The gripper is an essential component of a printing press, used to hold the paper as it moves through the machine. The term “gripper margin” or “gripper edge” refers to the area of the paper that is held by the gripper during the printing process. This area cannot be printed on because it is where the paper is physically held and fed into the machine.
When it’s mentioned that press jobs require at least 5/16-inches for a gripper, it means that a blank space of at least 5/16-inches must be left unprinted along one edge of the paper. This space is necessary for the gripper to grasp the paper and guide it accurately through the press without interfering with the printed area.
This gripper allowance ensures there’s no distortion or smudging of the print in that area, maintaining the overall quality and accuracy of the print job. Therefore, when designing a print job, it’s crucial to factor in this gripper margin to ensure the design fits within the printable area of the paper.
It’s also important to note that the required gripper margin can vary depending on the specific press machine being used. Always check the specifications of your particular press for accurate measurements.
