|
|
Simple
Index Tabs Pose Many Questions
by Shane Rasch, Production Coordinator
Tabbed dividers are a popular and effective way of organizing information,
and though sometimes they are considered the no brainer elements of a
project, there are many variables in producing and finishing tabs that
require careful forethought.
Index tabs are most commonly used for projects bound in three-ring binders, but are becoming often found in GBC, Plastic Coil, and Wiro-O bound books, and even sometimes in perfect bound books. In all cases, there are many tab questions and issues that have to be considered prior to production, such as: * Depth of tab * Size of bank * Width of tab * Inset * Number of sets * Mylar reinforcement * Color of mylar * Body copy on the tab sheet * Edge reinforcing * Special finishing
Depth of Tab
This is the distance which the tab extends from the edge of the sheet.
The depth is usually , though 3/8 is also popular. Other sizes like are
available with the appropriate dies.
Size of Bank
Bank refers to the number of divisions made along the stretch of the uncut
sheets. If the edge will be divided equally into five parts, then the
tabs will be considered 5-bank tabs. The higher the bank number, the smaller
the tab and the more collating required to make a complete set.
Tab Width and Inset
The width of the tab can be figured by dividing the length of the uncut
sheet by the size of bank desired, minus the inset size on each end. The
inset is the distance from the edge of the uncut sheets to the beginning
of the tab arch. Usually or on each side, the inset can be adjusted to
any size. Example: The edge of your uncut sheet is 11. You want insets
on each end, and you like the look of 5-bank tabs. After the insets, the
final edge area is 10, divided by 5 tabs, makes for a tab width of 2 each.
This is important to figure so copy is set within the proper copy area.
Number of Sets
The number of sets is the number of completed banks of tabs within the
book. When ordering, the job should be described in terms of the number
of sets of X-bank tabs. This tells the bindery exactly the number of individual
tabs to be finished. For example, 500 sets of 5-bank tabs equals 2,500
total tabs.
Mylar Reinforcement
Uncut tabs may be mylar reinforced for greater strength and colorful flair.
When quoting and ordering, your bindery will want to know if you would
like mylar reinforcement and in what color or colors. There are some eighteen
or so colors available, including a customizable write-on, so whether
youre trying to compliment a multi-color project or enhance a single-color
job, there is an appropriate color. If tabs have been pre-cut to run through
a Docutech or other copier, mylar reinforcement is not an option since
it is applied automatically before tabs are cut.
Body Copy on the Tab Sheet
Printing additional copy on the body of the tab sheet is highly discouraged
since mylar sealing is applied with extreme heat which could cause streaking
and smearing of any ink or toner on the body of the tab sheet. There are
heat-resistant inks and low-heat mylar for jobs that do contain body copy,
but neither of these is a proven method of eliminating the risk of body
copy being smeared. The only true test for tabs with body copy is to do
a sample, and the only remedy is cutting and sealing the tabs by hand,
which of course drives up the cost and production time.
Edge Reinforcing
Edge reinforcing is a clear strip of mylar that is applied to the spine
of a tab to provide added strength. There is always a question of which
side the reinforcement should be applied-- the front and be visible, or
the back and be hidden. Its another detail to consider and ask before
placing an order.
Special Finishing
This refers to any other treatment to the tabs such as collating, 3-hole
drilling, and shrink wrapping. These are all considerations that will
be asked by your bindery.
Most Importantly!
The most important thing to remember about index tabs is that even though
they may not be as tedious as other processes in our industry, they are
important variables in a successful project. And as a wise person once
said, "Nothing is too simple that it cant be messed up."
Mylar Colors Available
Blue (light, medium and dark), Green (light, medium and dark), Orange,
Amber, Pink, Purple, Brown, Yellow, Light Yellow, Red, Super Warm Red,
Coral Grey, Clear, and Write-On
About Rasch Graphics | More
Information
PUR Binding | Perfect
Binding | Saddle Stitching | Mechanical
Binding
Tab Cutting | Support
Services | The Finishing Touch Newsletter
EMail RGS | Home
Page
7211 N. Gessner Drive • Houston, TX 77040-3143
Phone: 800 / 713-785-5750 • Fax: 800 / 713-785-5801