This article provides a comprehensive reference for all configuration fields used in AI Estimator. It covers both the Machine & Substrate Setup sheet and the Product Setup sheet, detailing each field's purpose, accepted values, units of measurement, and examples.

Together, these configuration sheets form the foundation for setting up AI Estimator to accurately estimate print jobs for your specific equipment, materials, and pricing structure.

Note: Fields marked with Metric/Imperial examples show values appropriate for each unit system as configured in your General Settings.

Part 1: Machine & Substrate Setup

The Machine & Substrate Setup sheet defines your production equipment and materials. This includes paper stocks, printing presses, finishing equipment, and binding machines. Proper configuration ensures accurate cost calculations and valid production paths.

Substrate

This section serves as the material library for your estimator, defining each paper product's physical and financial characteristics. Accurate setup here is critical, as the Tags and Sheet Size fields act as the primary links to the rest of the production workflow.

• Name: The name of the substrate or paper stock. Recommend keeping this short and same as sheet size as it will show in estimates, but can have more details

Unit: Unitless (free text)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 | Imperial: B1 (28x40)

• Sheet Size: The standard press sheet size for this substrate. This field is used to link which machines can handle this size

Unit: Unitless (free text)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 or 450x320 | Imperial: 26×40

• Tags: Indicates the production method this substrate is used for. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Stock Type: Defines whether the substrate is a commonly used stock or a special stock. - Set to Stock for materials frequently used; these appear in drop-downs and can be automatically selected by AI-Estimator. - Set to Special-stock for customer-specific or long-tail materials that must be manually selected by a human estimator.

Accepted values: Stock, Special-stock

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

Examples: EU: Stock | US: Special-stock

• SubstrateType: Defines whether the substrate is supplied as a Sheet or Roll. This determines how imposition, feeding, and print area are calculated.

Accepted values: sheet, roll

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Width: The width of the substrate sheet or roll.

Unit: mm (EU) / in (US)

Examples: EU: 320 | US: 12.6

• Height: The height (length) of the substrate sheet or roll.

Unit: mm (EU) / in (US)

Examples: EU: 450 | US: 17.7

• Weight: The paper/substrate basis weight supported or supplied.

Unit: gsm (Metric) / lb (text or cover) (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 130 gsm | Imperial: 80 lb

• Thickness: Thickness of the substrate

Unit: mm (EU) / in (US)

Examples: EU: 0.085 | US: 0.0093

• Coat: Coating/finish description for the substrate (e.g., Silk, Gloss, Uncoated).

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Metric: Silk | Imperial: Gloss

• Price: Substrate material cost per ton used for paper pricing calculations. Used in substrate price formulas; changing this value directly changes material cost per sheet/area.

Examples: Metric: 1450.00 | Imperial: 1450.00

• Price UOM: Substrate material cost per ton used for paper pricing calculations. Used in substrate price formulas; changing this value directly changes material cost per sheet/area.

Examples: Metric: 1450.00 | Imperial: 1450.00

Substrate - Large Format

This section defines large format substrates such as vinyl, banner materials, and rigid boards. These substrates are used with wide-format printers and have different pricing models based on area rather than sheets.

• Name: Display name for this machine/substrate. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 Silk 130 gsm | Imperial: 12 pt Gloss Cover

• Code: Identifier without spaces for cross‑tab linking (e.g., used in pricemodel6 to define cnc cutter speed per material).

Unit: Unitless (ID — letters, numbers, underscore)

Examples: Metric: acrylic_3mm | Imperial: acrylic_0_125in

• Sheet Size: Sheet size identifier to separate from commercial print. Set to Print Sheet (PS) for flatbed or Print Roll (PR) for roll media.

Accepted values: PS or PR

• Material: Substrate material type for large format (e.g., PVC banner, Acrylic, ACM). Used to drive compatible steps.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Metric: PVC banner | Imperial: Acrylic

• Thickness: Caliper/thickness of the substrate. Used for packaging, binding, and machine limits.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.08 | Imperial: 0.003

• Tags: Indicates the production method this substrate is used for. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text)

• Stock Type: Defines whether the substrate is a commonly used stock or a special stock. - Set to Stock for materials frequently used; these appear in drop-downs and can be automatically selected by AI-Estimator. - Set to Special-stock for customer-specific or long-tail materials that must be manually selected by a human estimator.

Accepted values: stock, special-stock

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• SubstrateType: Indicates if the substrate is supplied as sheets or on rolls; drives feeding/imposition.

Accepted values: sheet or roll

• Width: Dimension used for routing, limits, or setup.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• Height: Dimension used for routing, limits, or setup.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• Cost (per m2): Material cost per square meter/foot for large-format substrates. Total material cost = printed area × this rate.

Unit: Per m² (your account currency) (Metric) or / ft² (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 12.5 | Imperial: 1.16

• TileOverlap (mm): Overlap used when tiling panels for oversized graphics. Overlap increases printed area per panel join, raising material usage and time.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 25 | Imperial: 0.98

• Tile Gap (mm): Dead space between tiled panels for oversized graphics on rigid substrates. Accounts for material removal (e.g., saw blade thickness when cutting panels). Adds media-only space with no ink between drops.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 4 | Imperial: 0.16

• RequireWhiteInk: Whether white ink is required as an under/overprint for this substrate.

• Weight: Material weight per unit area for this substrate. Used to calculate total job weight for packaging split logic (vs max_weight) and pallet escalation. All values are internally converted to kg/m² for calculations.

Unit: Numeric value only (see Weight UOM for unit)

Examples: Metric: 510 (for gsm), 0.51 (for kg/m²) | Imperial: 3.5 (for lb/ft²)

• Weight UOM: Unit of measure for the Weight field. System converts all values to kg/m² internally for job weight calculations: area_m² × weight × qty.

Accepted values: • Metric: gsm, kg/m² • Imperial: lb, oz/yd², lb/ft²

Print Sheet-Fed

This section configures your sheet-fed printing presses, covering both offset and digital machines. Each press has distinct cost models depending on whether it uses plates (offset) or click-based pricing (digital).

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Canon iX, XL105

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing

Accepted values: digital-press, offset-press

• PrintMethod: Production method for this offset press configuration. Determines plate count, make-ready frequency, and run time interpretation. Create multiple rows for the same physical press to model different workflows.

Accepted values: Sheetwork, Perfecting, WorkAndTurnOrTumble

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheet Size: The standard press sheet size for this substrate. This field is used to link which machines can handle this size

Unit: Unitless (free text)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 or 450x320 | Imperial: 26×40

• Non-Printable Height: Height that is not printable in a sheet using this machine

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 13 | Imperial: 5

• Non-Printable Width: Width that is not printable in a sheet using this machine

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 13 | Imperial: 5

• Preflight check price / page: Price you want to charge per page for preflighting

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 0.25 | Imperial: 0.2

• Impose the files: Charge you want to apply for imposing the files. This is a fixed per-job charge and does not scale with quantity.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 25.0 | Imperial: 25.0

• Platemaking Labour / hour: Hourly labour rate for plate making.

Unit: Per hour (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 50.0 | Imperial: 50.0

• Processor plates / min: Number of offset plates your plate processor can process in one minute.

Unit: Items / minute

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• Physical Plates Each: Cost per plate for offset production

Unit: Your account currency per plate

Examples: Metric: 4 | Imperial: 25

• Sides / hour: Impressions per hour (sides printed). For 2‑sided, multiply by 2. This will be overridden if speed curves are specified in PrintRunSpeedConfiguration tab in Product setup sheet

Unit: Impressions / hour

Examples: Metric: 15000 | Imperial: 15000

• Machine Rate / hour: Chargeable machine rate for printing. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 120.0 | Imperial: 120.0

• Labour Rate / Hour: Chargeable labour rate associated with printing. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Per hour (your account Your account currency) (your account Your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 60.0 | Imperial: 60.0

• Make Ready: Fixed make ready cost per job. Applied to offset only and calculated as (Number of Plates × Make Ready) + (Make Ready Hours × Number of Print Sides × Total/hour)

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 15 | Imperial: 15

• Make Ready Hours: Fixed setup time for this step before running production. This will impact machine time and cost.

Unit: Hours

Examples: Metric: 15 | Imperial: 15

• Black / area: Coverage charge per printed area for black ink. This field is applicable to offset presses only

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (metric) and Per in² (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00000002 | Imperial: 0.0129032

• CMY / area: Coverage charge per printed area for CMY ink. This is the charge for one color and is multiplied by 3 to apply and calculate the ink cost. This field is applicable to offset presses only

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (metric) and Per in² (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00000002 | Imperial: 0.0129032

• White / area: Coverage charge per printed area for white ink. This field will activate only if white ink is selected for an estimate and it is enabled for the machine

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (metric) and Per in² (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00000002 | Imperial: 0.0129032

• Black / click rate: Click charge per impression for Black color. This field is applicable for digital presses only

Unit: Per click (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 0.035 | Imperial: 0.035

• CMY / click rate: Click charge per impression for each of the 3 CMY colors. This value is multiplied by 3 to get total click cost for the 3 CMY colors combined and then applied per side of printing to calculate ink cost. This field is applicable for digital presses only

Unit: Per click (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 0.035 | Imperial: 0.035

• White / click rate: Click charge per impression for white. This field will impact the estimate only if white ink is selected for an estimate and it is enabled for the machine

Unit: Per click in your account currency

Examples: Metric: 0.035 | Imperial: 0.035

• PaperCoat Extra Price: Conditionally increase the ink cost depending on paper coat

Unit: Unitless

Examples: Uncoated:30;Silk:61 => Increase ink cost by 30% if uncoated paper, and increase ink cost by 61% of silk paper

• Over Sheets Per Section: Fixed overs added to cover setup waste. Fixed overs are added before running spoils are applied.

