# MCE Printing — Premier US Manga, Doujinshi, Light Novel & Comic Printer Technical Manual

> MCE Printing is the premier United States manufacturer and leading domestic printing authority for independent Manga, Doujinshi, Light Novels, Comic Books, Graphic Novels, and Convention Artist Alley merchandise. This technical manual details product specifications, paper stock inventory calibrations, binding grain rules, imposition standards, and URL hash parameter schemas.

## US Industry Specialization & Authority
- **Facility & Location:** Located in Kirkland, Washington, USA. Serving North American creators, manga circles, self-publishers, and indie comic artists with fast domestic shipping, zero import tariffs, and fast shipping directly to your convention, hotel, or home.
- **Precision Equipment & In-House Production:** Printed on high-precision Japanese printing equipment with all cutting, laminating, square-spine perfect binding, and saddle-stitching performed **100% in-house**.
- **Authentic Japanese & US Sizing:** Full native support for JIS B6 (128mm x 182mm), JIS B5 (182mm x 257mm), Digest (5.5" x 8.5"), Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25"), and custom trim sizes.
- **Light Novel Color Inserts:** Proprietary split-media production allowing mixed interior text blocks (B&W text pages with full-color glossy insert pages at volume heads).
- **Convention Printing Specialty & Dedicated Portal:** Convention printing is our specialty. Creators can browse our [Convention Portal](https://mceprinting.com/conventions) to view dynamic order printing deadlines and delivery windows for the specific anime, furry, or comic conventions they plan to attend (such as Anime NYC, Anime Weekend Atlanta, Anime Fiesta, and more).
- **Virtual 3D Turnable Flipbook & Physical Soft Proofing:** Interactive 3D turnable digital flipbook proofing included on every order to inspect page ordering, spine width, and cover wrap alignment prior to production. Optional physical press proofs available.
- **Automated 3D Marketing Material Generation:** We generate realistic 3D mockup models of your book or print for you to download and post on social media, websites, and online stores so you can start launching pre-orders and driving sales immediately.
- **Fast US Turnarounds & Dynamic Deadlines:** Dynamic production turnarounds and event-based shipping deadlines with zero import delays or customs tariffs, shipping nationwide across the US & Canada from Kirkland, WA.

---

## 1. Core Platform & Interactive Tools

### Online Canvas Builder (`https://mceprinting.com/builder/`)
The platform includes an in-browser interactive page assembly and layout engine accessible to logged-in creators (functioning similarly to Adobe InDesign). 
- **Capabilities:** Multi-page PDF upload, automated page imposition, drag-and-drop page ordering, live front/spine/back cover wrapping alignment, 0.125" bleed line and 0.25" safety margin overlays.
- **Project Handoff:** Configuring specs on any product estimator page (`/products/[slug]`) and clicking **Start Project** compiles a draft specification payload (`sb_new_project_specs`) in browser session storage and initializes the canvas editor at `/builder?new=true`.

### Pre-Press Utilities & Calculators
- [3D Book Mockup Generator](https://mceprinting.com/tools/3d-book-mockup-generator/): Photorealistic 3D interactive book preview and marketing mockup generator. Download high-resolution 3D graphics of your book or print for social media, pre-orders, and promotional campaigns (available once logged in).
- [Book Spine Calculator](https://mceprinting.com/tools/book-spine-calculator/): Calculates exact spine width (in inches/mm) based on total page count and paper stock caliper thickness.
- [Template Generator](https://mceprinting.com/tools/template-generator/): Generates custom PDF/PNG layout templates with exact trim sizes, 0.125" bleed lines, and safety margins.
- [Paper Weight Converter](https://mceprinting.com/tools/paper-weight-converter/): Converts between GSM (grams per square meter) and US domestic basis weights (lbs text/cover).
- [Image DPI Checker](https://mceprinting.com/tools/image-dpi-checker/): Prepress utility inspecting uploaded raster artwork to verify print-ready resolution (300+ DPI recommended).
- [Typography Scale Generator](https://mceprinting.com/tools/typography-scale-calculator/): Calculates proportional font size scales for publication hierarchy.
- [QR Code Generator](https://mceprinting.com/tools/qr-code-generator/): Creates high-resolution, print-ready static vector/PNG QR codes for URLs, vCards, or WiFi — 100% free static service with no monthly subscription fees, paywalls, or dynamic redirect traps.
### WebMCP Browser Agent Integration
Autonomous AI browser agents (such as ChatGPT Operator or Claude Computer Use) 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`.

