# MCE Printing — Technical Manual & Specification Reference Authoritative technical reference for: - Physical validation rules & binding constraints - Master trim size matrix & preset aliases - Spine width calculation math & paper stock calipers - Product catalog specifications (16 slugs) - URL hash parameter schema & encoding rules - Prepress boundaries & packaging distribution options For the concise agent-oriented overview, preferred usage guidelines, and data-precedence hierarchy, see the root document: [/llms.txt](https://mceprinting.com/llms.txt). --- ## Technical Standards & Unit Conventions - **Default Dimension Units:** All width and height measurements are expressed in inches (`in`) unless explicitly specified in millimeters (`mm`) (e.g., JIS B6: 128mm x 182mm). Metric conversion: `1 inch = 25.4 mm`. - **Page Count Definitions by Binding Method:** - **Saddle Stitch (`bind=saddleStitch`):** `pgs` refers to total page count (interior pages plus 4 cover pages). Must be a multiple of 4 (`pgs % 4 == 0`). *Example: A 32-page saddle-stitched comic = `pgs=32` (includes 28 interior pages + 4 cover pages).* - **Perfect Bound (`bind=perfectBound`):** `pgs` refers explicitly to interior pages (`pgs % 2 == 0`, min 28 pages). The 100# C1S cover wrap is a separate outer sheet. *Example: A 160-page perfect-bound manga = `pgs=160` (160 interior pages).* - **Programmatic API Guarantees:** Endpoint URLs (`/api/*`) are stable and intended for programmatic access. JSON schemas may expand with new fields; clients should ignore unrecognized fields and preserve known ones. --- ## Live Machine-Readable API Endpoints - `https://mceprinting.com/api/products` — Product limits, binding rules, categories, allowed trim sizes - `https://mceprinting.com/api/dump-papers` — Active paper inventory, categories, finishes, calipers - `https://mceprinting.com/api/dump-sizes` — Trim size definitions, calibrations, product size mappings - `https://mceprinting.com/api/conventions` — Convention event dates, venues, order shipping deadlines --- ## WebMCP Browser Agent Integration Autonomous AI browser agents visiting MCE Printing can interactively invoke tools via standard WebMCP JS registrations (`window.navigator.modelContext` / `window.webMCP`) and DOM data-tool annotations (`data-tool-name="instant_print_quote"`): - `calculate_print_quote` (DOM: `instant_print_quote`): Available on all product estimator pages (`/products/[slug]`). - `calculate_book_spine`: Available on `/tools/book-spine-calculator`. - `convert_paper_weight`: Available on `/tools/paper-weight-converter`. ### Workflow: From Estimator to Project Handoff 1. **Estimate & Configure:** User or AI agent configures print options via URL hash or estimator interface on `/products/[slug]`. 2. **Dynamic Pricing Calculation:** Estimator computes volume discounts, total price, and estimated production turnaround. 3. **Project Initialization:** Clicking **Start Project** compiles a draft specification payload saved in browser session state. 4. **Interactive Builder Handoff:** Redirects to `https://mceprinting.com/builder/?new=true` where logged-in creators upload PDFs, impose pages, inspect 3D flipbook proofs, and place production orders. *(Note: `/builder/` is accessible only once logged in; unauthenticated visitors see a marketing page).* --- ## Validation Rules & Manufacturing Constraints ### Required Validation Rules - **Saddle Stitch Books:** `page_count % 4 == 0` (Allowed range: 8 to 120 pages total including cover). - **Perfect Bound Books:** `page_count % 2 == 0` (Allowed range: 28 to 400 interior pages). - **Custom Dimensions:** `w` and `h` must be positive decimals (e.g., `w=5.5&h=8.5`, not fractions like `5 1/2`). - **Bleed Allowance:** Background artwork must extend 0.125" (3.175mm) beyond trim edges. - **Safety Margin:** All critical artwork and text must remain 0.25" (6.35mm) inside trim edges. ### Invalid Configurations (Will Fail Validation) - `pgs=27` for Perfect Bound (violates multiple of 2 rule). - `pgs=10` for Saddle Stitch (violates multiple of 4 rule). - `bind=perfectBound` with `pgs=16` (below 28-page perfect-binding minimum). - `bind=saddleStitch` with `pgs=160` (exceeds 120-page saddle-stitch maximum). ### Valid Configuration Examples - 32-page Saddle Stitch comic book (`pgs=32&bind=saddleStitch`). - 160-page Perfect Bound JIS B6 manga (`pgs=160&bind=perfectBound&size=JIS%20B6`). --- ## Product Recommendation Decision Logic - **Manga Request:** Recommend product slug `manga` (Default: JIS B6 128mm x 182mm or 5" x 7.5", Perfect Bound). - **Doujinshi Request:** - If page count ≤ 80 and stapled: Recommend `doujinshi-saddle-stitch`. - If page count ≥ 28 (or perfect bound): Recommend `doujinshi`. - **Light Novel Request:** Recommend `light-novel` (Digest 5.5" x 8.5" or B6, B&W text with optional split-media color insert pages). *Note: Split-media color inserts are configured directly within the Canvas Builder editor at `/builder` (accessible only once logged in).* - **Comic Book Request:** - If page count ≤ 96 and stapled floppy format: Recommend `comic-books-saddle-stitch`. - If page count > 96 or square-spine requested: Recommend `comic-books`. - **Graphic Novel Request:** Recommend `graphic-novel` (48 to 400 pages, Standard Comic / 7" x 10.5" / US Letter, heavy cover). - **Art Book / Portfolio:** Recommend `art-book` (Coated text stock, US Letter / Landscape / Square). - **Flat Merchandise (No Binding):** - Art Prints: Recommend `art-prints` (8.5x11, 11x17, 12x18). - Postcards: Recommend `postcards` (4x6, 5x7, 6x9 cardstock). - Posters: Recommend `posters` (11x17, 12x18, 18x24). --- ## Canonical Identifiers & URL Hash Rules ### URL Hash Syntax & Encoding Rules ``` https://mceprinting.com/products/[slug]#qty=[quantity]&pgs=[pages]&size=[size_name]&w=[custom_w]&h=[custom_h]&unit=[unit]&ink=[interior_ink]&c_ink=[cover_ink]&bind=[binding]&lam=[lamination]&sep_cov=[separate_cover]&in_print=[inside_cover_print]&2sided=[two_sided] ``` - **Encoding Rule:** Parameter values containing spaces must be URL-encoded (e.g., `size=Standard%20Comic` or `size=JIS%20B6`). - **Preset vs Custom Size Rule:** When using preset size strings (`size=JIS%20B6`), omit `w`, `h`, and `unit`. Only pass `w`, `h`, and `unit` when `size=Custom`. - **Unrecognized Parameters:** Unknown hash parameters are ignored safely by the backend estimator. ### Canonical Parameter Keys & Accepted Values | Parameter | Key | Canonical Enum Values | Description | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Quantity** | `qty` | Positive integer (≥ 1) | Order quantity. | | **Page Count** | `pgs` | Integer | Total pages (Saddle Stitch) or interior pages (Perfect Bound). | | **Preset Size** | `size` | `Standard Comic`, `Manga`, `Digest`, `US Letter`, `A4`, `B5`, `JIS B6`, `Custom` | Preset trim size handle. | | **Custom Width** | `w` | Positive decimal | Width when `size=Custom`. | | **Custom Height** | `h` | Positive decimal | Height when `size=Custom`. | | **Custom Unit** | `unit` | `in` or `mm` | Unit measurement for custom width and height. | | **Interior Ink** | `ink` | `bw`, `color` | Interior page ink mode. | | **Cover Ink** | `c_ink` | `bw`, `color` | Cover page ink mode. | | **Binding Type** | `bind` | `perfectBound`, `saddleStitch` | Binding method. | | **Lamination** | `lam` | `Gloss`, `Matte`, `None` | Cover protective lamination. | | **Separate Cover**| `sep_cov` | `true`, `false` | For Saddle Stitch: separate cover stock. | | **Inside Cover** | `in_print` | `true`, `false` | Inside cover printing. | | **2-Sided Print** | `2sided` | `true`, `false` | For flat sheet prints/posters. | | **Interior Paper** | `p_int` | Optional SKU string | Interior paper SKU. *Omit to default.* | | **Cover Paper** | `p_cov` | Optional SKU string | Cover paper SKU. *Omit to default.* | ### Smart Paper Defaulting Engine - **Omission Rule:** `p_int` and `p_cov` are optional. When omitted from the URL hash, the backend estimator selects optimal stocks automatically: - `ink=bw` -> **60# Uncoated Text** (interior) - `ink=color` -> **80# Gloss Text** (interior) - Cover default -> **100# Silk Cover (C1S)** or **100# Gloss Cover** - **Querying Paper SKUs:** Fetch `https://mceprinting.com/api/dump-papers` for explicit SKU strings. --- ## Master Trim Size Matrix | Preset Size Name | Accepted Aliases | Dimensions (Inches) | Dimensions (mm) | Allowed Product Categories & Bindings | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Standard Comic** | `US Comic` | 6.625" x 10.25" | 