Dynamic Perforation

All About Dynamic Perforation

Dynamic Perforation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Unlike traditional perforation, dynamic perforation creates custom tear-off tabs, panels, or stubs. 
  • Dynamic perforation can be used to create more complex print materials that better engages audiences. 
  • Dynamic perforation adds an element of surprise to print applications like direct mail.

Perforation is a well-established concept in the print world. The row of tiny dots that provide a clean separation of tabs or panels is common in a variety of applications, including checks, coupons, invoices, and school workbook pages. But there’s more to perforation than meets the eye, particularly when it comes to standardizing the location of a perforation throughout a large print piece. 

“What you may not know is that usually the perforation process is fixed, meaning that every page in the print job gets a perforation in the same place,” write Elizabeth Gooding and Mary Schilling, authors of The Designer’s Guide to Inkjet, 3rd Edition.  

This is where dynamic perforation enters the picture as a way to vary where perforation is applied in a given piece. First, we’ll look at how dynamic perforation works, and then we’ll look at some applications for dynamic perforation in the digital inkjet space. 

What is dynamic perforation — and how does it work?

Dynamic perforation makes it possible to have only certain pages perforated or even multiple unique perfs on any given sheet. While static perforation is an all-or-nothing scenario, dynamic perforation allows you to incorporate a perforation only where it’s necessary — and this can be individualized to every sheet you create. 

The benefits of dynamic perforation compared to its static counterpart are numerous. First, dynamic perforation can help you design more engaging interactive pieces where users can remove certain pieces or panels to reveal key messaging or content. This immersive experience makes your print piece more memorable, which is key for applications in which  your goal is to increase print engagement or brand recognition.   

Dynamic perforation can also be used to create more layered or complex visual elements. For instance, you can use dynamic perforation to design patterns that tease or unveil content layer by layer, increasing the engagement aspect  of your piece. This can be effective in account-based marketing (ABM) campaigns that maximize response by delivering premium print pieces to targeted high-value accounts.   

The bottom line is dynamic perforation increases design efficiency and flexibility, providing more freedom to create customized pieces tailored to specific requests or requirements. 

Dynamic Perforation

What are some possible applications for dynamic perforation?

Dynamic perforation can take place either in-line or as part of a separate finishing process, and it’s important to note that not every digital inkjet printer can offer it. You will save time and money by communicating with your print partner about their dynamic perforation capabilities –  before you begin the design process.

If your printer can accommodate dynamic perforation, here are some fun ways to apply this kind of perfing in applications that you might not necessarily expect. 

Dynamic perforation for marketing mail

Engagement is key for any kind of print material, but it’s especially important for marketing mail because increased engagement often drives increased response rates. Dynamic perforation makes it possible to create marketing mailers that feature: 

  • A varied number of coupons that are unique to each recipient based on customer data — for example, customers who have spent more money on products or services could get more or different coupons compared to customers who haven’t spent as much.
  • Variable, self-contained pieces such as business reply mail or postcards
  • Individualized, detachable membership or ID cards

Dynamic perforation for books

Broadening your definition of books to include things like catalogs or saddle-stitched print newsletters makes it easier to envision how dynamic perforation can be used in this context. Some examples include:

  • Removable pages in classroom workbooks or resources — think resources for subjects like math or science where a more tactile approach to study is key in helping promote information retention and recall.
  • Brochures with tear-out sections that can act as important customer takeaways or as ways to drive referral business
  • Print newsletters with detachable coupons, invitations, or even entire pages

Dynamic perforation for transactional print like invoices or account statements

Dynamic perforation in transactional print can help you infuse marketing messages into more everyday print materials like account summaries or invoices — and doing so can help you create mailers that qualify for some significant postage discounts via the USPS® Promotions and Incentives program. 

Try incorporating dynamic perforation into transactional print to create: 

  • Multi-page bills or statements where only one page has a perforated tear-off stub
  • One or more dynamic coupons per page for a specific recipient
  • Dynamically produced in-line checks or vouchers
  • One or more investment coupons on asset management accounts for new clients or those with a known propensity to reinvest 

If you’re designing for dynamic perforation in transactional print, it’s important to check with your printer for specific guidelines on the placement of perforations relative to other elements like folds. 

Dynamic Perforation

Dynamic perforation can be a valuable component in designing digital inkjet print that surprises or offers a unique experience. The Designer’s Guide to Inkjet, 3rd Edition can help you explore a variety of other design techniques, tools, and strategies to elevate your next print project. DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE.