General Printing Tips – HP Indigo

Printing Equipment

HP Indigo 3500, 5000, 5500, 7000, 7500

 

Paper Settings

Enter the sheet dimensions accurately into the Indigo Substrate library.  Use a caliper to measure the sheet thickness.

 

Image Adjustment

Move a full bleed image over to the edge of the gap, printing on 1/8” of the laminate.  Be sure the press is calibrated for the sheet length so that the front and back images line up vertically along the page.

Once the settings have been determined for each book size, a hot-folder can be created which will pre-set the press to use those image position settings as well as the correct FlexBind® substrate settings.

 

Printing Tips

  • Do not print into the gap.  Residual ElectroInk may build up on the blanket from inadequate transfer into the recessed gap.  This buildup may then contaminate other components of the press.
  • Running shorter sheets sizes may leave an impression on the blanket that may become apparent when concurrently printing larger sheets.  A blanket change would then be required.
  • When adjusting the image into place, use a plain sheet of paper cut to the same size as the FlexBind® sheet.  This will save on setup costs.
  • The 3500 and 5000 HP Indigo presses are not capable of handling a 13” wide sheet and should be therefore trimmed.  Depending on the finished book size, it may be advantageous to trim the hinge side of the page.  If the book is 12” wide, there will be more printing space by trimming the hinge side to the final width required for the eventual binding.  If the book is less than 12” wide, it does not matter which side is trimmed.
  • Do not trim off the gap stiffeners, they are necessary for proper paper handling in the press.
  • Fan sheets when loading into the feed drawer.
  • UV coating can be used normally with FlexBind®.