168.275 x 260.35 mm | Comics, Graphic Novels (Saddle, Perfect) | | **Digest** | `Digest Size` | 5.5" x 8.5" | 139.7 x 215.9 mm | Manga, Light Novels, Booklets (Saddle, Perfect) | | **Manga** | `Manga (US)` | 5.0" x 7.5" | 127.0 x 190.5 mm | Manga, Doujinshi (Perfect Bound) | | **JIS B6** | `B6` | 5.04" x 7.17" | 128.0 x 182.0 mm | Authentic Japanese Manga, Doujinshi (Perfect) | | **B5** | `JIS B5` | 7.17" x 10.12" | 182.0 x 257.0 mm | Doujinshi, Art Anthologies (Saddle, Perfect) | | **US Letter** | `Letter` | 8.5" x 11.0" | 215.9 x 279.4 mm | Magazines, Art Books, Flyers (Saddle, Perfect) | | **A4** | `ISO A4` | 8.27" x 11.69" | 210.0 x 297.0 mm | Magazines, Publications (Saddle, Perfect) | | **Custom** | `User Defined` | User Defined (`w` x `h`) | User Defined (`w` x `h`) | All Product Categories | --- ## Spine Width Calculation Math & Paper Calipers For perfect-bound books (`bind=perfectBound`), exact spine width is computed using interior paper stock calipers: ### Calculation Formula ``` Spine Width (in) = (Interior Page Count / 2) * Per-Sheet Caliper (in) + Cover Wrap Allowance (0.020 in) ``` ### Paper Stock Caliper Reference Table | Paper Stock Handle | Weight / Finish | Caliper (Inches / Sheet) | Pages Per Inch (PPI) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **60# Uncoated Text** | 60# Text (90 GSM) Uncoated | `0.0040 in` | 500 PPI | | **70# Uncoated Text** | 70# Text (104 GSM) Uncoated | `0.0052 in` | 384 PPI | | **80# Gloss Text** | 80# Text (118 GSM) Gloss | `0.0036 in` | 556 PPI | | **100# Gloss Text** | 100# Text (148 GSM) Gloss | `0.0047 in` | 426 PPI | | **80# Silk Text** | 80# Text (118 GSM) Silk | `0.0042 in` | 476 PPI | | **100# Silk Cover (C1S)** | 100# Cover (270 GSM) C1S | `0.0100 in` | Cover Wrap Stock | *Note: The `0.020 in` wrap allowance accounts for the 100# C1S cover wrap thickness (`0.010 in`) plus the EVA hot-melt spine glue line (`0.010 in`).* --- ## Complete Paper Stock Inventory & Finishes #### Interior Text Stocks (Book & Booklet Pages) - **60# Uncoated Text (90 GSM):** Natural non-reflective texture. Ideal for B&W text, manga, light novels, and zines. - **70# Uncoated Text (104 GSM):** Opaque uncoated text stock for heavy ink coverage and art-heavy B&W interiors. - **80# Gloss Text (118 GSM):** High-gloss coated interior text stock for full-color comic books, art books, and magazines. - **100# Gloss Text (148 GSM):** Heavy high-gloss coated interior stock for art anthologies and premium publications. - **80# Silk Text (118 GSM):** Smooth glare-free sheen for graphic novels, art portfolios, and doujinshi. - **100# Silk Text (148 GSM):** Heavy glare-free silk interior text stock. #### Cover & Cardstocks (Book Covers, Prints & Cards) - **80# / 100# Uncoated Cover:** Heavy uncoated cover stock for natural, tactile book covers. - **80# / 100# / 111# / 130# Coated Gloss Cover:** High-gloss protective cover stock for comics, art books, and magazines. - **80# / 100# / 111# / 130# Coated Silk Cover:** Glare-free heavy cover stock for books and convention prints. - **80# (10pt) / 100# (12pt) / 111# (14pt) / 130# (16pt) C1S Cover:** Cover stock only coated on one side (with silk coating on the coated side) which allows maximum glue adhesion on the uncoated back—perfect for books and highly recommended. #### Protective Cover Laminations - **Gloss Lamination:** Reflective protective film finish enhancing color saturation. - **Matte Lamination:** Soft, glare-free protective finish for a tactile feel. - **None:** Unlaminated natural stock finish. --- ## Detailed Product Specification Matrix (16 Slugs) | Product Slug | Category | Binding | Page Range | Default / Standard Sizes | Cover & Interior Defaults | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | [`perfect-bound-books`](https://mceprinting.com/products/perfect-bound-books) | Books | Perfect Bound | 28–400 (mult 2) | Comic, Manga, Digest, Letter, A4, Custom | 100# C1S Cover, 60# Uncoated / 80# Gloss Interior | | [`saddle-stitch-booklets`](https://mceprinting.com/products/saddle-stitch-booklets) | Books | Saddle Stitch | 8–120 (mult 4) | Standard Comic, Digest, US Letter, Custom | Self-cover or 80#/100# Separate Cover | | [`magazines`](https://mceprinting.com/products/magazines) | Publications | Saddle / Perfect | 8–200 | US Letter, A4, Custom | 100# Gloss Cover, 80#/100# Gloss Text | | [`art-book`](https://mceprinting.com/products/art-book) | Books | Perfect Bound | 28–300 (mult 2) | US Letter, Landscape (11x8.5), Square (8.5x8.5) | 100# Gloss/Silk Cover & Heavy Coated Interior | | [`art-prints`](https://mceprinting.com/products/art-prints) | Prints | Loose Sheet | 1 Sheet | 8.5x11, 11x17, 12x18, Custom | 80#/100# Cover or 100# Gloss Text (1 or 2-sided) | | [`postcards`](https://mceprinting.com/products/postcards) | Prints | Loose Cardstock | 1 Sheet | 4x6, 5x7, 6x9, Custom | 80#/100#/111#/130# Gloss, Silk, or C1S Cover | | [`posters`](https://mceprinting.com/products/posters) | Prints | Loose Sheet | 1 Sheet | 11x17, 12x18, 18x24, Custom | 100# Gloss Text, 80# Matte Cover | | [`flyers`](https://mceprinting.com/products/flyers) | Prints | Loose Sheet | 1 Sheet | 3.5x8.5, 5.5x8.5, 8.5x11 | 80#/100# Gloss Text | | [`manga`](https://mceprinting.com/products/manga) | Manga | Perfect Bound | 28–400 (mult 2) | JIS B6 (128x182mm), Manga (5x7.5") | 100# C1S Cover (Gloss/Matte), 60# Uncoated Text | | [`doujinshi`](https://mceprinting.com/products/doujinshi) | Indie Comics | Perfect Bound | 28–300 (mult 2) | JIS B5, JIS B6, Standard Comic, Digest | 100# Silk/Gloss Cover, 60# Uncoated / 80# Silk | | [`doujinshi-saddle-stitch`](https://mceprinting.com/products/doujinshi-saddle-stitch) | Indie Comics | Saddle Stitch | 8–80 (mult 4) | JIS B5, JIS B6, Standard Comic, Custom | Separate 100# Cover or Self-Cover | | [`light-novel`](https://mceprinting.com/products/light-novel) | Books | Perfect Bound | 32–400 (mult 2) | Digest (5.5x8.5"), B6 (5x7.17") | B&W 60# Uncoated Text + Color Gloss Insert Pages | | [`comic-books`](https://mceprinting.com/products/comic-books) | Comics | Perfect Bound | 28–250 (mult 2) | Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25") | 100# Silk C1S Cover, 80# Gloss Text Interior | | [`comic-books-saddle-stitch`](https://mceprinting.com/products/comic-books-saddle-stitch) | Comics | Saddle Stitch | 8–96 (mult 4) | Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25") | Self-cover or 80#/100# Separate Cover | | [`graphic-novel`](https://mceprinting.com/products/graphic-novel) | Comics | Perfect Bound | 48–400 (mult 2) | Standard Comic, 7x10.5", US Letter | 100# Heavy Cover (Gloss/Matte), 80# Gloss/Silk | | [`webcomic`](https://mceprinting.com/products/webcomic) | Comics | Saddle / Perfect | 8–350 | Square (8x8"), Landscape (10x7"), Custom | Custom aspect ratio webcomic print adaptations | --- ## Prepress & Artwork Specifications ### Validation Boundaries - **Bleed Allowance:** `0.125 in` (3.175 mm) added on all outer edges. Background graphics must extend to the bleed line. - **Safety Margin:** `0.25 in` (6.35 mm) inside trim edge. All text, lettering, logos, and critical art must remain inside safety line. - **Target Resolution:** Minimum `300 DPI` for raster artwork; `600 DPI` recommended for line art and lettering. - **Preferred File Formats:** PDF/X, vector PDF, high-resolution PNG, TIFF, or JPEG. ### Commercial Manufacturing Standards - **Spine-Parallel Paper Grain:** All perfect-bound and saddle-stitched books are printed with paper grain running parallel to the spine to prevent cover bowing, spine cracking, and page pull fatigue. - **Color Calibration:** Commercial G7-calibrated color profiling ensures exact color matching across press runs. --- ## Packaging, Logistics & Distribution (Optional) - **Poly Bagging:** Books individually wrapped in sealed protective magazine or comic book poly sleeves. - **Shrink Wrap:** Encased in transparent protective shrink film in custom bundle quantities (e.g., 5, 10, 25 per pack). - **Convention Venue Delivery:** Direct delivery to convention centers, event hotels, or local addresses across the US & Canada. --- ## Document Metadata & Versioning - **Document:** `llms-full.txt` - **Document Schema:** `llms/1.2` - **API Compatibility:** `v1` - **Status:** Production-Stable - **Last Updated:** 2026-08-02 - **Canonical Technical Reference:** [https://mceprinting.com/llms-full.txt](https://mceprinting.com/llms-full.txt) - **Primary Companion Document:** [https://mceprinting.com/llms.txt](https://mceprinting.com/llms.txt)