The Bieler Press has provided photopolymer platemaking to the contemporary studio letterpress community since 1995 and publishes the definitive manual on the process. We offer premium-grade plates for today’s popular bases (Bunting, Patmag, Boxcar, Eluminum) with extremely fast turn-around at competitive pricing. Plates are processed and shipped same day. We also provide convenient 24 hour pickup for folks in Greater Los Angeles.
The online film negative processing service we recommend, Tamburello Productions, will process your digital files same day (if received before 8 A.M.) and supplies a quality product at low cost with same day delivery to the Press (contact Tamburello directly for their scheduling and payment requirements).
Photopolymer Plate Specifications:
We currently stock two thicknesses and two backings of Toyobo Printight brand plates for use with flatbases. Toyobo’s photopolymer plates are state-of-the-art industrial quality; made with photosensitive nylon resin—thus they hold detail and fine lines exceptionally well, with no loss of imaging during presswork. The letterpress formulated plates listed here all have a high hardness rating of Shore D 67˚.
• KM95—steel-backed at .038" thickness—recommended for use on Vandercooks or Heidelbergs with properly configured magnetic base, e.g., a Bunting Magnetic Cerface Flat Base ground to .880". Can be used on a Patmag base with appropriate underlay.
• KM152—steel-backed at .060" thickness—designed for embossing/moulding, this thickness of plate is often used on job platen presses, such as a C&P or Kluge, where roller height issues may be of concern. Common configuration for a Patmag base or Bunting Magnetic Cerface Flat Base ground to .858".
• KF95—polyester-backed at .038" thickness—common configuration for non-magnetic bases, such as a standard Boxcar Base or Eluminum base. Includes attached 4 mil film adhesive interlay. Requires underlay if used on a base measuring less than .876", such as a Boxcar Deep Relief base.
Our stocked items are client-driven; other photopolymer plate configurations are available as special orders.
Maximum image size (including crop marks or other registration devices) for steel-backed plates is 16 by 22-3/8 inches; for polyester-backed plates, 11-1/2 by 18-1/8 inches.
Plates are furnished with unaligned edges cut approximately 1/4 of an inch around imaging (crop marks are trimmed tight). If more or less edge border is required client should request this with order.
Imaging and Film Negatives:
Imaging furnished for plate processing must be in the form of high-quality imagesetter generated film negatives with discernible emulsion side, a minimum resolution of 2400 dpi, and made as RREUs (emulsion side up/right reading). If submitting electronic files to a service bureau (who will supply us with film), Press Quality PDFs are appropriate. If sending film negatives, ensure they are packed well and that there are no kinks or chemical residue on the film.
If client requires multiple plates cut from negatives, imaging must be separated by a minimum of one inch and aligned for linear cuttings in either direction. Leave at least half an inch margin at outside edges of the film negative. Cutting schematic must be emailed to us via PDF or enclosed with film negative. Improperly prepared output is subject to additional processing charges.
Negatives and all other materials are returned to client. Negatives are trimmed to facilitate plate processing.
Rates and Terms:
Notify us via email of pending orders prior to receipt of film. Attach a PDF of your imaging for identification purposes—unidentified film will not be processed. To prevent delays, clients should always provide contact information and indicate with order their delivery/pickup preference (with address if we are to ship), and specific plate needed.
Plates are available/shipped same day* (M–F) upon receipt of film at the rates listed below:
KF95 plates are charged at 69¢ per sq. inch of image.
KM95 plates are charged at 71.5¢ per sq. inch of image.
KM152 plates are charged at 75¢ per sq. inch of image.
*Because of occasional circumstances beyond our control, we cannot always guarantee same day processing. When this is the case, client will be notified and plates shipped or available next day at a 10% reduction in charge (we do not otherwise offer next day pricing). Note: Dates that we cannot provide processing are listed in “Services and Scheduling Status” at the tail of this post, and are to be considered prior notice.
Measurements are charged at up to 1/2 of an inch over plate’s image size—width and height (including client requested border)—per plate. Minimum measure is one inch in either direction.
• Additionals: Minimum charge per order is $30. After business hours, weekends, holidays, and “must have now” and “while you wait” rush jobs are charged an additional 25% (over same day rate) + $50. Discounts available on large orders (2.5¢ every 400 sq. inches step up to 2,000 sq. inches).
• Shipping is charged at cost. Shipping via FedEx, UPS, or USPS Priority/insured (our preference is UPS as that will ensure same day shipment).
• State sales tax (California residents) is added for all nonexempt billings.
• Payment is due upon receipt of plates (and must be received within ten days). We accept checks, cash, and PayPal. No third party billings, please.
Our service is client based and is limited (we primarily serve the Greater Los Angeles region); contact us to establish an account prior to submitting order.
Send an e-mail to The Bieler Press
SERVICES AND SCHEDULING STATUS: We currently cannot guarantee same day processing/shipping on Tuesdays.
