Crease is the process of applying straight grooves to a printed sheet. They are applied to the paper in the form of pronounced scars that run along the folding lines.
The need for creasing is determined by a significant simplification when folding along the line of cardboard or paper with a density of 150 g/m2. The groove made during the scoring process is called "big" and allows you to easily and evenly bend the sides of the sheet.
Creasing is an operation that can be performed not only with paper, but also with various materials. For example, laminated sheets, interlaced cardboard, plastic sheets, many types of films are subject to creasing.
The difference between creasing and folding
Folding, punching and creasing are processes used in the production of promotional and stationery products. These processes are indispensable for the production of invitation cards, entrance cards, gift boxes and bags, as well as for the production of large quantities of printed material.
In the printing industry, the meaning of the word "creasing" should not be confused with folding. These processes are completely different, performed on different hardware and in a specific sequence.
As a rule, creasing is a process that precedes folding. Carrying out creasing makes it easier to process when folding.
The folding method is used to form a notebook or other printed products from already printed sheets. By folding it is possible to achieve successive folds. Using this method, you can easily form a brochure, book or magazine from several notebooks.
Folding results are affected by the thickness and volume of the paper, moisture content and the direction of the fibers towards the fold, the number of folds and the folding method.
When scoring is done
Creasing replaces conventional folding technology when there is a possibility of distortion of the picture shown on the sheet or when using cardboard products. It is necessary to determine its need at the prepress level in order to make special marks during the layout process.
Crease is a process that protects the fold from cracking the ink and gives the print a neat appearance.
The action is performed using blunt disc knives or rectangular plates installed on the creasing machine. In the working process, the machine carries out indentation and compaction of the material.
Creasing equipment is divided into rotary and impact. Impact equipment is usually used in small-scale production, and rotary equipment is indispensable for large-scale work.
Manual creasing method
If the biga line is located perpendicular to the paper fibers, it is necessary to use manual creasing. The use of the manual method allows you to achieve clearfold lines and protect the sheet from unwanted creases.
Manual creasing is used for the production of small editions or for the release of an exclusive edition. The manual method of creasing, in accordance with the complexity, is somewhat more expensive than the machine.
Crease tool
Conventionally, creasing tools differ by the side of the fold, that is, there are tools for drawing a fold line from the inside of the sheet or from the outside.
The creasing board is sold separately, and not only printing organizations can purchase it. Ease of use and lack of restrictions on the sheet format makes it possible to use it for large format.
The board includes a special triangle used for the production of envelopes of various lengths and widths. The board contains applied markings.