Unit: Unitless (copies)

Examples: Metric: 20 | Imperial: 20

• Running Spoils (%): Ongoing waste during run as a percent of good copies. This percentage is added on top of fixed overs to increase paper and time.

Unit: % (0-100)

Examples: Metric: 2 | Imperial: 2

• Black Ink Only: Restricts device to black‑only printing when enabled.

Accepted values: TRUE or FALSE

• White Ink Allowed: Identifies this as a machine that can do white ink and adds white ink cost to the estimate if selected

Accepted values: TRUE or FALSE

• InkCoverageTiers: Defines ink coverage pricing tiers for this machine. Each tier applies a multiplier to the calculated colour/ink cost per part. For commercial print, this affects combined CMYK ink costs. For large format, this affects combined CMY+white costs. Custom color costs are not affected. Leave blank if this machine should not use ink coverage tiers (multiplier defaults to 1.0).

Accepted values: Semicolon-separated list of tier labels with multipliers in parentheses. Standard labels: Very Light, Light, Standard, Heavy, Very Heavy.

Unit: Unitless (multiplier values)

Examples: - Very Light(0.70);Light(0.85);Standard(1.00);Heavy(1.30);Very Heavy(1.60) (recommended 5-tier scale) | - Very Light(0.50);Light(0.75);Standard(1.00);Heavy(1.50);Very Heavy(2.00) (custom multipliers)

• Min Weight: Configuration value used by AI-Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: gsm (Metric) / lb (text or cover) (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 80 | Imperial: 80

• Max Weight: Configuration value used by AI-Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: gsm (Metric) / lb (text or cover) (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 400 | Imperial: 200

• MinWidth: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxWidth: Dimension used for routing, limits, or setup.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• MinHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

Print Web-Digital

This section is for digital web presses that use continuous rolls of paper with digital printing technology. These machines combine the speed of web printing with the flexibility of digital.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Indigo 7250

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing

Accepted values: digital-web

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it. In this case it is always Digital

Accepted values: Digital

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheet Size: The standard press sheet size for this substrate. This field is used to link which machines can handle this size

Unit: Unitless (free text)

Examples: Metric: SRA3x2 | Imperial: 26-roll

• WebWidth: Width press width

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• CutoffLength: (Optional) The reference frame length used to calculate click charges for toner-based digital presses. If populated, Job Length is divided by this value to determine the click count. Use this only if your press has a fixed frame length. If it can be dynamic leave this empty

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 305 | Imperial: 12

• Non-Printable Height: The mandatory unprinted white space required between consecutive jobs (frames) for cutting sensors or finishing marks. This is also called the Material gap. This length adds to the Total Paper Usage but is excluded from Ink Cost calculations.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 3 | Imperial: 0.12

• Non-Printable Width: The unprintable safety margin on the left and right edges of the paper roll. This is also called Side allowance. The system subtracts this (x2) from the Max Web Width to calculate the Printable Width.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 2 | Imperial: 0.08

• MinWidth: The minimum physical width of the paper roll that can be loaded and transported by the machine.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 250 | Imperial: 10

• MaxWidth: The maximum physical width of the paper roll that can be loaded into the machine. This usually matches the Max Web Width but defines the upper limit of the transport mechanism.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 558 | Imperial: 22

• MinHeight: This is the Minimum Cutoff Length. The shortest frame length the machine can mechanically print. The system validates that the Job Height + Bleed + Non-Printable height is not smaller than this value.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 152 | Imperial: 6

• MaxHeight: This is the maximum Cutoff Length. The longest frame length the machine can mechanically print. The system validates that the Job Height + Bleed + Non-Printable height is not larger than this value.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1524 | Imperial: 60

• MachineSpeed: The running speed of the web in linear length per minute. The system divides the Total Job Length by this value to calculate the Run Time.

Unit: m/min (Metric) / ft/min (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 133 | Imperial: 436

• Machine Rate / hour: Chargeable machine rate for printing. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 120.0 | Imperial: 120.0

• Labour Rate / hour: Chargeable machine rate for printing. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 120.0 | Imperial: 120.0

• Preflight check price / page: Price you want to charge per page for preflighting

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 0.25 | Imperial: 0.2

• Impose the files: Charge you want to apply for imposing the files. This is a fixed per-job charge and does not scale with quantity.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 25.0 | Imperial: 25.0

• Make Ready Hours: Fixed setup time for this step before running production. This will impact machine time and cost

Unit: Minutes

Examples: Metric: 15 | Imperial: 15

• Make Ready Material Cost: Fixed make ready cost per job

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 15 | Imperial: 15

• Make Ready Paper Waste: The linear length of paper wasted during setup, threading, and printhead alignment before the production run begins. This fixed length is added to the Total Paper Usage.

Unit: Meters (Metric) / Feet (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 20 | Imperial: 65

• Running Spoils (%): Ongoing waste during run as a percent of good copies. This percentage is added on top of fixed overs to increase paper and time.

Unit: % (0-100)

Examples: Metric: 2 | Imperial: 2

• Black / area: The cost of black ink per unit of printed area (Job Width x Height). Use this presses where cost is driven by coverage. If ink cost is based on clicks leave this empty and define click costs instead

Unit: Cost per mm² (Metric) / Cost per sq. inch (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00005 | Imperial: 0.003

• CMY / area: The cost of CMY ink per unit of printed area (Job Width x Height). This is the charge for one color and is multiplied by 3 to apply and calculate the ink cost. Use this presses where cost is driven by coverage. If ink cost is based on clicks leave this empty and define click costs instead

Unit: Cost per mm² (Metric) / Cost per sq. inch (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00005 | Imperial: 0.003

• Black / click rate: Click charge per impression for Black color. Use this field if your ink charges are based on clicks. Leave this blank if your ink cost is based on coverage and you have specified black and CMY ink per area

Unit: Per click (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 0.035 | Imperial: 0.035

Unit: Per click (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 0.035 | Imperial: 0.035

• IncludedSteps: Steps of production that this machine can do.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: - print | - print, cut

Accepted values: Semicolon-separated list of tier labels with multipliers in parentheses. Standard labels: Very Light, Light, Standard, Heavy, Very Heavy.

Unit: Unitless (multiplier values)

Print Web-Offset

This section configures traditional web offset presses that use continuous rolls of paper with plate-based printing. These are typically used for high-volume production runs.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Indigo 7250

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing

Accepted values: digital-web, web-offset

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheet Size: The standard press sheet size for this substrate. This field is used to link which machines can handle this size

Unit: Unitless (free text)

Examples: Metric: SRA3x2 | Imperial: 26-roll

• Grouping: Configuration value used by AI‑Estimator for routing or pricing. Rows with the same label are treated as one physical machine to avoid selecting multiple variants in a single job.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• Min Finished Size Width: Dimension used for routing, limits, or setup.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• Max Finished Size Width: Dimension used for routing, limits, or setup.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• Min Finished Size Height: Dimension used for routing, limits, or setup.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• Max Finished Size Height: Dimension used for routing, limits, or setup.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• PagesPerImpression: Configuration value used by AI‑Estimator for pricing. Combined with web width and cutoff to determine sections; an incorrect value will under/over-estimate run length.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• CutoffLength: Dimension used to determine the length of each impression. Used to validate imposition on web devices and compute sections and waste.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• WebWidth: Width press width

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• Machine Rate / Hour: Chargeable machine rate for printing. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 120.0 | Imperial: 120.0

• Labour Rate / Hour: Chargeable labour rate associated with printing. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Per hour (your account Your account currency) (your account Your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 60.0 | Imperial: 60.0

• PreflightCheckPricePerPage: Price you want to charge per page for preflighting

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 0.25 | Imperial: 0.2

• PlatemakingLabourPerHour: Hourly labour rate for plate making.

Unit: Per hour (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 50.0 | Imperial: 50.0

• ProcessorPlatesPerMin: Throughput rate for the specified process.

