Yes! The best way to get an accurate quote is to use our Request Quote page on our website: https://www.amerepro.com/request-quote/
It isn’t required, but it helps if you can upload your file(s) even if they are a draft version. This gives us an opportunity to ask the most relevant questions, if necessary, before we provide you with a quote.
What’s the difference between digital and offset printing?
We offer digital printing solutions but it’s important to understand the difference between digital printing and offset printing.
Printing Technology
Digital Printing: In digital printing, the image is directly transferred from a computer to the printing press using digital files such as PDFs or other file formats. It does not require printing plates or any intermediate steps. Common digital printing methods include laser and inkjet printing.
Offset Printing: Offset printing, on the other hand, uses a more traditional method. The image is first transferred onto a rubber blanket and then onto the printing surface. It involves the use of printing plates, which are usually made of aluminum, and an offset press.
Setup and Cost
Digital Printing: Digital printing is known for its quick setup time and low initial setup costs. It is cost-effective for short to medium print runs because there is no need to create printing plates.
Offset Printing: Offset printing typically has higher setup costs because it requires the creation of printing plates. However, for large print runs, the cost per unit decreases, making it more cost-effective in such cases.
Color Accuracy
Digital Printing: Digital printing allows for more accurate color matching, especially for small quantities and short print runs.
Offset Printing: Offset printing may require more adjustments to achieve accurate color reproduction, and color consistency may vary during the print run.
Turnaround Time
Digital Printing: Digital printing offers quick turnaround times, making it suitable for on-demand printing and projects with tight deadlines.
Offset Printing: Offset printing may have a longer turnaround time due to the plate creation and setup processes. It is more suitable for larger print runs where the longer setup time is justified by the cost savings per unit.
How do I submit my design for printing?
If you’d like a quote first, use our Request Quote page: https://www.amerepro.com/request-quote/
If you’re ready to place your order, use our Order page: https://www.amerepro.com/order/
What is the difference between full size and half size prints?
There is often confusion regarding these terms. Full size and half size do not indicate actual paper dimensions. They are a reference to the original drawing size. For example, if a drawing file is currently sized at 24″x36″, then a full size print of that file would be 24″x36″. A half size print, or 50% reduction, of the same 24″x36″ original would be 12″x18″. If the original is 36″x48″, then the full size print would be 36″x48″ and the half size print would be 18″x24″. It all depends on the size of the original.
Since drawings are typically created to scale, full size and half size prints make the most sense when doing calculations or using the drawings for construction. However, if scale isn’t critical, then enlarging or reducing drawing to any standard paper dimension is also possible.
What do you mean by full size?
“Full size” means same size as the file. If the architectural drawing is 24″x36″, then a full size print of that drawing would be 24″x36″. If the drawing is 30″x42″, then a full size print of that drawings would be 30″x42″. If you want us to enlarge something to “full size”, you may want it to be larger than it currently is, but we need to know the paper dimensions you want us to enlarge it to. If what you mean is “to scale”, then we would need a “to scale ” file.
Do you offer design services?
We do, however, we are not a graphic design firm, so our options are limited. We are happy to discuss any project to see if it is in our wheelhouse.
Can you rush orders?
We don’t have “rush” service fees. Instead, we treat all orders the same — they need to be done as quickly as possible. If you have a project, large or small, that has a specific deadline, please be sure to communicate before or when you place your order, so we are aware of your needs. If for some reason, we cannot accommodate those needs, we will reach out to you right away.
What is your turnaround time?
95% of all orders are finished either same day or within 24 hours.
What type of large format printing do you offer?
- High speed inkjet prints for technical and architectural drawings.
- Digital blueprinting.
- Aqueous inkjet prints for archival photo or fine art printing.
- Giclée’s.
- Ecosolvent inkjet prints on roll fed media for commercial graphic printing
- Banners, self-adhesive vinyls, print and cut vinyl stickers, canvas
- UV-cured inkjet prints direct to substrates
- Foam core, Coroplast, PVC, HIPS, acrylic, wood, aluminum, Dibond and more.
- UV cured gel inkjet print on roll fed media for commercial graphic printing
- Banners, self-adhesive vinyls, films, papers, canvas, wall covering
Do you print on t-shirts or other apparel?
Unfortunately, we do not.
Do you print on fabric or offer dye-sublimation printing?
We do not print on fabric and we do not currently offer dye-sublimation printing.
What types of binding do you offer for booklets, spec books or manuals?
We offer saddle stitching, plastic coil binding, spiral comb binding, 3-hole punch and Acco fastening, or 3-ring binders.
Do you offer lamination services?
We do. We can laminate up to 52″ wide with matte, gloss or dry-erase laminate.
Can you print business cards with rounded corners?
We can print business cards, but not with rounded corners.
Do you offer finishing services like cutting, folding, or binding?
Yes, we do.
Do you offer 3D printing services?
We do not.
What types of scanners do you use?
