Postpressing

Postpressing, or post-press finishing, refers to the set of operations that occur after the printing stage to convert printed sheets into finished products. It covers a range of decorative, protective, and structural processes that affect the appearance, durability, and usability of printed matter.

Common postpress processes include trimming to final size, folding, and creasing; binding methods such as saddle-stitching, perfect binding, and case binding; perforating and scoring for folding layouts; die-cutting for shapes; embossing and debossing for texture; foil stamping and related hot-stamping; coatings and laminations, including varnishes and UV or aqueous coatings; and assembly, inserting, or packaging.

Postpress work is typically planned alongside prepress and press stages to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Key considerations include substrate compatibility, registration accuracy, and waste minimization. Modern workflows often employ automated finishing lines to increase throughput, while digital or on-demand finishing supports short run lengths and rapid turnaround.

Quality control in postpress centers on trim accuracy, fold integrity, binding strength, and coating adhesion. Environmental considerations include the use of recycled or FSC-certified substrates, low-VOC coatings, and efficient recycling of cuttings and waste.