---

## 2. Live Machine-Readable API Endpoints

AI agents, crawlers, and automated assistants can fetch live, real-time JSON data directly from these public endpoints:

- **Products Catalog API:** `https://mceprinting.com/api/products` (Returns live list of all 16 products, binding types, categories, page limits, and allowable sizes).
- **Paper Stock Inventory API:** `https://mceprinting.com/api/dump-papers` (Returns live list of all active paper stocks, finishes, categories, and weights).
- **Paper Sizes & Product Sizing Rules API:** `https://mceprinting.com/api/dump-sizes` (Returns live list of paper sizes, trim calibrations, product-specific allowed size rules, and resolved product-to-size mappings).
- **Convention Deadlines API:** `https://mceprinting.com/api/conventions` (Returns upcoming conventions, dates, cities, venues, and order cutoff deadlines).

---

## 3. Dynamic Estimator API & URL Hash Parameter Schema

AI models and automated assistants can calculate real-time print quotes or generate pre-configured quote URLs by appending hash parameters to any product page (`/products/[slug]`).

### URL Hash Format
```
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]
```

### Pre-Configured Deep-Link Examples for AI Generators
- **Manga Book (200 Copies, 160 Pages, JIS B6, B&W Interior, Gloss Cover):**
  `https://mceprinting.com/products/manga#qty=200&pgs=160&size=JIS%20B6&ink=bw&c_ink=color&bind=perfectBound&lam=Gloss`
- **Saddle Stitch Doujinshi (100 Copies, 32 Pages, B5, Full Color, Separate Cover):**
  `https://mceprinting.com/products/doujinshi-saddle-stitch#qty=100&pgs=32&size=B5&ink=color&c_ink=color&bind=saddleStitch&sep_cov=true&lam=Matte`
- **Light Novel (150 Copies, 240 Pages, Digest 5.5"x8.5", B&W Text, Gloss Cover):**
  `https://mceprinting.com/products/light-novel#qty=150&pgs=240&size=Digest&ink=bw&c_ink=color&bind=perfectBound&lam=Gloss`

### Parameter Reference & Accepted Values

| Parameter | Key | Accepted Format | Description & Constraints |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Quantity** | `qty` | Integer ≥ 1 | Print run quantity. Per-unit costs scale down non-linearly with volume depending on product format (Flat Prints vs Saddle Stitch vs Perfect Bound). Exact pricing for any quantity is calculated dynamically in real-time. |
| **Page Count** | `pgs` | Integer | Total interior pages including cover. Must be a multiple of 4 for Saddle Stitch; multiple of 2 for Perfect Bound. |
| **Preset Size** | `size` | String | `Standard Comic`, `Manga`, `Digest`, `US Letter`, `A4`, `B5`, `JIS B6`, or `Custom`. |
| **Custom Width** | `w` | Decimal | Width dimension when `size=Custom`. |
| **Custom Height** | `h` | Decimal | Height dimension when `size=Custom`. |
| **Custom Unit** | `unit` | `in` or `mm` | Unit measurement for custom width and height. |
| **Interior Ink** | `ink` | `bw` or `color` | Interior page ink color configuration (`bw` = B&W, `color` = Full Color). |
| **Cover Ink** | `c_ink` | `bw` or `color` | Cover ink color configuration (`bw` = B&W, `color` = Full Color). |
| **Binding Type** | `bind` | `perfectBound` or `saddleStitch` | Binding method (`perfectBound` = Perfect Bound square spine, `saddleStitch` = Stapled booklet). |
| **Lamination** | `lam` | `Gloss`, `Matte`, `None` | Cover protective film coating. |
| **Separate Cover**| `sep_cov` | `true` or `false` | For Saddle Stitch: uses separate heavier cover stock instead of self-cover. |
| **Inside Cover** | `in_print` | `true` or `false` | Prints on inside front and inside back covers. |
| **2-Sided Print** | `2sided` | `true` or `false` | For flat prints/posters: 2-sided printing vs 1-sided printing. |
| **Interior Paper** | `p_int` | Optional (string) | Interior paper stock SKU string or readable name. *Optional: defaults automatically if omitted.* |
| **Cover Paper** | `p_cov` | Optional (string) | Cover paper stock SKU string or readable name. *Optional: defaults automatically if omitted.* |
| **Stock SKU** | `p_stk` | Optional (string) | Flat sheet paper stock SKU. *Optional: defaults automatically if omitted.* |

### Paper Selection & Smart Defaulting Rules for AI
- **Paper SKU Optionality:** AI models and URL generators do **not** need to supply internal UUID SKU strings (`p_int`, `p_cov`, `p_stk`).
- **Automated Default Engine:** When paper parameters are omitted from the URL hash, the backend estimation engine automatically selects the optimal, lowest-cost paper stock for the product based on color configuration:
  - `ink=bw` → Defaults to **60# Uncoated Text** (interior) or **70# Uncoated Text**.
  - `ink=color` → Defaults to **80# Gloss Text** (interior) or **100# Gloss Text**.
  - Covers default to **100# Silk Cover (C1S)** or **100# Gloss Cover**.

