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Continuous forms, also known as continuous stationery or continuous feed paper, are specialized printing materials designed for use in impact printers, especially dot matrix and line printers. These forms are widely used in business environments for bulk printing of invoices, statements, tickets, and other forms. Pre-printed continuous forms have specific layouts, designs, and sometimes text that have been printed on the form before the end user gets the form.
Continuous Forms With Carbon Copies
Pre-printed continuous forms with carbon copies have a layer of carbon paper between each sheet. Thus, when a user writes or types on the top layer, an impression is made on the layers below it. These types of forms are ideal for situations where multiple copies of the same document are required, such as invoices or shipping notices. The carbon layer can either be built into the form or purchased separately, depending on the user's needs.
Single and Multi-Part Forms
Continuous forms can also be single or multi-part, which means that they can have more than one layer glued together at the top for part detachment. For example, three-part forms are commonly used in construction jobs and order forms, where three copies are needed for the customer, the business, and accounting, etc. Multi-part continuous forms are more complex and can include more than three parts; they are suitable for printing checks or forms needing many copies.
Label and Ticket Forms
Pre-printed continuous forms can be engineered further to include labels or tickets. These forms contain adhesive labels that can be peeled off and sent separately or tickets with perforated sections that can be detached for entry controls, such as event tickets, shipping labels, inventory control, etc. Usually, these forms are inkjet or laser printer compatible.
Fan-Fold and Stack Forms
Continuous forms may come in fan-fold or stack configurations, depending on the printing machinery. Fan-fold forms are stacked in a way that allows printers to easily grab the next form as each one is printed. In contrast, stack forms are just that—stacked and require more setup time. Fanfold forms are usually better for high-volume printing that requires continual operation.
Dot Matrix and Line Printer Forms
Specific pre-printed continuous forms are designed to work with particular printing technology. For instance, dot matrix forms have designated perforations along the side to ensure it can pass through the dot matrix printer with no misalignment. Line printer forms are generally larger and more rugged due to the demands of line printers.
The design of pre-printed continuous forms is very important because their performance, usability, and aesthetic value depend on the design. So, careful consideration is taken when designing these forms to meet functional and client requirements.
Layout and Formatting
Pre-printed continuous forms should be designed with the right margins and headers to control the printing area. The layout is usually determined by the data that needs to be displayed and is practical in terms of design. Professional graphic design software or layout can be advantageously used to produce precise layouts that incorporate all the needed design elements.
Fields and Information
Forms require fields to be left blank or sometimes fillable fields must be incorporated where users fill in or fill out information. However, specific information such as Name, Address, Order Number, etc. can be printed directly on the form. For forms such as invoices or purchase orders, they contain pre-printed fields that make it easy for users to fill in the required details.
Branding and Aesthetics
The appearance will determine how appealing the form looks and more so if it is associated with a particular type or brand of form. Logos, colors, and typography should be considered when applying company branding. This not only helps improve the windfall but also helps keep the business brand and identity. That said, there are forms that are designed to just print and do not have aesthetic functions.
Paper Type and Size
The importance of the right paper type and size in pre-printed continuous forms cannot be overstated. Thin enough not to be wasteful but strong enough so many copies can be pulled from it without jamming. Dimensions are usually standard, such as A4 or letter size, but also custom for some printers.
Perforation and Tear-Off Sections
Continuous forms can be designed with easy tear away sections. Hence, perforation is important as it ensures the right sections are detached with ease. It also adds to the form functionality because users can detach particular parts and leave other parts attached for further processing.
Pre-printed continuous forms are used in so many operating situations that necessitate printing many copies. Some of the common applications of these forms are discussed below.
Billing and Invoicing
One of the most common uses for pre-printed continuous forms is invoicing and billing. This can include utilities, telecommunications, and other industries where large volumes of invoice printing are needed. Invoice forms with pre-printed data such as account numbers and address information reduce the need for manual entry and increase efficiency.
Shipping and Labels
Shipping documents, packing slips, and labels are high-volume environments, such as warehouses, shipping departments, and logistics companies. Continuous forms with built-in shipping labels allow seamless order processing and let packets or boxes read more quickly. Printing packing slips right in line with the labels is more efficient.
Reports and Statements
Organizations in finance, such as banks and investment firms, have to print a lot of statements and reports. These forms almost always have areas that can be filled with client data, such as account number printed on the form. This means less paper jamming through the printers and better report output to users waiting for printed statements.
Manufacturing and Work Orders
The pre-printed continuous forms are very helpful in creating work orders, job orders, and production schedules, especially in the manufacturing business. With data fields that indicate types of materials and quantities required, these forms aid in further processing and ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner with minimal errors.
Check Printing
Pre-printed continuous forms can be used to create business checks in a safe and secure manner. Only a few companies handle check printing, such as payroll services and financial institutions; they typically have check forms with pre-printed bank account numbers and routing numbers for steady and secure printing.
Event Ticketing
Event venues such as theatres, concerts, or any function that issues tickets have pre-printed continuous forms that can be transformed into tickets, stubs, and passes. These forms include distinctive numbers and bar codes for tracking customer entry purposes. Also, in working conditions like transportation, pre-printed continuous forms are used as boarding passes.
It is crucial to consider the specific and maintenance of continuous forms that are pre-printed to ensure optimal performance and the best printing results possible. Here are a few important considerations.
Paper Quality and Weight
The quality and weight of the paper for continuous forms have important consequences on the printer and print job. Usually, heavier paper stocks are more suited to high-capacity printers, while lighter weights are ideal for standard use. The paper quality must be high enough that the pre-printed ink is legible and that the ink does not bleed through when writing or printing.
Form Dimensions and Alignment
Continuous forms go through different printers depending on their size and paper path. Regardless of the printer, whether it be dot matrix or laser, alignment should be perfect; otherwise, misprinting happens. Prepare the printer and do a test run to make sure the alignment is perfect before using actual forms.
Cutting and Tear-Off Perforation
Continuous forms usually have perforated portions where they need to be cut or torn. These perforations should be pre-printed continuous forms to maintain integrity and allow easy tearing. A lot of continuous forms do have displayed perforations for guidance of tear-out.
Avoid Excessive Exposure to Moisture
Continuous pre-printed forms should neither be exposed to moisture nor humidity as the paper will get warped. As a result, such warping will misalign the forms during printing, thus resulting in a printing error. Also, forms should be stored in a dry, climate-controlled environment to maintain proper quality and alignment.
Regular Maintenance of Printer
Because many printers use continuous forms, it is important to maintain printer heads to avoid printing errors. Printing on old or worn print heads can smudge, blur, and even worse, misalignment as well as lessen print quality. Make it a point to clean the dot matrix or ribbon, line printer, or any other continuous form printer regularly.
Standard continuous forms are the most common paper sizes used in industries—the letter size, A4, and legal size. These two common sizes have pre-printed continuous forms that are compatible with most printers.
Continuous forms were once solely restricted to dot-matrix and line printers, but technological advancement enabled its widespread use on laser printers. Today, many businesses prefer laser printers due to print quality, speed, and ease of use.
Improper alignment could be as a result of misconfigured printer settings, paper type, and form size. Printer settings should be configured to correspond with the size and type of paper, and the paper feed should be checked for correct loading.
The pre-printed continuous forms should be kept dry and away from sunlight. Also, avoid excessive handling that may smudge the print or damage the paper.
Continuous forms can be eco-friendly if the paper is sourced from recycled materials. Also, electronic document delivery reduces the need to print physical forms, further lessening the environmental impact.