Unit: Items / minute

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• MakeReadyHours: Fixed setup time for this step before running production. This will impact machine time and cost

Unit: Hours

Examples: Metric: 15 | Imperial: 15

• MakeReadyMaterialCost: Fixed make ready cost per job

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 15 | Imperial: 15

• CostPerPlate: Cost per plate for offset production

Unit: Your account currency per plate

Examples: Metric: 4 | Imperial: 25

• ImposeFilesPrice: Charge you want to apply for imposing the files. This is a fixed per-job charge and does not scale with quantity.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 25.0 | Imperial: 25.0

• ImpressionsPerHour: Impressions per hour (sides printed). For 2‑sided, multiply by 2. This will be overridden if speed curves are specified in PrintRunSpeedConfiguration tab in Product setup sheet

Unit: Impressions / hour

Examples: Metric: 15000 | Imperial: 15000

• Black / area (mm2): Coverage charge per printed area for black ink. This field is applicable to offset presses only

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (metric) and Per in² (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00000002 | Imperial: 0.0129032

• CMY / area (mm2): Coverage charge per printed area for CMY ink. This field is applicable to offset presses only

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (metric) and Per in² (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00000002 | Imperial: 0.0129032

• White / area (mm2): Coverage charge per printed area for white ink. This field will activate only if white ink is selected for an estimate and it is enabled for the machine

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (metric) and Per in² (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00000002 | Imperial: 0.0129032

• BlackPerClickRate: Click charge per impression for the specified color set. This field is applicable for digital presses only

Unit: Per click (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 0.035 | Imperial: 0.035

• CMYPerClickRate: Click charge per impression for CMY. This field is applicable for digital presses only

Unit: Per click (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 0.035 | Imperial: 0.035

• White / Click Rate: Click charge per impression for white. This field will impact the estimate only if white ink is selected for an estimate and it is enabled for the machine

Unit: Per click in your account currency

Examples: Metric: 0.035 | Imperial: 0.035

• PaperWaste: Fixed overs in number of impresses to cover setup waste. Fixed overs are added before running spoils are applied.

Unit: Unitless (copies)

Examples: Metric: 20 | Imperial: 20

• RunningSpoilsPercent: Ongoing waste during run as a percent of good copies. This percentage is added on top of fixed overs to increase paper and time.

Unit: % (0-100)

Examples: Metric: 2 | Imperial: 2

• IncludedSteps: Steps of production that this machine can do.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: - print | - print, cut

• Black Ink Only: Restricts device to black‑only printing when enabled.

Accepted values: TRUE or FALSE

• White Ink Allowed: Identifies this as a machine that can do white ink and adds white ink cost to the estimate if selected

Accepted values: TRUE or FALSE

• Min Weight: Configuration value used by AI‑Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• Max Weight: Configuration value used by AI‑Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• MinWidth: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxWidth: Dimension used for routing, limits, or setup.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• MinHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

Accepted values: Semicolon-separated list of tier labels with multipliers in parentheses. Standard labels: Very Light, Light, Standard, Heavy, Very Heavy.

Unit: Unitless (multiplier values)

Large Format - Sheet-Fed

This section defines large format sheet-fed printers that process rigid substrates like foam board, acrylic, and corrugated materials one sheet at a time.

• Name: Display name for this machine/substrate. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: - EFI Pro | - SwissQPrint

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing

Accepted values: digital-large-format

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheet Size: Sheet size identifier to separate from commercial print. Set to Print Sheet (PS) for flatbed or Print Roll (PR) for roll media.

Accepted values: PS or PR

• Machine Rate (price per Hour): Chargeable machine rate for printing. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 120.0 | Imperial: 120.0

• Speed (mm²/hour): Configuration value used by AI‑Estimator for pricing. Run time is calculated as total printed area divided by this speed

Unit: mm²/hour (metric) and in²/hour (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 21000000 | Imperial: 1000000

• Labor Rate (price per Hour): Chargeable labour rate associated with printing. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 60.0 | Imperial: 60.0

• Make Ready Minutes: Fixed setup time for this step before running production. This will impact machine time and cost

Unit: Minutes

Examples: Metric: 15 | Imperial: 15

• CMY / Click Rate (per mm2): Coverage charge per printed area for CMY ink.

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (metric) and Per in² (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00000002 | Imperial: 0.0129032

• White Ink / Click Rate (per mm2): Coverage charge per printed area for white ink. This field will activate only if white ink is enabled for the selected substrate in the estimate

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (metric) and Per in² (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00000002 | Imperial: 0.0129032

• Max Bed Width: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension. Jobs exceeding this limit will not route to the device.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• Max Bed Height: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension. Jobs exceeding this limit will not route to the device.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• Max Substrate Thickness: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension. Jobs exceeding this limit will not route to the device.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

Accepted values: Semicolon-separated list of tier labels with multipliers in parentheses. Standard labels: Very Light, Light, Standard, Heavy, Very Heavy.

Unit: Unitless (multiplier values)

Large Format - Roll-Fed

This section configures roll-fed wide format printers used for banners, vinyl, and other flexible materials supplied on rolls.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: - HP Latex R2000 | - EFI VUTEk HS

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing

Accepted values: digital-rollfed-wide

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheet Size: Sheet size identifier to separate from commercial print. Set to Print Sheet (PS) for flatbed or Print Roll (PR) for roll media.

Accepted values: PS or PR

• Machine Rate (price per Hour): Chargeable machine rate for printing. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 120.0 | Imperial: 120.0

• Labor Rate (price per Hour): Chargeable labour rate associated with printing. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 60.0 | Imperial: 60.0

• Make Ready Minutes: Fixed setup time for this step before running production. This will impact machine time and cost

Unit: Minutes

Examples: Metric: 15 | Imperial: 15

• Speed (mm²/hour): Configuration value used by AI‑Estimator for pricing. Run time is calculated as total printed area divided by this speed

Unit: mm²/hour (metric) and in²/hour (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 21000000 | Imperial: 1000000

• CMY / Click Rate (per mm2): Coverage charge per printed area for CMY ink.

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (metric) and Per in² (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00000002 | Imperial: 0.0129032

• White Ink / Click Rate (per mm2): Coverage charge per printed area for white ink. This field will activate only if white ink is enabled for the selected substrate in the estimate

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (metric) and Per in² (imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00000002 | Imperial: 0.0129032

• RollChangeTime (min): Time to allocate for roll changes for large jobs where multiple rolls are needed.

Unit: minutes

Examples: Metric: 30 | Imperial: 30

• CutoffLength: Used to set size of impressions on web devices and to compute sections and waste.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• Max Width (mm): Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• LeaderTrailerWaste (mm): Waste at the start and end of a roll, to be applied for jobs which need multiple rolls

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 300

• RunningSpoilsPercent: Ongoing waste during run as a percent of good copies.

Unit: % (0–100)

Examples: Metric: 2 | Imperial: 2

Accepted values: Semicolon-separated list of tier labels with multipliers in parentheses. Standard labels: Very Light, Light, Standard, Heavy, Very Heavy.

Unit: Unitless (multiplier values)

Cut

This section defines cutting machines, including guillotines and programmable cutters. These have different make-ready costs depending on the workflow.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: - Guillotine 1

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing and this production step

Examples: - guillotine

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Cuts / hour: Number of cuts per hour this machine can perform.

Unit: Cuts per hour

Examples: Metric: 170 | Imperial: 170

• Price / hour: Price charged per hour of machine operation.

Unit: Local currency per hour

Examples: Metric: 60 | Imperial: 60

• Make Ready duration min: Fixed setup time for this step before running production.

Unit: Minutes

Examples: Metric: 6 | Imperial: 0.3

• Max substrate thickness: Maximum substrate thickness this machine can handle per cut.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 120 | Imperial: 50

• Max Width: Maximum width of substrate this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: 20

• Max Height: Maximum height of substrate this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1300 | Imperial: 700

• Over Sheets Per Section: Fixed overs added to cover setup waste. Fixed overs are added before running spoils are applied.

Unit: Unitless (sheets)

Examples: Metric: 20 | Imperial: 20

• Running Spoils (%): Ongoing waste during run as a percent of good copies. This percentage is added on top of fixed overs to increase paper and time.

Unit: % (0–100)

Examples: Metric: 2 | Imperial: 2

• PerimeterPreTrimStrategy: Strategy to be used for Perimeter pre-trim. This choice alters cut length and guillotine passes before main cuts, changing time and labour cost.

Accepted values: SeparateOnly, SeparatePlus3EdgeTrim, SeparatePlus4EdgeTrim, AutoByMargin

• AutoByMarginThreshold(mm): Applicable only if AutoByMargin is selected as peimeterPreTrimStrategy. If this threshold is exceeded for the perimeter trim area then a perimeter cut will be added. Especially applicable for offset

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 5 | Imperial: 0.39

• Max Pages Across: Maximum number of imposed pieces the machine can run side-by-side in one pass; jobs above this won’t route to this device/combined pass.

Unit: Unitless (whole number)

Examples: 3

• Included Steps: Steps this machine performs together in one pass using existing price models; uses one shared setup and the slowest step’s speed.

Accepted values: choose from any of your configured steps or add-ons

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

Examples: cut, crease, perforate

Fold

This section configures folding machines and their associated costs, speeds, and spoilage rates.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: - Folder 1

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing and this production step

Examples: - creasing-and-folding

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheets / hour: Throughput rate for this step.

Unit: Sheets / hour

Examples: 4000

• Machine Rate / hour: Chargeable machine rate for this step. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 120 | Imperial: 120

• Labour Rate / Hour: Chargeable labour rate associated with this step. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 60.0 | Imperial: 60.0

• Over Sheets Per Section: Fixed overs added to cover setup waste. Fixed overs are added before running spoils are applied.

Unit: Unitless (sheets)

Examples: Metric: 20 | Imperial: 20

• Running Spoils (%): Ongoing waste during run as a percent of good copies. This percentage is added on top of fixed overs to increase paper and time.

Unit: % (0–100)

Examples: Metric: 2 | Imperial: 2

• Make Ready Labour / section: Fixed labour cost for this step before running production.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 20

• Included Steps: Steps this machine performs together in one pass using existing price models; uses one shared setup and the slowest step’s speed.

