FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of CAD files can you print from?
HPGL, HPGL2 PLT files, AutoCAD .DWG files, Autocad DWF files, PDF Files, Microstation .plt or .000 files
How do I set up a plot file from CAD programs?
You will need to use an HPGL or HPGL2 printer driver, like the DesignJet 755CM C3198A, which can be found on the AutoCAD disk. We can also print B&W tiff and dwg files. Would an AutoCAD configuration sheet help you? Just ask – we’ll be glad to e-mail or fax it
to you.
What application programs does BPS support for the production of color laser prints?
QuarkXPress, CorelDraw, PageMaker, Freehand MX, Adobe Creative Suite 2 Professional.
What should I include when I send in a file for color laser print production?
You should include the original file, plus all fonts or placed images used in the presentation. Also include a hard-copy proof.
Can I submit my file via e-mail?
Yes. Files can be submitted via e-mail or FTP. Large files (over 10 MB) should be sent in on disk or FTP to ensure that they are received properly. Always include your name, phone number, company name and billing/delivery instructions on your e-mail requests or FAX instructions. The EWO method of submitting jobs is the best way to get your job into production, and it gives you status and reorder capabilities that e-mail and FTP do not.
Will BPS make corrections to my file for me?
BPS does not make corrections to any file sent in for production without direction from the client. All files submitted for production are processed "as-is" unless other instructions have been agreed upon between BPS and the customer.
Is it possible to match Pantone colors on a color laser printer?
Our color laser printers are CMYK devices and cannot guarantee exact Pantone matching. We use a color-managed workflow that utilizes ICC profiles to ensure predicable color output. This enables us to take advantage of the whole colorspace that our printers can produce so your prints are as close as possible to your envisioned piece. It also allows our customers with profiled monitors to accurately softproof files at their workstations.
When I place images into a document, what resolution should they be?
150 ppi (pixels per inch) at the final output size. Increasing the resolution beyond 150 ppi at final output size will not enhance the quality of your image, it will only make your file size larger. This will make it more difficult to manage and take longer to process.
Why do my images appear pixelated when I receive my copies back?
Either the resolution of the original placed image was too low, or the image was linked to a file that was not given to us before printing.
Is it possible to print double-sided copies with the registration marks matching up for
each side?
The registration is not perfect on color laser printers. Your marks will be within 1/4 inch of each other on either side. For example, if you wanted double-sided business cards printed on a color laser printer, the edges may not match from one side to the other. If accurate registration is critical, offset printing may be a better solution.
Can BPS print on card stock or glossy stock?
Yes. We can print on card stock up to 110 lbs., on glossy stock and on Chromekote.
Can I send in my own stock for you to print my job on?
As long as your stock meets the weight and size requirements for our color laser printers, we would be happy to use your stocks. However, we cannot guarantee quality of toner evenness or adhesion, nor be responsible for waste due to paper jams during the run. Our top-quality paper & card stocks are designed and tested specifically for use on our color laser printers and are kept in a temperature & humidity controlled environment, which significantly affects their ability to run properly through the equipment.
Is it possible to print full bleed 8.5 x 11 and 11 x 17?
Yes. We can print full bleed 8.5 x 11 and 11 x 17, but you will be charged for the next larger size because it necessitates trimming from larger paper stock.
What kind of turnaround time can I expect?
Most jobs can be turned around in as little as two to four hours from the time we receive it to the time your job is delivered back to you. Although the specifics of each job are factors in determining turnaround, same-day turnarounds can be arranged on most jobs, depending on size of order and services needed. Call us! We will be happy to assist you.
Can I have my original drawings held at BPS for future printing?
We can scan and store files in our PlanWell service. You can then order prints online and have them delivered. Call our PlanWell help desk at (800) 680-4277 for more information.
