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① J-CARD
A typical jacket for a cassette tape
The card is called a “J-CARD” because it consists of the three widest sides, “front”, “back”, and “reverse side”, and is folded like the letter “J” when viewed from the side and inserted inside a plastic case.
The widest “front” side is usually a jacket or image design, the “back” side is the name of the artist or title, and the “back” side is text such as song titles or credits. The cassette, J-CARD, and plastic case will be wrapped in wrapping as shown in the image below.
⚫︎ J-CARD PLUS (+1 to +5)
If extensive space is required for lyrics, liner notes, etc., instead of inserting a separate sheet of paper, the widest “cover” portion of the J-CARD can be added and folded and inserted inside the plastic case (see image below). This additional specification supports up to “+5” panels and is compatible with full color printing on both sides.
⚫︎EXPANDED SIZE
NORMAL :102mm x 103mm
+ 1 :102mm x 166mm
+ 2 :102mm x 228mm
+ 3 :102mm x 288mm
+ 4 :102mm x 347mm
+ 5 :102mm x 404mm
In addition to the additional panels above, more than double the print space is possible by doubling the vertical side of the “+5 panel” and folding it in.The thickness of the paper is equivalent to a thinner-than-usual copy paper due to the thicker folding into the case (standard thick paper is not acceptable).
+ 10 size :204mm x 404mm
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Method :Offset printing (CMYK full-color)
・Side :Both sides(or one-side only)
・Finish :Coated (or semi-coated or uncoated)
・Packaging:Overwrapping individual packages
⚫︎J-CARD+1 (SAMPLE)
Possible to insert lyric cards in the form of bellows with separate sheets of paper
⚫︎ PLASTIC CASE (NORELCO)
The Plastic case is packaged to protect the cassette itself.
J-CARD’s standard specification is a transparent (clear/clear) case on all sides. Various colored cases and specifications without internal protrusions are also available for an optional fee.
We recommend overwrapping or OPP bag packaging for final products.
If you choose no wrapping, such as willing to insert a download card by yourself, there is a possibility the case will be scratched due to friction during transportation. Therefore, even if you choose not to wrap the case, we will deliver it in a simple package. Direct printing on plastic case is also available.
⚫︎ Standard Case:Front clear / Back clear
⚫︎ Colored Cases:▶︎SAMPLES
・Standard size :W109mm × H70mm x D17mm
② O-CARD
A paper jacket which the cassette itself is inserted directly into a paper sleeve
The card is called an “O-CARD” because it consists of four sides: “front”, “front spine”, “back”, and “back spine”, and is attached in the shape of a sleeve, which when viewed from the side resembles the letter “O” in the alphabet.
O-CARD is compact and lightweight. The outer four sides can be designed, and if desired, the inside of the sleeve can also be printed in full color. Individual insertion into OPP bags is standard.
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Method :Offset printing (CMYK full-color)
・Side :Outer surface
・Finish :Coated (or semi-coated or uncoated)
・Packaging:OPP individual packages
③ OUTER O-CARD
After inserting a cassette tape into the plastic case, the outside is covered with an O-CARD type paper sleeve.
In the past, music tapes were usually printed with the artist’s name in large print on the spine of this outer O-CARD.
As shown in the image below, after inserting the J-CARD into the plastic case, the outer O-CARD can be set on top of it.
(Sample:J-CARD + OUTER O-CARD)
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Method :Offset printing (CMYK full-color)
・Side :Outer surface
・Finish :Coated (or semi-coated or uncoated)
・Packaging:Overwrapping individual packages
⚫︎ OBI-SLEEVE
The “OBI” proposed by CASSETTE EXPRESS is the short size of the outer O-CARD to make the cassette inside slightly visible.
This package can be used in place of a jacket, and the design looks good together with the cassette inside.
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Method :Offset printing (CMYK full-color)
・Side :Outer surface
・Size :65mm x 69mm
・Finish :Coated (or semi-coated or uncoated)
・Packaging:Overwrapping individual packages
It is large enough to hold artwork, title, text, and the removed obi can be folded and stored inside the plastic case.
It is also possible to use thin paper and roll it vertically like a vinyl record, a true “OBI” strip (see image below).
(width:25mm)
④ CARAMEL BOX (WITH LID)
These boxes with top and bottom lids are used for card games and caramel boxes.
The cassette shell is set directly without the plastic case. The cassette shell alone fits well enough, but there is some room for a lyric card or other items to be included.
