Basic Information
Title: Tom Sachs Guide
Publisher: Phaidon Press
Author: Tom Sachs, Yeju Choi, Howie Kahn
ISBN: 9781838665104
Printer: Artron Print
PRODUCTION NOTES
Managing Three Versions on a Single Line
The Challenge
his order includes three distinct editions: Standard, Signed, and Limited.
The production logic is complex: all three versions share the front endpapers, but the back endpapers are unique (containing different ISBNs). Furthermore, only the "Signed" and "Limited" editions require a tipped-in signature page manually glued between pages 2 and 3, with a strict 3mm glue strip requirement.
Mixing these components or misplacing the signature page would result in delivery failure.
Our Solution
Logical Segregation: We established a strict collation protocol. On the production line, the three different back endpapers were marked with color-coded visual indicators to prevent mixing.
Dedicated Station: We set up a specific manual workstation solely for the "Signed" and "Limited" editions to handle the tipped-in pages.
Controlled Gluing: A custom 3mm template was used to ensure the glue strip was consistent and clean, preventing overflow and maintaining page flatness.
Precision Assembly of 0.5mm PVC Jackets
The Challenge
The book features a 0.5mm double-sided matte soft PVC jacket. The design specification requires the jacket to fit the cover tightly.
Assembling a thick, semi-rigid PVC jacket over a paper cover presents a risk of scratching the printed surface or damaging the book corners during insertion due to friction.
Our Solution
Friction Reduction Method: We implemented a slip-sheet assembly technique. A thin protective film is placed between the cover and the PVC during insertion to eliminate friction. Once the jacket is positioned, the film is removed.
Skill Verification: Operators underwent specific training for this material. Only those who passed a practical assessment were assigned to this station, ensuring consistent handling and damage-free assembly.
Security Protocol for Signed Pages
The Challenge
The client provided original hand-signed pages for the special editions.
The instruction mandated strict control: "Extra signature pages must be destroyed." Any leakage of these signed pages would affect the market integrity of the limited edition.
Our Solution
- Chain of Custody: The signed pages were managed as high-value assets, with inventory tracked down to the single unit during issuance and return.
- Documented Destruction: One week after shipment, we conducted a witnessed destruction of all remaining signed pages. This process was recorded on video and photographed as per the client's requirement, providing verifiable proof of IP compliance.
