Christmas greeting Card product parameters and production process 1、 Product parameters
（1） Material
The material selection for Christmas greeting cards is diverse, and different materials can create different festive atmospheres and textures to meet the preferences of different consumers.
Copperplate paper: Commonly used sizes include 128g, 157g, 200g, 300g, etc. Copperplate paper has a smooth surface, high whiteness, bright printing colors, and rich layers, which can effectively display the patterns and text on greeting cards. It is suitable for printing exquisite Christmas patterns such as Santa Claus, Christmas trees, snowflakes, etc. It is a common greeting card material.
Matte powder paper: Similar in weight to copperplate paper, it has a non reflective surface and a delicate and soft texture. The printed patterns and text have a low-key sense of luxury. The color reproduction of matte pink paper is also good, suitable for those who want a simple and elegant design for greeting cards.
Specialty paper: including cotton paper, sulfuric acid paper, kraft paper, gold foil paper, silver foil paper, etc. Cotton paper has natural texture and soft feel, environmentally friendly and rich texture; Sulfuric acid paper is semi transparent and can create a hazy beauty. It is often used as an inner lining or insert for greeting cards; Kraft paper has a retro vibe and is suitable for making simple and natural style greeting cards; Gold foil and silver foil, on the other hand, shimmer with gold and silver, instantly enhancing the luxury of greeting cards and perfectly fitting the festive atmosphere of Christmas.
（2） Specifications
The specification design of Christmas greeting cards should consider the convenience and aesthetics of mailing. The common specifications are as follows:
Regular size: 14.8cm x 10cm (folded in half), unfolded to 14.8cm x 20cm. This size matches standard envelopes and is convenient for mailing. It is also one of the most common specifications on the market.
Square size: 10cm x 10cm, 12cm x 12cm, etc. Square greeting cards appear delicate and cute, suitable for expressing warm wishes, but special envelopes may be required when mailing.
Large size: 21cm × 15cm (folded in half) and above, can present a wider picture when unfolded, suitable for printing complex patterns or carrying more content, giving a strong visual impact, but the shipping cost is relatively high.
（3） Performance
Printing adaptability: Different materials of paper have different printing adaptability. Copperplate paper and matte paper have good ink adsorption, clear printing patterns, and stable colors; Due to the special material of specialty paper, some require specialized printing processes, such as printing on gold foil and silver foil paper, which may require the use of UV ink to ensure the adhesion of the pattern.
• Folding resistance: greeting cards need to be folded, so it is important to have good folding resistance. Generally speaking, paper with moderate weight has better folding resistance. Thick paper is prone to cracking when folded, while thin paper may deform at the fold.
• Preservation performance: High quality greeting card paper should have good aging resistance, not easily yellowing or becoming brittle, and be able to allow the recipient of the greeting card to preserve this holiday blessing for a long time. Copperplate paper, matte paper, and some specialty papers can be stored for several years or even longer under normal storage conditions.
2、 Production process
（1） Paper processing
• Cutting: Cut the entire roll or sheet of paper into the desired size according to the design specifications of the greeting card. When cutting, it is necessary to ensure precise dimensions and neat edges to prepare for subsequent printing and processing.
• Preprocessing: For some specialty papers, pre-treatment may be necessary, such as removing surface impurities, adjusting paper moisture, etc., to ensure a smooth printing process. For example, kraft paper may require surface polishing to make it more suitable for printing.
（2） Printing process
The printing process of Christmas greeting cards is diverse and rich, and suitable methods can be selected according to design requirements to create unique visual effects.
Offset printing: It is one of the commonly used techniques in greeting card printing, suitable for common papers such as copperplate paper and matte paper. Offset printing has accurate color reproduction, stable printing quality, relatively low cost, suitable for large-scale production, and can effectively display the details and colors of Christmas patterns.
Screen printing: Suitable for printing on special paper, thick cardboard and other materials, it can achieve a large amount of ink accumulation, making the pattern have a three-dimensional sense. Screen printing has bright colors, strong adhesion, and can print special colors such as gold and silver, enhancing the festive atmosphere of greeting cards.
UV printing: By irradiating with ultraviolet light, the ink is instantly cured, and the printed pattern has high glossiness and wear resistance, with a strong sense of three dimensionality. On
Christmas cards, UV printing can be used to highlight key elements in the pattern, such as the sparkling snowflakes and the luster of gift boxes.
• Hot stamping/silver stamping: Metal foil is hot stamped on the surface of greeting cards through high temperature and high pressure, forming shiny text or patterns. Hot stamping/silver stamping can greatly enhance the texture and luxury of greeting cards, often used in the title, border, or important decorative patterns of greeting cards, complementing the festive atmosphere of Christmas.
（3） Post processing technology
Post processing techniques can make Christmas cards more exquisite and unique, enhancing their viewing and entertainment value.
Folding: Fold the printed paper according to the design requirements, ensuring that the folds are straight and neat to avoid deviation. For greeting cards that require multiple folds, it is necessary to accurately calculate the folding position.
• Die cutting: Use a die-cutting knife to cut greeting cards into specific shapes, such as irregular Christmas trees, snowflakes, etc. Die cutting can free greeting cards from the traditional rectangular constraints, making them more creative and attractive.
Concave convex embossing: By using concave convex molds to press three-dimensional patterns or textures on the surface of greeting cards, the patterns can be made vivid without the use of ink. On Christmas cards, embossing can be used to depict the texture of Christmas tree branches and leaves, as well as the knitted texture of sweaters.
Pasting: Stick two or more sheets of paper together to increase the thickness and stiffness of the greeting card. For example, pasting beautifully printed copperplate paper with thicker cardboard can make greeting cards thicker and more durable.
Paste accessories: According to the design requirements, paste some accessories on the greeting card, such as ribbons, sequins, 3D stickers, plush balls, etc. These accessories can add depth and fun to greeting cards, making them more lively and festive.
Envelope making: The matching envelope also needs to be carefully made, and the material of the envelope can match the greeting card, or it can be processed with printing, hot stamping and other techniques to make the envelope and greeting card style consistent.
（4） Inspection and Packaging
• Inspection: Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the completed Christmas greeting cards, checking the printing quality (color, clarity, overprinting accuracy, etc.), post-processing quality (whether folding is neat, die-cutting is accurate, and auxiliary materials are firmly attached, etc.), and the overall appearance of the greeting cards to ensure that the product quality meets the requirements.
Packaging: Qualified greeting cards can be packaged individually in transparent plastic bags or in paper boxes depending on the quantity. When packaging, attention should be paid to protecting the greeting cards from damage and facilitating storage and transportation. For high-end greeting cards, exquisite packaging boxes can also be designed to enhance the product's grade.
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