FAQ

Printers can distort sizes. Data Graphics lists the exact dimensions on the bottom of the photo proof along with applicable tolerances. These are the dimensions your parts will be manufactured to, +/- .010.

A press proof is a sample printed part, with no adhesive or die-cutting, that is sent to you for approval of colors prior to a production run. This is limited to our digitally printed parts only. Your sales rep can discuss cost of a press proof with you during the quoting process.

Based on the settings of your monitor, type of paper used to print the photo proof and printer used on your end, colors can vary. Once in production, Data Graphics uses the Pantone Color System to match your colors or a sample provided by you.

Yes. Data Graphics' set-up fee is to convert your artwork into a form that can be used by Data Graphics Inc. We then reproduce and repeat, as well as color separate your artwork. We use this to produce films and/or plates. In the case of your product being produced digitally, we still need to convert your file into a usable format for our digital press. This takes time, hence the fee.

Yes, Data Graphics does color matching. We use standard/coded Pantone colors. Please contact a Sales Engineer for more information.

A photo proof is developed for any new or reference job (any job that is not a straight repeat) for you to sign off on. The photo proof will list all relevant information such as dimensions, material, tolerance, bar code information and colors to make sure we are interpreting your print correctly. Data Graphics will not start to manufacture your parts until a signed photo proof is returned.

Files can be sent via e-mail and if they are too large (more than 10MB), we can send your our FTP username and password. Please work with your inside sales rep if you have any questions. For file formats, please refer to our artwork requirements.

Yes. Data Graphics has the ability to receive files via the Internet/email. You should work with your inside sales rep so they are in the loop. If files are greater than 10MB, we will provide a FTP username and password to send those over. Just ask and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Since Data Graphics has no quantity minimum, we can quote you a price for a prototype run.

Standard lead time is about seven to ten business days after we receive the signed art proof. We typically do not charge expedite fees. However, premium service is available upon request.

We have no minimum order quantity requirements. Our minimum production run is $250 per part number, excluding set-up fees/tooling. Our sales representatives can quote any quantity. If ordering a small quantity that would fall well below minimum production run dollar amount, our sales representative will let you know maximum number of labels you can receive for our minimum dollar amount.

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, a check in advance, COD, or 1%10, Net 30 terms - with approved credit application only.

The process of creating an image on a substrate using a heated print head with resin or wax ribbon.

A method of printing that uses a hot metal plate to impress through a colored foil that transfers onto a substrate.

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

Metalphoto® anodized aluminum nameplates and panels combine unusual durability with a long-lasting quality appearance. Metalphoto® nameplates and panels function perfectly for years, maintaining their original good looks under a broad variety of challenging environments, including high temperatures, long-term outdoor exposure, abrasion, salt spray and most chemicals.

Metalphoto® gets its durability from the fact its unique process imbeds the image within a sapphire hard anodized layer.

Meets the most stringent mil-spec standards for long lasting durable nameplates & panels.

Digital printing technology can produce printed sheets directly from a computer file, without going through an intermediate medium such as a film negative or an intermediate machine such as a plate-making machine. This process can produce 4 color process or spot color printing.

Screen printing consists of three elements: the screen that is the image carrier, the squeegee and ink. The screen printing process uses a porous mesh stretched tightly over a frame made of wood or metal. Proper tension is essential for accurate color registration. The mesh is made of porous fabric or stainless steel mesh. A stencil is produced on the screen whether manually or photochemically. The stencil defines the image to be printed. In the other printing technologies this would be referred to as an image plate.

Screen printing ink is applied to the substrate by placing the screen over the material. Ink with a paint-like consistency is placed onto the top of the screen. Ink is then forced through the fine mesh openings using a squeegee that is drawn across the screen, applying pressure thereby forcing the ink through the open areas of the screen. Ink will pass through only in areas where no stencil is applied, thus forming an image on the printing substrate. The diameter of the threads and the thread count of the mesh will determine how much ink is deposited onto the substrate.

These are jobs that typically do not have printing on the label. We can die cut various materials that may be used as gaskets, insulators, spacers, etc.

No. Due to low requests in our target market, we do not work with stainless steel.

No. Data Graphics is not in this type of market.

In order to obtain a quote, the easiest thing to do would be to e-mail a print to sales@datagraphicsinc.com. One of our customer service representatives will analyze the print. The print needs to include the size and material as well as an estimate of the quantity you think you may order. This will aid your representative in getting the most precise price for a custom die.

Yes. Data Graphics is capable of "first article" processing and has a proven track-record for successfully accomplishing the tasks involved. Please contact a Sales Engineer to discuss our "first article" processes.

A die is a tool responsible for cutting your custom shape of the label out of the material.

A printing plate is polymer or aluminum plate with the text and/or graphics transposed used for printing on the label material.

With our HP Indigo Digital Press, the number of colors is infinite. This press utilizies 4 color process to make your label almost any color.

UV-coated labels have an aqueous finish put on them for some protection from the elements.

Embossing is the molding and reshaping of a substrate (material) by the use of special metal dies, heat, counter dies and pressure to produce a raised image on the substrate surface. This can give the overlay a button look and feel.

A pressure-sensitive label is a material that has an adhesive glue on the backing. When pressure is applied it will adhere to most surfaces. Depending on your application and what surface it needs to stick to, a Data Graphics sales representative can provide samples and spec sheets for you to test.

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 due to the number of color matches that need to be done. Then material is the final factor.

Data Graphics is a custom manufacturer and does not carry stock labels. Therefore, we do not have a catalog with prices and label types. We do have a sample package that we can send you. The package contains samples of custom labels and tags which we have printed for some of our customers. Each package is unique based upon your needs. Call or email sales@datagraphicsinc.com if you would like to request a package.

Yes. You will have a knowledgeable inside sales rep, known as a Sales Engineer, who will handle your account on a day-to-day basis. This person will handle all your needs. In the event that she is out of the office, a backup person is designated.

Please contact us for information on territories that we have Sales Engineers visit on a frequent basis.

Yes. Data Graphics can send you an e-mail for each and every shipment or you can call your sales rep for a tracking number on a recently shipped item.

Orders are shipped via common carrier. We use both UPS and Fed-Ex. Shipping is not included in the price of the labels. We are happy to ship the labels using your account number if provided.