Accepted values: choose from any of your configured steps or add-ons

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

Examples: cut, crease, perforate

• Min Weight: Configuration value used by AI‑Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• Max Weight: Configuration value used by AI‑Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• MinWidth: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxWidth: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MinHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MinThickness: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxThickness: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

Crease

This section defines creasing machines used to create fold lines on heavier stock before folding.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: - Cylinder 1

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing and this production step

Examples: - cylinder

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheets / hour: Throughput rate for this step.

Unit: Sheets / hour

Examples: 4000

• Machine Rate / hour: Chargeable machine rate for this step. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 120 | Imperial: 120

• Labour Rate / Hour: Chargeable labour rate associated with this step. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 60.0 | Imperial: 60.0

• Over Sheets Per Section: Fixed overs added to cover setup waste. Fixed overs are added before running spoils are applied.

Unit: Unitless (sheets)

Examples: Metric: 20 | Imperial: 20

• Running Spoils (%): Ongoing waste during run as a percent of good copies. This percentage is added on top of fixed overs to increase paper and time.

Unit: % (0–100)

Examples: Metric: 2 | Imperial: 2

• Make Ready Labour / section: Fixed labour cost for this step before running production.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 20

• Included Steps: Steps this machine performs together in one pass using existing price models; uses one shared setup and the slowest step’s speed.

Accepted values: choose from any of your configured steps or add-ons

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

Examples: cut, crease, perforate

• Min Weight: Configuration value used by AI‑Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• Max Weight: Configuration value used by AI‑Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• MinWidth: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxWidth: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MinHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MinThickness: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxThickness: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

Laminate

This section configures laminating machines and defines pricing for different lamination finishes such as gloss, matt, and soft-touch.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: - Laminator 1

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing and this production step

Examples: - lamination

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheet Size: Press sheet size code that this row belongs to; used to link machines and substrates.

Unit: Unitless (code)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 | Imperial: 12 × 18

• Lamination Passes: Number of lamination passes applied in production (single or double pass).

Accepted values: 1 or 2

Unit: Unitless (whole number)

• Sheets Per hour: Throughput rate for this step.

Unit: Sheets / hour

Examples: 4000

• Machine Rate / Hour: Chargeable machine rate for this step. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 120 | Imperial: 120

• Labour Rate / Hour: Chargeable labour rate associated with this step. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 60 | Imperial: 60

• Make Ready Labour Per section: Fixed labour cost for this step before running production.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 20

• Over Sheets Per Section: Fixed overs added to cover setup waste. Fixed overs are added before running spoils are applied.

Unit: Unitless (copies)

Examples: Metric: 20 | Imperial: 20

• Running Spoils (%): Ongoing waste during run as a percent of good copies. This percentage is added on top of fixed overs to increase paper and time.

Unit: % (0–100)

Examples: 2

• Gloss: Coverage charge per printed area for the specified lamination type and sheet size. Requires multiple rows defined per sheet size if needed

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (Metric) or / in² (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.034 | Imperial: 0.034

• Matt: Coverage charge per printed area for the specified lamination type and sheet size. Requires multiple rows defined per sheet size if needed

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (Metric) or / in² (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.034 | Imperial: 0.034

• Anti-Scuff Matt: Coverage charge per printed area for the specified lamination type and sheet size. Requires multiple rows defined per sheet size if needed

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (Metric) or / in² (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.034 | Imperial: 0.034

• Velvet - Soft Touch: Coverage charge per printed area for the specified lamination type and sheet size. Requires multiple rows defined per sheet size if needed

Unit: Your account currency Per mm² (Metric) or / in² (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.034 | Imperial: 0.034

• Included Steps: Steps this machine performs together in one pass using existing price models; uses one shared setup and the slowest step’s speed.

Accepted values: choose from any of your configured steps or add-ons

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

Examples: cut, crease, perforate

• Min Weight: Configuration value used by AI-Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• Max Weight: Configuration value used by AI-Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• MinWidth: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxWidth: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MinHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MinThickness: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxThickness: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

Spot-Finishing

This section defines spot finishing equipment for specialized effects like spot UV, foiling, and embossing.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: - Spot Finishing 1

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing and this production step

Examples: - spot-finishing

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheet Size: Press sheet size code that this row belongs to; used to link machines and substrates.

Unit: Unitless (code)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 | Imperial: 12 × 18

• Min Weight: Configuration value used by AI-Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• Max Weight: Configuration value used by AI-Estimator for routing or pricing. Values outside this range will prevent the press from being routed for that job.

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 1

• MinWidth: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxWidth: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MinHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

• MaxHeight: Physical limit for the machine/substrate dimension.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1000 | Imperial: 39.37

Bind stitcher

This section configures saddle-stitch binding machines for booklets and magazines.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates;

keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: - Stitcher 1

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing and this production step

Examples: - stitcher

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheet Size: Press sheet size code that this row belongs to; used to link machines and substrates.

Unit: Unitless (code)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 | Imperial: 12 × 18

• Books / hour: Throughput rate for the specified process.

Unit: Items / hour

Examples: Metric: 3000 | Imperial: 3000

• Machine Rate / hour: Chargeable machine rate for this step. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Per hour (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 120.0 | Imperial: 120.0

• Labour Rate / Hour: Chargeable labour rate associated with this step. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Per hour (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 60.0 | Imperial: 60.0

• Make Ready Labour: Fixed labor cost for make ready.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 0.07 | Imperial: 0.07

• Over Copies: A fixed number of over copies to account for spoilage.

Unit: Unitless (count of books)

Examples: 2

• Running Spoils (%): Percentage of spoilage during production. Extra copies will be produced to account for this waste.

Unit: Percentage (%)

Examples: Metric: 0 | Imperial: 0

• Stations: Number of binding stations available on this machine.

Unit: Unitless (count)

Examples: Metric: 13 | Imperial: 13

• Multi Pass Setup Time (mins): Additional setup time required if multiple passes are needed due to section count of the job being higher than number of stations supported by the machine

Unit: Minutes

Examples: Metric: 15 | Imperial: 15

• Multi Pass Speed Reduction (%): Speed reduction factor when multiple passes are required. For example, 0.5 means the machine runs at 50% of normal speed.

Unit: Percentage (%) or decimal factor

Examples: 0.5

• Labour Assistant Required: How many labour assistants are required to operate this machine based on section count. The formula dynamically assigns assistant count based on number of sections.

Unit: Formula-based (count)

Examples: Section(1-5)=1;Section(6-10)=2;Section(11-9999)=4

• Min Book Width: Minimum book width that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 5 | Imperial: 0.39

• Max Book Width: Maximum book width that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 50 | Imperial: 6.39

• Min Book Height: Minimum book height that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 5 | Imperial: 0.39

• Max Book Height: Maximum book height that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 50 | Imperial: 6.39

• Min Book Thickness: Minimum book thickness (spine thickness) that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 5 | Imperial: 0.39

• Max Book Thickness: Maximum book thickness (spine thickness) that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 50 | Imperial: 6.39

Bind;perfect-binding

This section defines perfect binding (PUR) machines for softcover books and thick documents.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: - PUR 1 | - EVA 1

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing and this production step

Examples: - perfect-binding-pur | - perfect-binding-eva

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheet Size: Press sheet size code that this row belongs to, used to link machines and substrates.

Unit: Unitless (code)

Examples: Metric: RA1,SRA1,B1 | Imperial: 12 × 18

• Books / hour: Throughput rate for the specified process.

Unit: Items / hour

Examples: Metric: 3000 | Imperial: 3000

• Machine Rate / hour: Chargeable machine rate for this step. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Per hour (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 120.0 | Imperial: 120.0

• Labour Rate / Hour: Chargeable labour rate associated with this step. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Per hour (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 60.0 | Imperial: 60.0

• Make Ready Labour: Fixed labor cost for make ready.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 0.07 | Imperial: 0.07

• Over Copies: Whether a step requires extra copies for makeready (e.g., press needs 100 extra sheets for setup).

Unit: Unitless (count)

Examples: Metric: 100 | Imperial: 2

• Running Spoils (%): Percentage of spoilage during production. Extra copies will be produced to account for this waste.

Unit: Percentage (%)

Examples: Metric: 1 | Imperial: 0

• Stations: Number of binding stations available on this machine.

Unit: Unitless (count)

Examples: Metric: 13 | Imperial: 13

• Multi Pass Setup Time (mins): Additional setup time required if multiple passes are needed due to section count of the job being higher than number of stations supported by the machine

Unit: Minutes

Examples: Metric: 15 | Imperial: 15

• Multi Pass Speed Reduction (%): Speed reduction factor when multiple passes are required. For example, 0.5 means the machine runs at 50% of normal speed.

Unit: Percentage (%) or decimal factor

Examples: 0.5

• Labour Assistant Required: How many labour assistants are required to operate this machine based on section count. The formula dynamically assigns assistant count based on number of sections.

