This is our first interview installment with Foilmasters in Dandenong, Victoria. Every so often we will invite someone from the printing & creative industry to answer a few topical and educational questions for us. We hope you enjoy and learn something as i’m sure we will too.
If you would like to contribute or think you’re up for answering some questions, drop us a line hello@theprintdirectory.com.au
How long have you been in business?
20 years
Please list your capabilities
− Foilstamping
− Embossing
− Formecutting/creasing
− Laminating
What are common questions clients ask?
Can you foil over laminate? Yes, we can.
Can you print over foil? Yes, we have access to over printable foil which enables us to create stunning visual effects.
On that note, do you have any printing tips or tricks for designers?
Always consult with us at the earliest possible opportunity. Discuss sizes of images, coverage, stocks and any specialty inks that we may have to foil over. UV Coatings are especially difficult to overprint.
Does your company have any accreditation’s?
As part of the Colorpak group, our parent company holds: 1SO14001 CERTIFICATION
Colorpak Limited has become the first specialist folding cartons business in Australia to receive ‘Chain of Custody certification’ from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC).
How did you go about learning the trade? Did you attend tafe or uni to study printing or similar?
I trained under my father who has been in the trade for over 30 years, a pioneer of the current results you are seeing in foil stamping here in Australia today.
Where does the majority of your work come from?
Printing companies, high majority is packaging
Do you advertise? Are there any events/conferences do you attend?
We attend many events including print awards and packaging council awards.
What was the most complex job you have ever printed? Can you please discuss the process, finishes and detail involved to produce the finished product?
One of the most difficult jobs we produced was a wine carton for a packaging company. The package consisted 99% foil only with the barcode the only printed part of the process. The job was on a 1280×900 sheet and required 6 passes through the press incorporating two foil colours. Due to the sheer size of the job we had to cut the stamping dies into 50 parts.
Has technology aided or hindered your company, or both?
We are constantly receiving upgraded foils to try which helps but on the flipside we also see new problems arise in coatings etc.
Do you still use any (out-dated) old practices over more recent methods and processes?
All our processes can be titled outdated but totally functional. Our process will never be superseded by cold foil as the results are still quite different.
What is your stance on franchise printers and online ordering service printers?
They don’t particularly enter our part of the industry.
As I am aware temperature tends to effect timing, especially on finishes… does this also effect your work hours?
No, our machines run at temperatures above 100oC the only thing summer heat effects are our staff!
Do you feel the internet (rise of web & digital design) decreased the amount of business for printers?
I’m sure it has in various areas but the smart ones are keeping abreast of advancement.
Does your company run any workshops, events, walk-throughs etc…? Do you have any coming up?
We are always open for anyone to contact us directly for a tour.
What is your stance on sustainability in printing?
Imperative. We must continue to do what we can do within the industry. We must strive to keep work within Australia and continue to produce top quality products.
–
Thanks to Matthew Murcott for taking time out of his day to answer a few questions for us. See Foilmasters here
by Che Douglas
This is our first interview installment with Foilmasters in Dandenong, Victoria. Every so often we will invite someone from the printing & creative industry to answer a few topical and educational questions for us. We hope you enjoy and learn something as i’m sure we will too.
If you would like to contribute or think you’re up for answering some questions, drop us a line hello@theprintdirectory.com.au
How long have you been in business?
20 years
Please list your capabilities
− Foilstamping
− Embossing
− Formecutting/creasing
− Laminating
What are common questions clients ask?
Can you foil over laminate? Yes, we can.
Can you print over foil? Yes, we have access to over printable foil which enables us to create stunning visual effects.
On that note, do you have any printing tips or tricks for designers?
Always consult with us at the earliest possible opportunity. Discuss sizes of images, coverage, stocks and any specialty inks that we may have to foil over. UV Coatings are especially difficult to overprint.
Does your company have any accreditation’s?
As part of the Colorpak group, our parent company holds: 1SO14001 CERTIFICATION
Colorpak Limited has become the first specialist folding cartons business in Australia to receive ‘Chain of Custody certification’ from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC).
How did you go about learning the trade? Did you attend tafe or uni to study printing or similar?
I trained under my father who has been in the trade for over 30 years, a pioneer of the current results you are seeing in foil stamping here in Australia today.
Where does the majority of your work come from?
Printing companies, high majority is packaging
Do you advertise? Are there any events/conferences do you attend?
We attend many events including print awards and packaging council awards.
What was the most complex job you have ever printed? Can you please discuss the process, finishes and detail involved to produce the finished product?
One of the most difficult jobs we produced was a wine carton for a packaging company. The package consisted 99% foil only with the barcode the only printed part of the process. The job was on a 1280×900 sheet and required 6 passes through the press incorporating two foil colours. Due to the sheer size of the job we had to cut the stamping dies into 50 parts.
Has technology aided or hindered your company, or both?
We are constantly receiving upgraded foils to try which helps but on the flipside we also see new problems arise in coatings etc.
Do you still use any (out-dated) old practices over more recent methods and processes?
All our processes can be titled outdated but totally functional. Our process will never be superseded by cold foil as the results are still quite different.
What is your stance on franchise printers and online ordering service printers?
They don’t particularly enter our part of the industry.
As I am aware temperature tends to effect timing, especially on finishes… does this also effect your work hours?
No, our machines run at temperatures above 100oC the only thing summer heat effects are our staff!
Do you feel the internet (rise of web & digital design) decreased the amount of business for printers?
I’m sure it has in various areas but the smart ones are keeping abreast of advancement.
Does your company run any workshops, events, walk-throughs etc…? Do you have any coming up?
We are always open for anyone to contact us directly for a tour.
What is your stance on sustainability in printing?
Imperative. We must continue to do what we can do within the industry. We must strive to keep work within Australia and continue to produce top quality products.
–
Thanks to Matthew Murcott for taking time out of his day to answer a few questions for us.
See Foilmasters here