specify type styles, colors, and sizes of all copy. Artwork should be provided to us for all logos or special symbols. We use the latest version of Autocad with Autoscript to generate our drawings and artwork. It is helpful for customers to supply us with an Autocad DWG file, or as an alternate, a DXF or IGES file. Always provide Holland Nameplate with a hard copy drawing as well. Proofs of the artwork will be sent for approval to our customer prior to production.
Color Matching
There are many systems that a customer can use to communicate color requirements to us.
Pantone Matching System (PMS) is the most popular color standard. It identifies colors by specific numbers. This system was originally devised for use in the offset printing industry, but has become a common tool for all types of printing. The Pantone System is very popular because it is inexpensive and simple to use. There are over 1000 colors displayed in a Pantone color guide that can be purchased for about $75.00. The disadvantage of this system is that there are slight variations in the colors from sample book to sample book. The colors also fade with time, and books need to be replaced annually. These samples are printed with offset inks on white paper, and therefore we may not be able to exactly match a color by screen printing or painting on a particular substrate.
The Munsell Color System identifies colors in terms of three attributes: hue, value, and chroma. The physical samples to which we match using this system are opaque, pigmented films. There are over 1500 Munsell color samples available. Holland Nameplate’s files contain many, but not all, of these color samples. We are able to order samples for colors we do not have on file.
CIE (International Committee on Illumination) The CIELAB color system is the most widely recognized system for describing colors with numbers. The advantage of using a numeric system is that it is objective, and computers can be used to match colors and quantify how close a color match is. We require a physical color chip (2" x 2" minimum) as well as the numeric color coordinates to match a color using this system.
Customer supplied color samples: We can match the color of a customer - supplied sample if required. Our preference is that the sample be at least 2" x 2" on painted metal. The sample should also be opaque. It should be kept in mind that colors will appear different when printed on different substrates. This is especially true in the case of subsurface printing on membrane switch overlays.
Color samples are supplied to customers when requested. We supply a sample of the actual ink to be used in production applied to the same substrate from which the part will be made. We provide this service at no charge in conjunction with an order.
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