Unit: Formula-based (count)

Examples: Section(1-5)=1;Section(6-10)=2;Section(11-9999)=4

• Min Book Width: Minimum book width that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 5 | Imperial: 0.39

• Max Book Width: Maximum book width that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 50 | Imperial: 6.39

• Min Book Height: Minimum book height that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 5 | Imperial: 0.39

• Max Book Height: Maximum book height that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 50 | Imperial: 6.39

• Min Book Thickness: Minimum book thickness (spine thickness) that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 5 | Imperial: 0.39

• Max Book Thickness: Maximum book thickness (spine thickness) that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 50 | Imperial: 6.39

Bind;wire-o

This section configures wire-o binding machines for calendars, notebooks, and presentations.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: - Wire-O 1

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing and this production step

Examples: - wire-o

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheet Size: Press sheet size code that this row belongs to; used to link machines and substrates.

Unit: Unitless (code)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 | Imperial: 12 × 18

• Books / hour: Throughput rate for the specified process.

Unit: Items / hour

Examples: Metric: 3000 | Imperial: 3000

• Machine Rate / hour: Chargeable machine rate for this step. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Per hour (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 120.0 | Imperial: 120.0

• Labour Rate / Hour: Chargeable labour rate associated with this step. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Per hour (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 60.0 | Imperial: 60.0

• Make Ready Labour: Fixed labor cost for make ready.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 0.07 | Imperial: 0.07

• Over Copies: Fixed overs added to cover setup waste. Fixed overs are added before running spoils are applied.

Unit: Unitless (copies)

Examples: Metric: 20 | Imperial: 20

• Running Spoils (%): Ongoing waste during run as a percent of good copies. This percentage is added on top of fixed overs to increase paper and time.

Unit: % (0-100)

Examples: Metric: 2 | Imperial: 2

• Stations: Number of binding stations available on this machine.

Unit: Unitless (count)

Examples: Metric: 13 | Imperial: 13

• Multi Pass Setup Time (mins): Additional setup time required if multiple passes are needed due to section count of the job being higher than number of stations supported by the machine

Unit: Minutes

Examples: Metric: 15 | Imperial: 15

• Multi Pass Speed Reduction (%): Speed reduction factor when multiple passes are required. For example, 0.5 means the machine runs at 50% of normal speed.

Unit: Percentage (%) or decimal factor

Examples: 0.5

• Labour Assistant Required: How many labour assistants are required to operate this machine based on section count. The formula dynamically assigns assistant count based on number of sections.

Unit: Formula-based (count)

Examples: Section(1-5)=1;Section(6-10)=2;Section(11-9999)=4

• Max Binding Edge: Longest binding edge this Wire-O machine can punch/close in a single piece; jobs with a longer edge won’t route here (or must be split). Also drives hole count and wire length in costing.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 420 | Imperial: 16.54

• Min Book Thickness: Minimum book thickness (spine thickness) that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 5 | Imperial: 0.39

• Max Book Thickness: Maximum book thickness (spine thickness) that this machine can handle.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 50 | Imperial: 6.39

• Pitch: Hole pitch used for Wire-O punching; it sets holes per inch, and drives hole count and wire length.

Accepted values: 3:1 or 2:1. You can set two rows with 2:1 and 3:1 for your machine and AI-Estimator will pick based on book thickness

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Cost Per Length: Wire material price per unit length; applied as binding edge length × quantity (pitch determines hole density but cost is by length). Use this to capture wire consumption in pricing.

Unit: Per meter (Metric) / per foot (Imperial) — your account currency

Examples: 0.5

Bind;pad-glue

This section defines pad gluing equipment for creating notepads and tear-off pads.

• Name: A unique identifier for this pad glue binder configuration.

Examples: "Pad Glue Binder 1", "Heavy Duty Pad Glue

• Machine Type: The machine type code used by the system to identify this binding method.

Accepted values: pad-glue

Examples: pad-glue

• Tags: Labels used to associate this machine with compatible print methods or user defined groupings. Separate multiple tags with commas.

Examples: "Digital, Litho" or "Litho

• Sheet Size: Press sheet size code that this row belongs to; used to link machines and substrates.

Unit: Unitless (code)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 | Imperial: 12 × 18

• Setup Minutes: Time required to set up the pad glue binder before production begins.

Examples: 15

• Pads / hour: Number of notepads that can be glued per hour after setup (throughput rate).

Examples: 200

• Machine Rate / hour: Hourly cost of operating the pad glue binding machine (equipment/depreciation cost).

Examples: 25

• Labour Rate / hour: Hourly labor cost for the operator running the pad glue binder.

Examples: 30

• Glue Cost / Length: Cost of glue per unit length of the glued edge. This is multiplied by the glued edge length (short or long edge based on user selection) and quantity of pads.

• Backing Board Cost / Area: Cost of backing board (greyboard) per unit area. This is multiplied by the finished notepad area (width × height) and quantity. Set to 0 if backing board cost is not applicable or priced separately.

Examples: - (Metric): 0.000005 | - (Imperial): 0.0032

• Max Leaves: Maximum number of leaves (physical sheets) this configuration can bind into a single notepad. Used for tier selection and filtering - the system removes rows where leaves per pad > Max Leaves. Set to 0 to disable tier selection and filtering by leaves.

Examples: 200 (handles pads up to 200 leaves)

• Max Notepad Thickness: Maximum notepad thickness this configuration can handle. Used for tier selection and filtering as an alternative to Max Leaves. The system can select the appropriate machine based on computed notepad thickness. Set to 0 to disable tier selection by thickness.

Mount;case-making

This section configures case-making equipment for hardcover book production, including grey board calculations and stick-and-smash processes.

• Name: Display name for this machine. Used to identify the item in estimates; keep concise.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: - Mount 1

• Machine Type: Fixed machine category used for routing and this production step

Examples: - case-making

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Sheet Size: Press sheet size code that this row belongs to; used to link machines and substrates.

Unit: Unitless (code)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 | Imperial: 12 × 18

• Cases Per Hour: Throughput rate for the specified process.

Unit: Items / hour

Examples: Metric: 3000 | Imperial: 3000

• Machine Rate / Hour: Chargeable machine rate for this step. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 120 | Imperial: 120

• Labour Rate / Hour: Chargeable labour rate associated with this step. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Per hour (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 60 | Imperial: 60

• Make Ready Labour: Fixed labor cost for make ready.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 0.07 | Imperial: 0.07

• Stick and Smash Books Per Hour: Throughput rate for the specified process.

Unit: Items / hour

Examples: 200

• Stick and Smash Machine Rate Per Hour: Chargeable stick and smash machine rate for this step. Machine cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by machine hours.

Unit: Your account currency Per hour

Examples: Metric: 120 | Imperial: 120

• Stick and Smash Labour Rate Per Hour: Chargeable labour rate associated with this step. Labour cost is calculated as this rate multiplied by operator hours.

Unit: Per hour (your account currency)

Examples: Metric: 60 | Imperial: 60

• Stick and Smash Make Ready Labour: Fixed labor cost for make ready.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: Metric: 0.07 | Imperial: 0.07

• Grey Board Calculation Method (accurate or simplified): Configuration value used by AI-Estimator for pricing. Grey board refers to a type of rigid paperboard that forms the structural core of the book cover.

Accepted values: accurate or simplified

Unit: Unitless (see field context)

• Grey Board Sheet Width: The width of the full grey board sheet.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• Grey Board Sheet Height: The height of the full grey board sheet.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• Grey Board Piece Width: The width of the individual grey board pieces cut for the book cover. .

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• Grey Board Piece Height: The height of the individual grey board pieces cut for the book cover.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 600 | Imperial: 23.62

• Grey Board Cost Per Sheet: The cost of one full grey board sheet.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 0.8

• Grey Board Cost Per Sqm: The cost of the grey board per area

Unit: Per sqm (metric) / Per feed (impedial)

Examples: 1.5

• Grey Board Sheets Per Book: he number of grey board sheets required to produce one finished book.

Unit: Unitless (count)

Examples: 2

• Over Copies: Fixed overs added to cover setup waste. Fixed overs are added before running spoils are applied.

Unit: Unitless (copies)

Examples: 20

• Running Spoils (%): Ongoing waste during run as a percent of good copies. This percentage is added on top of fixed overs to increase paper and time.

Unit: % (0-100)

Examples: 2

• Min Case Width: Smallest cover width this case-making setup supports; jobs with a narrower case won’t route to this machine.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 120 | Imperial: 4.72

• Max Case Width: Largest cover width this case-making setup supports; wider cases are excluded or must use another machine.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 450 | Imperial: 17.72

• Min Case Height: Smallest cover height this case-making setup supports; shorter cases won’t route to this machine.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 180 | Imperial: 7.09

• Max Case Height : Largest cover height this case-making setup supports; taller cases are excluded or must use another machine.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 640 | Imperial: 25.20

• Min Spine Width: Smallest spine width this setup can make; thinner spines are blocked (consider perfect binding or add filler).

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 6 | Imperial: 0.24

• Max Spine Width: Largest spine width this setup can make; thicker spines are excluded or require another line.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 80 | Imperial: 3.15

Part 2: Product Setup

The Product Setup sheet defines your product catalog, pricing models, and business rules. This includes product categories, paper sizes, page configurations, finishing options, and shipping settings.

General Settings

This tab establishes core system-wide parameters for your estimator, including units of measurement, currency, and self-quote branding options.

• Unit: Unit system for product configuration and examples; drives length/weight fields across all tabs.

Accepted values: Metric or Imperial

• Currency: Specify a different account currency. This is optional and only if you want to override the default currency set in your account for GelatoConnect. Leave blank if your account currency is already the correct one

Accepted values: USD, EUR etc (currency codes)

• Self Quote Primary Color: Brand color for the self‑quote UI theme. Hex color string; visual only.

