able to recreate them for $65 art fee)
- Low resolution scans or low resolution “copy from website photos”
- PowerPoint files. Excel, Photo software, Kodak, MS Photo. Etc. (these are not usable “art” printing programs: very low resolution)
- Any Word processing files such as Publisher, Works, Label Maker etc.
Processes
Art Production
Century’s production Art Department’s job starts with the preflighting of every piece of artwork that is sent for a project. The goal is to provide our customers with as much information before starting a project. Once artwork has been submitted to our art department, highly trained artists process the art to the specific characteristics for our unique and custom processes. Our artists are skilled in all the major art platforms including: Illustrator, Corel Draw and Photoshop.
Screen Printing
Our highly skilled Screening Department works with special inks and materials to silk screen a variety of different materials so that they will embed consistently in the embedment process. Clear transparency acetates can be screened multiple colors. Looking for a more modern look? Screened brass or brush silver plate may do the trick. A simple message can also be surface screened in color on the flat surface of a Lucite item.
Digital Printing
Using a special digital printing process, short run 4 color process on card stock, brass plates, or acetate material is made possible for embedment in Lucite. Flat shaped pieces up to 1 3/4” thick can be imprinted directly on the surface as well as many items in our acrylic line.
Laser Engraving
Laser Engraving is a versatile process. Century laser techs work with state of the art laser engraving machines. This process can be used on its own as the primary imprinting process for awards and commemorative items. Or it can be teamed with other embedments, such as an acetate, to give an attractive layered effect for your awards. Laser engraving is also a great way to add personalization to your Lucite award.
Sand Blasting
Sandblasting is used on acrylics either in an artistic fashion adding a frosted finish to highlight areas to your award, or to add an option for etching on curved surfaces.
Laser Cutting
Laser Cutting is an additional process that can help add a colorful effect to visually enhance your commemorative message. Although small detail and letters are not achievable, simple logos can be cut out of our standard plex colors (some custom colors available) and come to life in the a Lucite project. Be sure to have art available and check with your Sales Representative for guidance. The laser cutting process can be teamed with our Acrylic Line screened and process print items to create a custom shape!
Molding
Century’s Mold department constructs molds from a variety of materials. Special tooling is used to make some 3-d shapes with special plastics. Simple geometric shapes can be done using cardboard molds. Due to Lucite being a liquid at the casting stage, every mold shape must have a pour point for the casting department. Although production tools can be reused, production molds are only used one time.
Machining
Using state of the art CNC mills, lathes and routers, custom items such as turned bottles and custom milled shapes can be made. Pockets for assembly and special product replica pieces can be made with precision and beauty.
Metal Castings
Our metal castings are produced in-house for embedment in our Lucite exclusively. Choose from gold, silver, bronze or antique pewter plating. With in-house sculpting and molding making, custom items are available.