Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We now have window patching for these larger envelopes. Please contact us today for an estimate.

Yes, ECS can create a wide variety of special sizes and square envelopes. If you do not see what you are looking for on our die list, please call for layout sheet size and price.

ECS is a custom manufacturer. We do not stock any ready-made envelopes. In 14 working days or less we can make your special order, blank envelopes, windows or regulars, from our stock of plain 24 lb. white wove or blue inside tint stock.

High die cutting uses a 3″ high large steel die to cut a lift of stock 150 to 200 sheets at one time. Because of the draw of the die as it travels through the lift, the cutting register can vary 1/16″ in any direction. This is within industry standards. Bleeds must wrap 1/8″ over the fold lines. Borders must be 1/4″ away from the fold lines. Due to die cutting requirements, the sheet size and position on the sheet must follow the layout template.

Letterpress die cutting uses a thin steel rule die to cut and score one sheet at a time. This method is used for those designs with a critical register of bleeds with a minimum of wrap over the fold and those with minimum image shift of borders or other design elements. Letterpress work must be printed one-up on a larger sheet than for high die cutting because more gripper area is needed.

Digital files for most layout templates are available on our website. Be sure to check the sheet size guide for the type of die cutting you need. If you do not see what you are looking for, please call. We can also make square envelopes and custom sizes using the adjustable dies.

Yes. We will measure and cut your stock to the proper sheet for the best die cutting result. Cutting charge is $100.00 per hour with a half hour minimum.

The caliper of the stock must be between .0045 and .0068 for standard sizes and between .005 and .0085 for open-end catalog and large open-side booklet sizes.

Grain wrong stock curls up into the machinery causing jams, wasted stock and folding registration problems.

We can change the settings on the machine and still run grain wrong stock. The setup charge for grain wrong is $100.00 for standard sizes and $150.00 for open-end catalogs and large open-side booklets. You should also provide an additional over run for setup and waste.

An over run is required for setup and waste in the converting process. The minimum for standard sizes is 300 or 10%, whichever is greater of the finished envelope count. For open-end catalogs and large open-side booklets, allow a minimum of 400 or 10%.

Full ink coverage requires no ink or varnish in glue and gum areas. Adhesion is not guaranteed if ink or varnish is printed in those areas.

The characteristics of certain stocks and inks may result in scuffing or cracking.

Provide a blue line or sample with your purchase order which should specify the ECS die number or exact size for special envelopes, the quantity, over run and samples needed, and shipping instructions. Use our convenient order form.

Our normal production time for most jobs is 7 to 14 days after the stock arrives here. Open-end catalogs and large open-side booklets can take 7 to 14 days. For rush orders, please call in advance to schedule and for quotes on rush charges that may apply.

Peel and seal uses a pressure-sensitive adhesive strip along the seal flap, protected by a removable liner. Peel the liner off and press the flap down. No moisture is needed and the bond is immediate.

Latex gum is applied in two strips that stick only to each other, so the flap has to meet the matching strip on the body of the envelope. Peel and seal uses a single adhesive strip under a liner and bonds to the paper itself. Latex is generally the choice for machine inserting at volume. Peel and seal is generally the choice for closing by hand.

No. As with any adhesive, keep ink and varnish out of the glue and gum areas. Adhesion is not guaranteed if they are printed there.

Self-sealing latex gum is a strong adhesive product that is applied in two strips. When the two strips are pressed together they stick to each other forming the seal.

Yes, latex gum can be applied over regular seal gum. ECS can open the flaps of your ready-made envelopes for the latex application process.

The latex gum requires a stencil matched to the seal flap design. Different flap styles require stencil changes, which incur sorting charges and a setup fee for each flap style change. Contact ECS for details.

When converting flat stock, an additional over run is required for the latex application. An over run is also required when applying latex to ready-made envelopes. The minimum is 300 or 10%, whichever is greater of the finished envelope count.

Envelopes with latex gum are delivered with the flaps extended and are packaged in special size cartons.

A pre-mailer or glue bind mailer is a form that has the edges of the sheet glued together to form a pocket. Usually it has a tear off return panel that is mailed back in the envelope pocket, similar to a two-way mailer.

ECS can fold 3, 4 or 5 panels into a glued pocket with 1 or 2 perfs and a re-moisten gum strip all parallel with the folds. The piece can be double parallel or roll folded.

The minimum sheet width is 7″ and the maximum sheet length is 22″. If the sheet length is over 17-1/2″, then it must be at least 8-1/2″ wide.

Because of critical panel sizes necessary for accurate folding, it is recommended that ECS trim your press sheet to one-up. Critical folding register of pre-trimmed stock cannot be guaranteed. A $100.00 per hour cutting charge will apply.

The grain must run with the folds. Grain wrong setup is $100.00. An additional 5% may be added to the run charge for grain wrong stock.

The caliper of stock must be between .0045 and .0065. An additional 10% is added to the run charge for matte or gloss coated stock.

Call us at 206-767-3653 or email your question. We would rather answer it before the job runs than after.