Roll fed and flatbed scanners —
- Roll fed scanners
- Typically used for architectural and engineering drawings. Originals are fed through rollers over the scanner glass.
- Can scan up to 36″ wide by any length in either color or black and white.
- Flatbed scanners
- 11″x17″ flatbed scanners. Originals are hand placed flat on the glass and scanned.
- 18″x25″ hi-res flatbed scanner. Originals are hand placed flat on the glass. Typically used for small fine art scanning and reproduction.
- 42″x60″x5″ hi-res, touchless flatbed scanner. This amazing technology uses a moving flatbed, which the original lays flat on, then travels under a 6 camera array lit by 2 LED lamps. No UV/IR radiation. Largest scanner of its kind. Perfect for large originals, fragile or damaged originals, framed or thick originals, and can even scan framed originals under acrylic or glass without any reflection or errors in the scan.
Is there a discount for bulk orders?
Yes. Almost all of our pricing is dependent on the size of the order. The larger the order, the smaller the unit rate.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Cash, Check, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Apple Pay, and ACH.
What file formats do you accept?
We prefer PDF files for most print orders.
What resolution should my files be?
File resolution needs vary quite a bit depending on what it is and how it is being viewed.
- 300 ppi – Fine art printing or small format text documents
- 150 ppi – poster printing with text
- 100 ppi – large banner printing
Do I need to include bleed and crop marks in my design?
Including bleed and crop marks can help when your print your small format print needs to be full bleed. For large format printing, this isn’t needed.
Can you store my file for future print orders?
Yes. When placing your order, in the printing instructions, simply ask us to keep your file for future orders, and we will.
How do you ensure high-quality printing?
A few factors help us in ensuring high-quality printing.
- Equipment. We use the latest printing technologies to ensure we are offering the best there is to offer.
- Maintenance. We keep our printers operating at peak performance.
- Personnel. Our experienced staff puts eyes on every job, prior to printing. We know how important it is to catch a mistake or an issue before we print.
Can I visit your shop to see print samples?
Absolutely! Come on down!
Do you offer pick up or delivery services?
Yes, we do. We pick up and deliver throughout the MD / DC / VA metropolitan area.
What carriers do you use for shipping?
We ship via UPS and FedEx.
Do you offer international shipping?
We do not.
Can you ship or deliver my prints directly to my clients?
We sure can.
Can I pick up my order from your location?
Of course.
Can I get custom-sized prints?
Absolutely! Give us a call to discuss your project if you can’t find the info you’re looking for on our website. (301) 231-5200
Can you print with white ink?
In some instances, yes. Our UV-cured inkjet printer has white as an option. Great for window graphics!
Can I see a proof before my job is printed?
Sure thing. We can provide digital proofs upon request.
Is there an additional cost for proofs?
Yes. A printed proof is, in essence, a print order of 1 print.
How long does the proofing process take?
Digital proofs are usually ready the same day. A printed proof is usually done same day or next day.
Should I set up my file in CMYK or RGB?
RGB is fine.
What ink types do you use?
We use all of the following:
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- Toner for laser printing
- Aqueous for archival photos and artwork
- Ecosolvent for commercial graphics
- UV cured ink for commercial graphics
- UV cured gel ink for commercial graphics
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Do you have a minimum order requirement?
It depends on the type of print order.
How do I reorder a previous job?
If the file was sent via email or via our Order page within the last year, we can usually retrieve it. If you requested for us to keep the file, we should have it. Send us an email with a reference to the file and we should be able to accommodate.
What’s your policy cancellations or refunds?
If the order has been printed yet, you can cancel the order, no problem. If the order has already been printed, you can cancel the delivery or shipping, if it hasn’t already gone out yet, but we’ll still need payment for the printed job.
Can I visit your location in person?
Of course. We are open 8:30AM to 5PM, Monday thru Friday. We are not open on the weekends.
Who do I contact if there’s an issue with my order?
Call us at (301) 231-5200 or email us at print@amerepro.com.
How will I know if my order is ready to be picked up?
We will call you or email you when your order is ready to be picked up.
Can I make changes to my order once it has been placed?
If your order has not been printed yet, sure. If it has been printed, it depends on the change. We’re reasonable and want your project to be a success. We will work with you to make it right.
What’s the best way to get in touch with customer service?
Call us at (301) 231-5200 or email us at print@amerepro.com.
Will you sign an NDA to keep my project confidential?
Of course. We are committed to keeping your project confidential and happy to put that in writing if need be.
Do you share my personal or business information?
We definitely do not.
Do you offer 3D printing services?
We do not.
What type of paper do you recommend for business cards?
Our most common paper types for business cards:
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- 100#, Cover, Smooth
- 110#, Cover, Gloss
- 130#, Cover, Silk
- 130#, Cover, Classic Crest, Smooth
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Can you suggest a finish for my promotional brochures?
100#, Text, Gloss or 80#, Text Smooth