Frequently Asked Questions

At Cambrian we only print from PDF files. Although we are happy to provide advice and support, we do not provide design or DTP services. In order to ensure the smooth progression of your job through our factory it is essential to ensure that PDF files are supplied to our specification. We run your PDFs through pre-flighting software before printing, which will automatically check for correct embedding of fonts, colourspace etc. Further details of the checks undertaken can be found on our prepress specification document and we have technical experts on hand to advise on any aspect of digital file supply or check test files in advance of your job arriving with us.

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Because we print from PDFs we have numerous customers who don’t require proofs at all. However, we only recommend this after gaining confidence that your systems are properly configured to output print ready PDFs to our specifications.
Proofs are recommended in most circumstances and options include:

1) Softproofs. We do not charge for low resolution softproofs which are supplied to you in PDF format. Although it may seem illogical to proof a PDF back as a PDF, the difference is that a softproof will have been passed through our Raster Image Processing software (as it would do when making a printing plate) so any file corruption issues will be highlighted. These proofs are low resolution and for content only. The obvious benefit of these proofs is that they can be transmitted very quickly over the internet.

2) Low resolution hardcopy content proofs (Konicas). These proofs are our cheapest paper proof option. They are low resolution and for content only. As such they are fine for checking most things, but poor quality images may not be flagged up on proofs of this type.

3) High resolution hardcopy content proofs (Indigo). These proofs are output on our digital printing device and will be to full print resolution but can not be relied on for colour accuracy due to differences between digital and offset litho processes.

4) High resolution colour accurate proofs (Epson 9900). These proofs are not only high resolution but also colour callibrated to ISO 12647:7 as are our presses. Each proof is validated by an inline spectrophotometer so the proof will be very close to the final printed product. These are the most expensive type of proof.

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Deliveries are generally made using national parcel and pallet delivery networks. For large deliveries this means that deliveries are quoted to “kerbside” and customers will be expected to deal with loading the goods into their own storage facilities. This is explained fully in our terms and conditions. We can organise for goods to be “handballed” into your storage facilities, up stairs, down narrow lanes or anywhere – but we need to be informed well in advance so we can price up and organise this. Just let us know what you need!

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We have a polybagging line with insert hoppers. We print carrier sheets from your mailing list and then enclose your magazine, using Mailsort, Presstream and Downstream Access to acheive discounts on postage.
We have an inkjetter and tabber, so we can print and enclose one-piece mailers, saving the need for polybagging or enveloping thereby saving cost and materials.
Our Indigo 5000 digital press offers full variable data personalisation (personalised images and text)

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At Cambrian Printers a genuine concern for reducing our environmental impact is at the core of what we do. In production this means printing using vegetable based inks (generally soya), running our presses alcohol free, and using process-less plates. We are also continually striving to eliminate waste in every process. In 2010 alone we reduced our landfill waste by 25%.
We offer FSC certified paper at no additional cost and also a full range of recycled papers to suit every requirement. Modern recycled papers no longer look like toilet paper so there is no need to compromise on quality!
We have recently acheived EMAS and are audited to ISO 14001 for our program of continual improvement in this area. The successes we have had in winning various prestigious environmental awards over recent years speak for themselves.

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