(Sample: Standard paper, semi-circular with finger hook, glossy PP laminate)
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Method :Offset printing (CMYK full-color)
・Size :105mm x 65mm x 15mm
・Finish :Glossy PP laminate
・Packaging:OPP individual packages
●OPTION
・Finish :Matte PP laminate
・ :Semicircular cutout for opening and closing
・ :350g/㎡ / Craft paper(310g/㎡)
⑤ FOR 2 OR 3 CASSETTES
⚫︎ 2 CASSETTES CASE
Plastic case for 2 J-CARD cassettes
Set the cassette shell upside down that hold the hub portion
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Size :109mm x 140mm x 17mm
・Packaging:OPP individual packages
It is also possible to produce and insert a J-CARD with twice the normal vertical size.
⚫︎ 2 CASSETTES SLEEVE
Outer sleeve for 2 cassettes
The cassette case is set to be inserted by overlapping the sides of the cassette case. The cassette can be inserted and removed from the top and bottom (or left and right, depending on the design).
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Method :Offset printing (CMYK full-color)
・Size :108mm x 139mm x 18mm
・Finish :Coated (or semi-coated or uncoated)
・Packaging:OPP individual packages
⚫︎ 2 CASSETTES SLIPCASE
Slipcase for 2 cassettes in a plastic case
Cassettes are lined up and inserted in a book format. Cassettes can be inserted and removed from both sides.
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Method :Offset printing (CMYK full-color)
・Size :110mm x 68mm x 35mm
・Finish :Coated (or semi-coated or uncoated)
・Packaging:OPP individual packages
⚫︎ 3 CASSETTES CASE
Plastic case for 3 cassettes
This specification has no projection (Pin) to fix the cassette body, and cassette tapes are set at the top, middle, and bottom.
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Size :203mm x 140mm x 18mm
・Packaging:OPP individual packages
It is also possible to produce and insert a J-CARD with three times the normal vertical size.
⑥ ALBUM CASE (DVD TYPE)
Cassette tapes are directly inserted into a foldable vinyl case like a DVD case.
The full jacket, including the spine, is inserted between the cover and blister, with a pocket on the left side of the interior for inserting lyric cards, zines, or other booklets.
The space on the right side of the interior can also hold small pin badges, guitar picks, or other bonus items. Also available for two cassettes.
●DELIVERY AND REFERENCE PRICE
・Lead-time:about 3-4 weeks
・Ref. price :@200JPY〜
※ This can be selected as a package for cassette production.
※ Delivery time is subject to availability at the time of order.
※ Album cases only are not available.
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Material :PVC
・Size-close:183mm x 117mm x 14mm
・Size-open:183mm x 248mmm
・Packaging:OPP individual packages
※ The space on the right side of the interior can also hold small pin badges, guitar picks, or other bonus items. Also available for two cassettes.
⑦ OTHER PACKAGES
⚫︎ JACKET STICKER
How about applying “stickers” as a marketing tool or as part of the package design?
We offer an optional “jacket sticker” that can be applied after overwrap or directly on the plastic case.
(Sample:OUTER O-CARD + 35mm sticker)
In addition to the rounded 30mm size commonly seen on cassettes overseas, 25mm and 35mm templates are available. Art paper is the standard specification, and special papers such as gold and silver and custom sizes are also available. We can also apply stickers supplied by you.
⚫︎ POUCH WITH CARABINER
A cross-shaped vinyl sheet is folded from top to bottom and left to right and fastened with two buttons.
This pouch can hold both individual cassettes and cassettes in plastic cases (same size).
In addition to the cassette, the pouch can also hold a card-sized jacket. It comes with a white carabiner that can be attached to a backpack or bag for carrying.
●DELIVERY AND REFERENCE PRICE
・Lead-time:Same schedule as cassette production
・Ref. price :@105JPY〜
※ This can be selected as a package for cassette production.
※ The delivery date may vary depending on the stock status at the time of order.
※ Carabiner pouch only is not available.
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Material :PVC
・Size-close:140mm x 80mm x 18mm
・Size-open:230mm x 210mmm
⚫︎Carabiner
・Length :45mm
・Material :Aluminum
・Color :White
・Button :White
・Packaging:OPP individual packages
※Color of carabiner can be changed from quantity of 1,000
⚫︎ ALUMINUM BAG
These are “Zippered Aluminum Bags” found in cafes.
The packaging used to display coffee beans, cookies, etc. can also be used to package cassettes. The front of the package has a clear finish to show off the design of the cassette itself, and would look good in a merchandize space.
●DELIVERY AND REFERENCE PRICE
・Lead-time:Same schedule as cassette production
・Ref. price :@JPY25〜
※ This can be selected as a package for cassette production.
※ The delivery date may vary depending on the stock status at the time of order.
