Quality is very important at United Graphics, Inc. Multiple checks are made throughout the printing process to ensure that your books are being produced to our highest standards by our Quality Control (QC) Department.

Quality checks begin when your job goes into production. Color proofs in Prepress are checked before they are sent out to the customer to ensure that there will be no problems on press. If any questions arise, the customer is contacted before the plate is produced, allowing a substantial savings for the customer if changes are required. UGI's color proofer is calibrated to show Process colors as they will print on press; however, it does not show dot gain. This is taken into consideration when reviewing the proofs.

Once the proof is returned to UGI, plates are made and the book goes to press. Multiple checks are made here, as well, by both the Press Operator, Press Supervisor, and QC. The Press Sign-Off includes pulls to check ink density from side to side and front to back, and color checks against the color proof. If the printed piece does not match the proof, QC is called to decide if the customer needs contacted or if the variation is acceptable. QC also checks to see that pulls are done and double-checks ink densities.

When the perfectbinder and saddlebinder lines are running, QC is there, monitoring the quality of the lines. Before the job is bound, a Pre-Bind Proof is made. This is checked against the customer proof to make sure any changes have been made, and to check for any imperfections from printing such as scratches, smears, or folding errors.

When binding begins, a Run Book is pulled to check for text position, cover position, size, page sequence, spine, side glue or stapling, etc. The book is also examined to make sure binding is correct, with no saw teeth showing on the first and last page. Books that hole punch, cut spine from binder, and hand punch are checked to make sure punches do not go into the image area.

Any elements coming from outside vendors such as provided covers, inserts, BRCs, etc. must be approved by QC to ensure that they meet our quality standards.

Once the book is bound and approved, it must be packaged to send to the customer. QC monitors this as well. From box size to packing to taping, United Graphics, Inc. makes sure your books arrive on time and in excellent shape.