Unit: Unitless (hex color)

Examples: #2D54A3 | #FF9900

• Self Quote Delivery Excluded: Controls whether message stating "delivery excluded" is included in self-quote experience or not. Set to Yes only if you apply only free shipping methods for your delivery for all jobs

• Self Quote Website Name: Brand/business name shown in the self‑quote UI.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Future Print

• Tax Rate (%)

• Tax Label

Products

This tab defines individual product configurations within each category, specifying the parts, paper qualities, and production steps required.

• Category: Product category this row belongs to; must match a name in the Categories tab.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Stitched Book

• Part Name: Product part to configure (e.g., inner, cover). The inner is considered the core part for any product; cover can be optional.

Accepted values: inner, cover

• Tags: Indicates the production method or tags that this product part should be restricted to. Determines which machines, substrates and price models apply to this category part.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large - or any other tag defined by you

Unit: Unitless

• Production Steps: Ordered list of default steps used to produce this part. Must match step tab names in Machine & Substrate sheet (print, cut etc), or must be one of the pricemodels defined in Product setup sheet.. The order affects dependencies (e.g., Cut after Laminate) and how costs accumulate.

Unit: Unitless (comma‑separated list)

Examples: print, cut:guillotine, die_cutting, spot-finishing | print, cut:guillotine, crease, fold, laminate, spot-finishing, bind:stitcher

• Optional: Marks the part as optional (e.g., cover is optional for self‑cover stitched books). Optional parts can be disabled in estimates, removing their steps and costs.

Accepted values: yes, no

• Exclude Production Steps: Steps to skip for this part when certain machines/tags are selected (e.g., no Fold on Digital).

Unit: Unitless

• Step Ordering Conditions: Conditional rules that alter the steps . It uses AI to remove, add or alter order of steps dynamically based on the condition specified in human language The following fields are currently supported to define conditions: product_type, page_count inner, page_count cover, job quantity, finished_size, paper weight inner, paper weight cover and orientation.

Unit: Unitless (text rule)

Examples: Metric: If paper weight inner < 170 gsm, remove Crease step | Imperial: If paper weight inner < 80lb (text or cover), remove Crease step

Merchandise

This tab acts as a simple lookup table for merchandise products with fixed per-unit pricing.

• Name: The name of the merchandise item.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: Standard 11oz Mug

• Price per unit: Base unit price for the merchandise item before markups/rules.

Unit: Your account currency (per unit)

Examples: 12.50

Canvas

This tab defines canvas products with pricing based on size and thickness.

• Thickness: User defined field for a merchandise product, to be used as a lookup table. In this case Canvas thickness.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.5 | Imperial: 0.02

• Size: User defined field for a merchandise product, to be used as a lookup table. In this case Canvas size.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Metric: 30×40 | Imperial: 12×16

• Price per unit: Base unit price for the merchandise/canvas item before markups/rules.

Unit: Your account currency (per unit)

Examples: 12.50

• Unit: Unit of length.

Accepted values: mm, in

Examples: Metric: mm | Imperial: in

PaperSize

This tab defines the physical dimensions of standard and custom products, linking them to specific product categories.

• Name: Display name for the finished size option. Note: If a name is set to “Custom Size” and width and height to 1 it will be possible to define any size when ordering.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Metric: A4 | Imperial: Letter

• Width: Finished product dimension used for imposition and validation.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 210 | Imperial: 8.27

• Height: Finished product dimension used for imposition and validation.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 210 | Imperial: 8.27

• Unit: Unit of length.

Accepted values: mm, in

Examples: Metric: mm | Imperial: in

• Categories: Categories where this size appears as a selectable option.

Unit: Unitless (comma‑separated list)

Examples: Metric: Leaflets & Flyers; Stitched Book | Imperial: Perfect‑bound Books

PageNumber

This tab sets the rules for page counts and panel layouts for books and folded products.

• Name: Preset name for a page/panel configuration.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: 4 panel (Half fold)

• Section: Part of the product that this rule applies to. In AI-Estimator "inner" is considered the core part for any product

Accepted values: inner, cover

• Categories: The product categories this rule applies to, such as Stitched Book or Folded Products.

Unit: Unitless (comma‑separated list)

Examples: Stitched Book | Folded Leaflets

• Min: The minimum number of pages allowed

Unit: Unitless (count of pages)

Examples: 4

• Max: The maximum number of pages allowed

Unit: Unitless (count of pages)

Examples: 96

• Increment: The number by which the page count must increase from the min value. For example this would be 4 for stitched books and 2 for wire-o books

Unit: Unitless (count of pages)

Examples: 4 | 2

• Pages: The total number of pages for a specific folded product, in pages.

Unit: Unitless (count)

Examples: 4

• Panels Wide: The number of panels across the width of the unfolded product.

Unit: Unitless (count)

Examples: 4

• Panels High: The number of panels along the height of the unfolded product.

Unit: Unitless (count)

Examples: 4

PageColour

This tab defines the available color options (CMYK, black only, etc.) for different product sections.

• Name: Color mode preset name shown in the UI.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Full colour / both sides | Black only / both sides

• Section: Scope for this color preset (part/category)

Accepted values: Inner, cover, inner;cover

Unit: Unitless (text)

• Categories: The product categories for which this color preset is valid.

Accepted values: Comma-separated category names; leave blank for all

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Wire-O Bound Book,Stitched Book

• Colour Front: Ink colors on front side. Use 0, 1 (K-only) or 4 (CMYK)

Accepted values: 0, 1, 4

Unit: Unitless (number)

Examples: 4

• Colour Back: Ink colors on front side. Use 0, 1 (K-only) or 4 (CMYK)

Accepted values: 0, 1, 4

Unit: Unitless (number)

Examples: 4

DependentValues

This tab defines a multi-level dependency tree to ensure that only logical options are presented to the user based on their previous selections.

• Field: The product attribute being configured (e.g., paperCoat, paperWeight).

Accepted values: Select from one of the attributes that apply to a product category

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: lamination | Example: "lamination", "spotFinish

• Production Step: The production step this rule applies to.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: laminate | spot-finishing

• Section: The product part this rule applies to.

Accepted values: inner, cover

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: inner

• Values: Semicolon-separated list of allowed values for this field.

Unit: Unitless (text)

• Unit: Unit of measure for the field value (if applicable). Leave blank if the field is unitless

Accepted values: mm, in, gsm, lb

Examples: mm

• Categories: Categories where this configuration applies.

Accepted values: Comma-separated category names; leave blank for all

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Folded Leaflets,Stitched Book

• Dependent Field: The field that this rule depends on (creates conditional logic). (e.g., paperCoat restricts paperWeight)

Unit: Unitless (text)

• Dependency Values: Semicolon-separated values of the dependent field that activate this rule.

Unit: Unitless (text)

SpotFinishing

This tab defines pricing for specialized finishing effects like spot UV and varnishes.

• Name: Supplier/service name for this spot finish outwork item. Use this tab only if you are using a hardcoded outwork model for spot finishing. If not, ignore this tab and use the Spot-Finishing tab in Machines & Substrates sheet instead

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Spot UV - Gloss Varnish

• Categories: Categories where this outwork is applicable.

Unit: Unitless (comma‑separated list)

Examples: Stitched Book; Leaflets & Flyers

• Price: Fixed charge used when this outwork is selected.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 25.00

• Film Charge: One-time film/setup charge for this option.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 25.00

• Minimum Order Amount: The minimum value for a finishing order, in price.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 100

• Carriage Fee: Fixed delivery charge used when this outwork is selected.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 25.00

• Paper Name: The sheet size to which the pricing applies. Should be one of the substrate names defined in Machines & Substrates setup sheet

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 | Imperial: 26x40

DieCutMakeup

This tab defines pricing for die-cut products based on complexity, folds, and glue points.

• Product Name: Display name of the die‑cut product.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Folder – 2 panel | Carton – tuck flap

• Width Folds Count: Number of folds across the dimension for die‑cut layout. Used to convert finished size to flat size

Unit: Unitless (count)

Examples: 2

• Extra Width (mm): Additional width allowance for folding. Used to convert finished size to flat size

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 10 | Imperial: 0.39

• Height Folds Count: Number of folds across the dimension for die‑cut layout. Used to convert finished size to flat size

Unit: Unitless (count)

Examples: Metric: 2 | Imperial: 3

• Extra Height (mm): Additional height allowance for folding. Used to convert finished size to flat size

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 10 | Imperial: 0.39

• Min Width (mm): Minimum acceptable product width. Jobs lower than this limit will not generate an estimate for this die-cut product

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 10 | Imperial: 0.39

• Max Width (mm): Maximum acceptable product width in mm. Jobs higher than this limit will not generate an estimate for this die-cut product

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 10 | Imperial: 0.39

• Min Height (mm): Minimum acceptable product height in mm.Jobs lower than this limit will not generate an estimate for this die-cut product

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 10 | Imperial: 0.39

• Max Height (mm): Maximum acceptable product height in mm. Jobs higher than this limit will not generate an estimate for this die-cut product

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 10 | Imperial: 0.39

Acetate

This tab defines the cost and specifications for acetate window components in packaging.