⚫︎SPECIFICATIONS
・Material :PET aluminum film / polyester
・Color :Aluminum or Aurora (Front Clear)
・For cassette:105mm x 150mm (Aluminum or Aurora)
・For case :110mm x 170mmm (Aluminum)
※ The sealer is not adhered to at the time of delivery, and small items up to the size of a card can be included after delivery.
The back of the bag is aluminum foil and the surface is transparent, allowing the contents to be seen and the cassette design to be appealing.
The bag mouth has a zipper for inserting and removing cassettes. Two sizes are available: a size that fits cassettes directly into the bag and a size that can be inserted after the cassettes are placed in the P-case. The aurora-colored bag has a hole in the top that allows items to be displayed by hanging.
⑧ PAPER STOCK & FINISHED
We will create a printing block and produce it with offset printing for a beautiful finish.
It is the current mainstream printing method and is characterized by its ability to print large quantities of printed materials beautifully and quickly. We use offset printing to print jackets, which enables us to respond to mass production with short delivery times.
⚫︎PAPER FINISH
The standard jacket (J-CARD, O-CARD, and Outer 0-CARD) is a glossy “coated paper” with the thickness of a standard postcard (180kg).
If desired, the paper can be changed to non-glossy “uncoated paper” or slightly glossy “semi-coated paper” free of charge.
We can also accommodate special paper types, such as thinner “165kg paper” or thicker “195kg paper” for an optional fee.
COATED PAPER (STANDARD)
・Coated glossy paper
・smooth and silky
・Reproduces photos, vivid and vivid colors
SEMI-COATED (MATT) PAPER
・Low-gloss paper with less gloss
・Smooth texture
・Calm finish
UNCOATED PAPER
・Non-glossy paper without coating treatment
・Silky and smooth
・Finishes suitable for natural textures and earth colors
Specifications | Tickness | Paper finish |
---|---|---|
J-CARD | 180kg Changeable, additional charge |
Coated Uncoated or Semi-Coated |
O-CARD | 180kg Changeable, additional charge |
Coated Uncoated or Semi-Coated |
OUTER O-CARD | 180kg Changeable, additional charge |
Coated Uncoated or Semi-Coated |
※Paper kg: Unit weighed by the size of the base paper (788mm x 1091mm)
⚫︎CREASE PROCESSING
After printing, crease processing is performed and final assembly is done.
Designs with high printing density, such as solid black backgrounds, are prone to “cracking” of the printing when the spine is folded in, and the white portion of the paper may be visible (depending on the design and printing density).This is achieved by reducing the thickness of the paper and applying a PP treatment to the printed surface to prevent spine splitting and paper cracking.In order to reduce the risk of spine cracking, we may print on different paper thicknesses, such as in the case of a dense background design or several additional J-CARD panels.
⚫︎PROOF
For all projects, we will send you a digital proof in PDF format as an e-mail attachment (free of charge).
The purpose of this PDF proof is to confirm the overall layout, which is mass-produced after confirmation. For direct printing on the main body, a test print image will also be attached.
For those who are particular about paper quality and color, we also offer optional services such as proofreading on a production printing machine (one time @ JPY30,000 excluding tax).
⑨ WRAPPING
⚫︎ OVERWRAP
Wrapped by clear film with tear-tape
The film covers the entire outside of the plastic case like the exterior film of a cigarette box, and the form can be easily opened by pulling on the tear tape. Overlap packaging is standard for “J-CARD” and “Outer O-CARD” specifications.
⚫︎ OPP BAG
Transparent bag with removable taped glue
OPP bag packaging is standard for “O-CARD” specifications. OPP bags for “J-CARD” and “Outer O-CARD” are available upon request. OPP bags will be separately bundled with the final product.
If you wish to insert your own lyric cards, etc., you can use the OPP bag. We have different sizes of OPP bags to fit the jacket type.
⑩ SAMPLE CASSETTE PRODUCTION
For those who would like to see an image of the finished product, we will produce a sample cassette with your submitted design.
Jackets for samples are printed on-demand, then cut and folded. Labels for paper label stickers or on-body direct printings will be done in the same way as for mass production, and assembled with the ordered color shell without magnetic tape and inserted into the plastic case (packaging support is also available).
Please note that we accept this sample order only when we receive orders for mass production. We do not accept orders for samples only.
※The impression with or without magnetic tape may differ from the mass-produced product, as it is intended as a sample for advertising or photo, etc. and is not a production proof.
⚫︎PRODUCTION FEE
・J-CARD + Paper Label Stickers:@3,000JPY (excl. tax)
・J-CARD + Direct on-body Print:@4,000JPY (excl. tax)
・Production time: approx. 1 week
Please contact us for sample production of other specifications.