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Some people try to keep as much work in house as possible to increase “value added.” Without getting into the pros and cons of outsourcing, do yourself a favor and keep the cutting and binding portions of jobs together. There are three great reasons to do this.
Penny Wise / Pound Foolish
1) Transit Spoilage - When printed sheets are transported from one facility to another, they must be properly packed (i.e., skidded, cartoned, banded, stretch wrapped, etc.). During the packing process, edges are subject to being curled, dented and otherwise damaged. If uncut press sheets are sent, the recipient can still cut most of the sheets to proper size, usually regardless of edge damage. However, if sheets are cut to final size, most of those with damaged edges cannot be saved and become “bindery spoilage.” Needless to say, yields decrease significantly when sheets are cut at one facility and finished at another. Ironically, companies cut sheets to save money. Most of the time, they’re doing exactly the opposite by reducing final yield counts!
2) Internal Communication - Properly trained cutting professionals look beyond their own piece of machinery. On most jobs, cutters frequently consult operators in other departments to make sure that their decisions don’t negatively impact downstream operations. Close communication between cutting and finishing departments improves quality.
3) Quality & Turnaround Speed. At Rickard Bindery, we usually start jobs by cutting a small lift. This allows us to make ready the next piece of equipment in the manufacturing process. For example, if a folder operator needs an extra 1/32” to make a color break fit, cutting adjustments can still be made.
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Consistent, high quality cutting materially improves the productivity of downstream post press operations. Here’s an analogy. Think of how difficult it is to perfectly match color between two signatures printed at different plants. Wouldn’t you avoid it if you could? It’s the same for cutting and bindery.
Cutting decisions are important. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish: Keep the cutting and binding portions of your jobs together.
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