“Rounded Corners” is a finishing technique used to enhance the appearance and/or usability of certain printed items.
For instance, business cards and promotional brochures are often designed with rounded corners to create a distinct look.
Flash cards, pocket-sized booklets, and presentation folders are typically made with rounded corners to prevent them from getting bent backward easily during frequent use.
Moreover, sharp 90-degree corners on a printed item, particularly if it’s rigid or has a thick laminate, can pose a risk of injury, especially to children. To minimize this risk, it’s recommended to opt for rounded corners, especially if the laminate film is 5mil or thicker.
What’s A Radius For Rounded Corners?
In the printing world, a radius for rounded corners refers to the curvature of the corner. It’s measured in millimeters (mm) or inches (in) and determines how much the corner is rounded.
The size of the radius depends on the desired look and functionality of the printed piece. A smaller radius creates a tighter curve, while a larger radius results in a more gradual curve.
For example, a business card with a 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) radius will have a more noticeable rounded corner compared to one with a 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) radius, which will have a more gentle curve.
Choosing the right radius for rounded corners depends on factors such as the item’s size, design aesthetic, and intended use.
The term “radius” refers to the distance from the center of a circle to its outer edge. In printing, this term is used to describe the size of the curve that’s used to round off the corners of a printed piece, like a business card or flyer.
Imagine a circle with a radius of 1/2 inch. If you align this circle with the corner of a square, the red curved section shows how the square’s corner would be rounded off. Usually, all four corners of a printed piece are rounded, but sometimes only one, two, or three corners are rounded.
When choosing the radius for rounded corners, you’ll have different sizes to choose from, like 1/2 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/4 inch, and 1/8 inch. The larger the radius, the more paper will be removed to create the rounded corner, and the less “pointed” the corner will appear.
If you have any questions about printing, feel free to reach out to us at 718-928-6888 or submit our quote request form. We’re here to assist you in any way we can.
Take care!
Jeff @ New York Printing Center