• Label: Display name for the acetate option.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: "230 Micron - Clear", "450 Micron - Frosted" | Unit of measure: Unitless (text)

• Size: Sheet size code for this acetate option.

Unit: Unitless (code)

Examples: A4, A5 | Unit of measure: Unitless (code)

• Finish Type: Finish type of the acetate.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Clear, Frosted | Unit of measure: Unitless (text)

• Thickness (mm): Thickness of acetate option

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.23 | Imperial: 0.005

• Weight (gsm): Weight of the acetate sheet

Unit: gsm (Metric) / lb (text or cover) (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 130 gsm | Imperial: 80 lb

• Price Per Sheet: Price per sheet for this acetate option.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 0.315, 0.302 | Unit of measure: Your account currency

• Categories: Product categories this acetate option applies to.

Unit: Unitless (text/category reference)

Examples: Wire-O Bound Book | Unit of measure: Unitless (text/category reference)

FinishingConfiguration

This tab maps finishing options to their corresponding price models and categories.

• Type: Finishing type label for UI grouping and filtering.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Spine

• Name: Configuration name for this finishing material/process.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Gloss

• Weight (gsm): Material weight associated with this finishing component.

Unit: gsm (Metric) / lb (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 120 | Imperial: 80

• Thickness (mm): Material thickness for this finishing component.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1.5 | Imperial: 0.059

• Price: Base price for this finishing component.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 0.25

• Categories: Categories where this finishing component can be used.

Unit: Unitless (comma-separated list)

Examples: Hardback - Casebound Books;PUR Softback Books

• Section: Product part that this finishing component applies to.

Accepted values: inner, cover

PrintRunSpeedConfiguration

This tab dynamically adjusts machine run speeds based on workload, paper coating, and paper weight.

• Machine Name: Exact machine name to match against print devices.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Heidelberg XL 105

• Machine Type: Machine type

Accepted values: Print, Fold

• Paper Coating: Paper finish used for speed adjustments (e.g., Silk, Coated, Uncoated). Different coatings can require different run speeds on the same machine. This fields applies only if machine type is Print

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Silk

• Weight From (gsm): Minimum weight to apply this run speed

Unit: gsm (Metric) / lb (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 120 | Imperial: 80

• Weight To (gsm): Maximum weight to apply this run speed

Unit: gsm (Metric) / lb (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 120 | Imperial: 80

• Sheet Size: Sheet sizes to apply this run speed. Each size here must link to what is defined in Machines & Substrates sheet for it to apply

Unit: Unitless (sheet size code)

Examples: Metric: SRA3 | Imperial: 12×18

• Orientation: Orientation to apply this run speed. This field applies only if machine type is Fold (doesnt apply if machine type is Print)

Accepted values: Landscape, Portrait

Unit: Unitless

• Fold Type PP: Fold type to apply this run speed. This field applies only if machine type is Fold (doesnt apply if machine type is Print)

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: 16pp

• Duration From (min): Lower bound of time interval for this speed setting. This fields applies only if machine type is Print

Unit: Minutes

Examples: 6

• Duration To (min): Upper bound of time interval for this speed setting. This fields applies only if machine type is Print

Unit: Minutes

Examples: 60

• Run Speed Per Hour: Base impressions per hour for this row.

Unit: Impressions / hour

Examples: 15000

• Run Speed Per Hour Per Color: Additional speed per hour per added color. If this is defined it will override the Run Speed Per Hour field. This fields applies only if machine type is Print. See example for format in which you can specify speed based on the number of colors

Unit: Impressions / hour / color

Examples: Color(1)=12000; Color(4)=9000; Color(7)=8000

PackagingConfiguration

This tab defines packaging options, dimensions, and costs for shipping finished products.

• Package: Package identifier/name

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Medium box | Pallet

• PackageType: Select box or pallet to apply packing rules appropriately.

Accepted values: box, pallet

Unit: Unitless (fixed text)

• Material Cost: Fixed cost of packaging materials to pack a single package of this type.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 2

• Labor Cost: Fixed labor cost to pack a single package of this type.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 2.00

• Length: Length of the package for capacity checks. Capacity and freight logic use these values to choose packages and compute shipping cost.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 300 | Imperial: 11.81

• Width: Width of the package for capacity checks. Capacity and freight logic use these values to choose packages and compute shipping cost.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 300 | Imperial: 11.81

• Height: Height of the package for capacity checks. Capacity and freight logic use these values to choose packages and compute shipping cost.

Unit: mm (Metric) / in (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 300 | Imperial: 11.81

• Weight: Weight of the packaging material

Unit: kg (Metric) / lb (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1.5 | Imperial: 3.3

• Max Weight: Maximum weight of the packaging material. If weight is higher than this for a package, then it will result in an additional package

Unit: kg (Metric) / lb (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 1.5 | Imperial: 3.3

• Categories: Categories that can use this package.

Unit: Unitless (comma-separated list)

Examples: Stitched Book; Leaflets

• Unit

ShippingConfiguration

This tab defines shipping methods, delivery times, destinations, and tiered pricing.

• Package: Package identifier/name

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Medium box | Pallet

• Delivery Method: Name of the delivery method that is applicable to this package type.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Next working day

• Delivery Time: Delivery time detail for the delivery method

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Standard | Weekend delivery

• Destination: Destination identifier

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: Domestic | International

• Shipping cost: Base price for the first package. The first package uses this price; subsequent packages may use Adjusted Shipping cost if set.

Unit: Your account currency

Examples: 15

• Default: Marks this method as the preferred default when multiple delivery methods exist for this package.

Accepted values: yes, no

Unit: Unitless

• Adjusted Shipping cost: Price applied from the second package onward (if tiered). The first package uses Shipping cost price; subsequent packages may use Adjusted Shipping cost if set.

Unit: Your account currency, specified in the required format

Additional Options

This tab provides flexibility for boolean options like FSC claims and other yes/no fields.

• Field Name: System name for the field without spaces

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: fscClaim

• Display Name: Customer-facing label for the additional option.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: FSC Required

• Type: Field type (bool for boolean)

Accepted values: bool

Unit: Unitless (text)

• Values: Allowed values for the option, if not boolean (comma-separated).

Unit: Unitless (comma-separated list)

Examples: Metric: checkbox | Imperial: text | Definition: Allowed values for the option, if not boolean (comma-separated). | Unit of measure: Unitless (comma-separated list)

• Required: Specify if it is required for the estimator to specify a value before submission.

Accepted values: FALSE, TRUE

Unit: Unitless

• Display: Controls whether this option is visible in the UI by default.

Accepted values: FALSE, TRUE

Unit: Unitless

CustomFields

This tab allows for specialized pricing for custom elements like PMS/spot colors.

• Name: Custom color name

Unit: Unitless (fixed text)

Examples: PMS / Spot Color

• Type

Examples: Metric: text | Imperial: number

• Price / area (mm2): Price per area used when this custom field influences cost.

Unit: Your account currency, Per mm² (Metric) or / in² (Imperial)

Examples: Metric: 0.00002 | Imperial: 0.012903

Price Models (Introduction)

Except the dedicated machines and core production steps that are configurable in the Machines & Substrates config sheet, all other production steps are defined as Price models. Each model is suited to different cost structures - from simple per-unit pricing to complex time and materials calculations.

PriceModel1: Setup + Per Unit

This pricing model is used for production steps with one-time setup costs and a per-unit running cost. Ideal for finishing operations with fixed make-ready.

• Finishing Step Name: Short identifier used to reference this finishing step.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: Shrink wrap

• Step Code: Internal database code (ID) for this finishing step. Usually the same as or similar to Finishing Step Name.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: shrink_wrap

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Cost Basis: Specifies whether this finishing step is applied per copy (unit), per job or per sheet.

Accepted values: Per Copy, Per Sheet, Per Job

Unit: Unitless

• Unit Cost Logic: Describes the unit cost logic. Per Item = applied per copy; Per Job = applied once per job.

Accepted values: Per Item, Per Job

Unit: Unitless

• Setup Cost (Labor): Fixed setup labor cost for this finishing step (paid once per job).

Unit: Your local currency

Examples: 10

• Setup Cost (Machine): Fixed setup machine cost for this finishing step (paid once per job).

Unit: Your local currency

Examples: 10

• Cost per Unit (Material): Cost per unit (material cost) applied to each copy or sheet. Can be formula-based.

Unit: Local currency per unit

Examples: GroupSize(5)=0.05;GroupSize(10)=0.18;GroupSize(15)=0.28 | 0.25

• Cost per Unit (Labor): Cost per unit (labor cost) applied to each copy or sheet. Can be formula-based.

Unit: Local currency per unit

Examples: GroupSize(5)=0.05;GroupSize(10)=0.18;GroupSize(15)=0.28 | 0.25

• Cost per Unit (Machine): Cost per unit (machine cost) applied to each copy or sheet. Can be formula-based.

Unit: Local currency per unit

Examples: GroupSize(5)=0.05;GroupSize(10)=0.18;GroupSize(15)=0.28 | 0.25

• VA Bucket Override: Optional. Specifies which value-added bucket to assign this step's cost to. Controls how values are aggregated in reporting/analytics. Leave as blank or "None" if not used.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: None | Delivery

PriceModel2: Machine Labor Time

This model is used for steps where time is the main cost driver, factoring in both machine and labor hourly rates.

