Resources
How to Prepare Art Files
Flexo
Art Files
Digital
Art Files
Shrink Sleeve
Art Files
Shrink Sleeve
Technical Information
FAQ
Ordering
How much will my label cost?
For a custom label, the estimate will be calculated based on a number of factors and specifications including:
- Material (paper, foil, film)
- Adhesive
- Label size
- Quantity
- Number of colours
- Special Inks
- Durability (varnished, laminated, or neither)
- Finished as: rolls, sheets, or fanfolded labels
- Custom die or tool equipment
Cambridge Label will present your cost to you in a detailed price estimate. Since the press setup represents most of the cost for a short run, it is generally advisable to buy the largest quantity consistent with your requirements. Additional thousands on an order are relatively inexpensive, whereas a re-order will mean an additional setup cost. Regardless of your label needs, Cambridge Label will work with you to find a cost effective solution.
What is your turnaround time?
Our standard turnaround time is 4 business days upon receipt of approved artwork. Please allow extra production time for long run orders, and orders requiring special stocks or dies.
What is your delivery time?
Our standard delivery time is 4 business days for spot colour work. For full-colour process our delivery time is 5 business days after approval of proof. Longer runs and multiple versions may take longer than our standard 4 business days. Regardless, we’ll always do our best to meet your timeline.
What are your credit terms?
First orders require payment at the time of placing the order. Terms can be established upon receipt and review of a completed credit application. Once established, our terms are 1%/12, net 30. We accept both Visa and MasterCard.
Artwork Help
How can I submit my artwork?
Digital files can be submitted by email to artwork@cambridgelabel.com.
If your files are too large to send via email, please use the free website “WeTransfer”.
Simply enter the email information on the page and upload your files to have your artwork sent to us.
The website will send a verification code to your email address before submission that you will have to enter.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
What type of artwork files do you accept?
Please supply original artwork. We accept files in the latest version of the following software: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign. File formats that are not accepted are: ‘prn’, ‘ps’, and MS Word. Please convert all RGB files to CMYK. PDF files will only be used for reference and proofing purposes.
What are your bleed requirements?
All bleeds must extend 1/16″ beyond the die line. When no bleeds are required, the image must be 1/16″ inch inside the die line.
What are the minimum font and line sizes?
Type
- 3 pt. sans serif, 4 pt. serif
- Reverse type 4pt.
- CMYK blend 5 pt.
Lines
- Positive lines 3 pt.
- Reverse lines 4 pt.
- CMYK blend 5 pt.
Basic Label Help
What is the best material for my labels to be printed on?
The material your label is printed on depends on its application. First determine whether your labels will be used indoors, or outdoors. If your labels will be used indoors, most customers find our standard semigloss works well. This is a great all purpose paper stock, it is inexpensive, and has an attractive shine to it. Unless you have specific needs, this is our recommended material.
Here is a short list of other common materials with a brief explanation:
3mil White Polylyte. This is an inexpensive, durable film stock with an attractive pearly shine to it. When laminated, it is resistant to water and chemicals. This stock has a regular permanent adhesive and is not suitable for outdoor use.
3mil Thermlyte with Drum Adhesive. This is an extremely durable film stock that is suitable for outdoor use. When laminated it is resistant to water and chemicals, but will not withstand submersion. Our labels manufactured with this material generally last up to a year in an outdoor environment.
Thermal Transfer. This is an inexpensive, matte paper stock with excellent flood coating and imaging properties. This stock has a regular permanent adhesive and is not suitable for outdoor use. Thermal transfer is also suitable to be fed through thermal printers that use a ribbon. We recommend this stock if you’re wishing to achieve a smooth matte appearance.
What is four-colour process?
When reproducing a colour photograph, you will see that it is made up of a series of dots. These dots can be dissected into four colours; cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. This is what is known as CMYK, or four-colour process. Therefore, when printing four-colour process four plates are made in order to reproduce the photograph.
What is “label unwind direction” and why is it important?
The unwind direction is the way in which a label unwinds from a roll. Roll direction is important when labels are to be applied by machine. If the labels are to be hand applied, then unwind direction generally does not matter.
There are four unwind directions. You can see that unwind direction #1 is when the top of the label comes off the roll first, #2 has the bottom edge coming off first, #3 is the right edge, and #4 is the left edge. Most labeling machines will only be able to work with one unwind direction for each type of container. Please confirm with your customer whether the labels are being hand applied or machine applied and specify roll direction when placing your order. Die cut labels are suitable for machine application, meanwhile square cut labels are not.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
Cambridge Label is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We believe in integration and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and meeting our accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario’s accessibility laws.