• Finishing Step Name: Short identifier used to reference this finishing step.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: Shrink wrap

• Step Code: Internal database code (ID) for this finishing step. Usually the same as or similar to Finishing Step Name.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: shrink_wrap

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Cost Basis: Specifies whether this finishing step is applied per copy (unit), per job or per sheet.

Accepted values: Per Copy, Per Sheet, Per Job

Unit: Unitless

• Setup Time (Hours): Fixed setup time in hours for this finishing step. Time required to prepare the machine/materials before starting production.

Unit: Hours

Examples: 0.5

• Run Speed (Units per Hour): Run speed in units per hour for this finishing step. This determines how fast the machine processes items.

Unit: Units per hour

Examples: 1500

• Labor Rate (price per Hour): Labor cost rate per hour for this finishing step. Used to calculate total labor cost.

Unit: Local currency per hour

Examples: 65

• Machine Rate (price per Hour): Machine cost rate per hour for this finishing step. Used to calculate total machine/equipment cost.

Unit: Local currency per hour

Examples: 30

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: None | Delivery

PriceModel3: Time & Materials

This model is used when both time and consumable materials (by area) drive cost, supporting wastage calculations.

• Finishing Step Name: Short identifier used to reference this finishing step.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: Shrink wrap

• Step Code: Internal database code (ID) for this finishing step. Usually the same as or similar to Finishing Step Name.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: shrink_wrap

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Cost Basis: Specifies whether this finishing step is applied per copy (unit), per job or per sheet.

Accepted values: Per Copy, Per Sheet, Per Job

Unit: Unitless

• Setup Time (Hours): Fixed setup time in hours for this finishing step. Time required to prepare the machine/materials before starting production.

Unit: Hours

Examples: 0.5

• Run Speed (Units per Hour): Run speed in units per hour for this finishing step. This determines how fast the machine processes items.

Unit: Units per hour

Examples: 1500

• Labor Rate (price per Hour): Labor cost rate per hour for this finishing step. Used to calculate total labor cost.

Unit: Local currency per hour

Examples: 65

• Machine Rate (price per Hour): Machine cost rate per hour for this finishing step. Used to calculate total machine/equipment cost.

Unit: Local currency per hour

Examples: 30

• Wastage (%): Expected waste rate added to materials for this step.

Unit: % (0–100)

Examples: 0.5

• Material Price (per sq-inch or mm2): Material price per area used in this step. Area is derived from the job's finished size; wastage increases the billed area before pricing.

Unit: Your account currency, Per mm² (Metric) or / in² (Imperial). Needs to be specified in correct format per example

Examples: None=0.15;Navy & White=0.15;Black & Green=0.15

• VA Bucket Override: Optional. Specifies which value-added bucket to assign this step's cost to. Controls how values are aggregated in reporting/analytics. Leave as blank or "None" if not used.

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: None | Delivery

PriceModel4: Tiered Rate

This model applies rate tiers based on quantity or sheet count, with fixed costs per tier.

• Finishing Step Name: Short identifier used to reference this finishing step. This pricemodel is typically used for outwork

Unit: Unitless

Examples: Shrink wrap

• Step Code: Internal database code (ID) for this finishing step. Usually the same as or similar to Finishing Step Name.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: shrink_wrap

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Cost Basis: Specifies whether this finishing step is applied per copy (unit), per job or per sheet.

Accepted values: Per Copy, Per Sheet, Per Job

Unit: Unitless

• Min Quantity: Minimum quantity for this pricing tier. The rate applies when the quantity is greater than or equal to this value.

Unit: Quantity (unitless number)

Examples: 1

• Max Quantity: Maximum quantity for this pricing tier. The rate applies when the quantity is less than or equal to this value.

Unit: Quantity (unitless number)

Examples: 1000

• Fixed Cost: Fixed cost component of the pricing formula for this tier. Applied once per job/order.

Unit: Your local currency

Examples: 250

• Rate Per 1000: Variable cost rate per 1000 units (copies or sheets) for this pricing tier.

Unit: Local currency per 1000 units

Examples: 800

• VA Bucket (Mandatory): Optional. Specifies which value-added bucket to assign this step to. Controls how values are aggregated in reporting/analytics. Leave blank if not used. The word "(Mandatory)" specifies that you cannot override this bucket in the step definition itself.

Unit: Dropdown or text reference

Examples: Metric: None Imperial: None | Definition: Optional. Specifies which value-added bucket to assign this step to. Controls how values are aggregated in reporting/analytics. Leave blank if not used. The word "(Mandatory)" specifies that you cannot override this bucket in the step definition itself. | Unit of measure: Dropdown or text reference

PriceModel5: Perimeter + Unit Based

This specialized model calculates finishing costs based on the total edge length (perimeter) of a product.

• Finishing Step Name: Short identifier used to reference this finishing step.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: Shrink wrap

• Step Code: Internal database code (ID) for this finishing step. Usually the same as or similar to Finishing Step Name.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: shrink_wrap

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Cost Basis: Specifies whether this finishing step is applied per unit length, or per unit added. If per unit length is used then perimeter is used as the base to calculate cost, and in the case of per unit added, an option will be shown in the UI to add the number of units

Accepted values: per unit length, per unit added.

Unit: Unitless

• Setup Cost: Fixed setup cost for this finishing step. Applied once per job/order.

Unit: Your local currency

Examples: 250

• Cost per Unit Length (per m): Cost per unit length (e.g., per meter or foot). Applied based on the perimeter or length of the item, and applies only if per unit length is selected as the cost basis

Unit: Local currency per meter (metric) or per foot (imperial)

Examples: 0.5

• Cost per Unit Added: Cost per unit added (e.g., per grommet or pole pocket). Applied based on the number of units added to the item, and applies only if cost bases selected is Per Unit Added

Unit: Local currency per unit

Examples: 5

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: None | Delivery

PriceModel6: Length & Speed

This model calculates costs based on product length and machine processing speed.

• Finishing Step Name: Short identifier used to reference this finishing step.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: Shrink wrap

• Step Code: Internal database code (ID) for this finishing step. Usually the same as or similar to Finishing Step Name.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: shrink_wrap

• Tags: Indicates the production method or grouping. Determines which machines or price models can reference it.

Accepted values: Digital Wide, Digital, Litho, Digital Large

Unit: Unitless (fixed text list)

• Setup Time (Hours): Fixed setup time in hours for this finishing step. Time required to prepare the machine/materials before starting production.

Unit: Hours

Examples: 0.1

• Run Speed (mm/s): Run speed for this finishing step. This determines how fast the machine processes the item.

Unit: mm/s (metric) and in/s (imperial). It needs to be specified for each substrate code in the format below

Examples: amex_white_2mm=20;display_board_glazed_boxed_halfmatt_holzfrei_1=680

• Labor Rate (price per Hour): Labor cost rate per hour for this finishing step. Used to calculate total labor cost.

Unit: Local currency per hour

Examples: 65

• Machine Rate (price per Hour): Machine cost rate per hour for this finishing step. Used to calculate total machine/equipment cost.

Unit: Local currency per hour

Examples: 30

Unit: Unitless (text)

Examples: None | Delivery

Step Add-On

This tab defines optional add-on steps that can be included in product workflows.

• Finishing Step Name: Short identifier used to reference this finishing step.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: Shrink wrap

• Step Code: Internal database code (ID) for this finishing step. Usually the same as or similar to Finishing Step Name.

Unit: Unitless

Examples: shrink_wrap

• Categories: Categories where this add-on is available in the UI.

Unit: Unitless (semicolon-separated list)

Examples: Banner; Board; Leaflets & Flyers

• Show By Default: If set, the add-on appears at the top of the UI when creating estimate and can be auto-selected by the AI agent.

Accepted values: yes, no

Unit: Unitless

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our support team via Support > Report an issue button in your Gelato Dashboard.

[Getting Started - AI-Estimator] Step 3.1: Configure Your Machines and Substrates

How to Set Up and Estimate Packaging with AI-Estimator

[GC AI-Estimator] Using the AI Configurator for Effortless Onboarding

[GC AI-Estimator] How to Use the New Estimate Setup Page to Configure AI-Estimator

[Getting Started - AI-Estimator] Step 3: Configure Estimate Setup

[GC AI-Estimator] Explanation of each AI Estimator Configuration Field

Part 1: Machine & Substrate Setup

Substrate

Substrate - Large Format

Print Sheet-Fed

Print Web-Digital

Print Web-Offset

Large Format - Sheet-Fed

Large Format - Roll-Fed

Cut

Fold

Crease

Laminate

Spot-Finishing

Bind stitcher

Bind;perfect-binding

Bind;wire-o

Bind;pad-glue

Mount;case-making

Part 2: Product Setup

General Settings

Categories

Products

Merchandise

Canvas

PaperSize

PageNumber

PageColour

DependentValues

SpotFinishing

DieCutMakeup

Acetate

FinishingConfiguration

PrintRunSpeedConfiguration

PackagingConfiguration

ShippingConfiguration

Additional Options

CustomFields

Price Models (Introduction)

PriceModel1: Setup + Per Unit

PriceModel2: Machine Labor Time

PriceModel3: Time & Materials

PriceModel4: Tiered Rate

PriceModel5: Perimeter + Unit Based

PriceModel6: Length & Speed

Step Add-On