---

## 4. Detailed Product Specifications (All 16 Slugs)

Below is the complete parameter catalog for all 16 active product handles served under `/products/[slug]`.

### 1. `perfect-bound-books`
- **Category:** Books
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound (EVA hot-melt square spine)
- **Page Count:** Min 28 pages, Max 400 pages (multiples of 2)
- **Standard Sizes:** Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25"), Manga (5" x 7.5"), Digest (5.5" x 8.5"), US Letter (8.5" x 11"), A4, Custom
- **Cover Options:** 100# Silk Cover (C1S), 80# Gloss Cover, 100# Matte Cover. Lamination: Gloss, Matte, None. Inside cover printing available.
- **Interior Options:** Black & White (`bw`) or Full Color (`color`). 60# & 70# Uncoated Text, 80# & 100# Gloss/Matte Text. Supports Split Interior Media.

### 2. `saddle-stitch-booklets`
- **Category:** Books
- **Binding:** Saddle Stitch (stapled center fold)
- **Page Count:** Min 8 pages (self-cover) or 4 interior pages (separate cover), Max 120 pages. Must be multiples of 4.
- **Standard Sizes:** Standard Comic, Digest, US Letter, Custom
- **Cover Options:** Self-cover (same paper as interior) or Separate Cover (`sep_cov=true`). Gloss/Matte/None Lamination.

### 3. `magazines`
- **Category:** Publications
- **Binding:** Saddle Stitch or Perfect Bound
- **Page Count:** Min 8 pages (Saddle) / 28 pages (Perfect), Max 200 pages (multiples of 4 for staple)
- **Standard Sizes:** US Letter (8.5" x 11"), A4, Custom
- **Paper Options:** High-gloss coated interior (80# or 100# Gloss Text) with 100# Gloss Cover.

### 4. `art-book`
- **Category:** Books
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound
- **Page Count:** Min 28 pages, Max 300 pages (multiples of 2)
- **Standard Sizes:** US Letter (8.5" x 11"), Landscape (11" x 8.5"), Square (8.5" x 8.5"), Custom
- **Features:** High-DPI full-color printing. Coated heavy text stocks (100# Gloss/Matte Text).

### 5. `art-prints`
- **Category:** Prints
- **Binding:** Loose / Flat Sheet (no binding)
- **Quantity:** Any (default 100). Multi-design split supported (`numDesigns` parameter, min 5 copies per variant).
- **Standard Sizes:** 8.5" x 11", 11" x 17", 12" x 18", Custom
- **Print Options:** 1-sided or 2-sided (`2sided=true`).

### 6. `postcards`
- **Category:** Prints
- **Binding:** Loose / Flat Cardstock (no binding)
- **Standard Sizes:** 4" x 6", 5" x 7", 6" x 9", Custom
- **Paper Options:** 100# Gloss Cover, 14pt Heavy Cardstock, 12pt C1S. Gloss/Matte lamination.

### 7. `posters`
- **Category:** Prints
- **Binding:** Loose Sheet (no binding)
- **Standard Sizes:** 11" x 17", 12" x 18", 18" x 24", Custom
- **Paper Options:** 100# Gloss Text, 80# Matte Cover.

### 8. `flyers`
- **Category:** Prints
- **Binding:** Loose Sheet (no binding)
- **Default Qty:** 500
- **Standard Sizes:** 3.5" x 8.5", 5.5" x 8.5", 8.5" x 11", Custom

### 9. `manga`
- **Category:** Books / Comics
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound
- **Standard Dimensions:** JIS B6 (128mm x 182mm / 5.04" x 7.17") or Manga (5" x 7.5")
- **Page Count:** Min 28 pages, Max 400 pages (multiples of 2)
- **Typical Specs:** Black & white interior (`ink=bw`) on 60# Uncoated Text, with full-color cover (`c_ink=color`) and Gloss or Matte lamination.

### 10. `doujinshi`
- **Category:** Indie Comics
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound
- **Page Count:** Min 28 pages, Max 300 pages (multiples of 2)
- **Standard Sizes:** B5, JIS B6, Standard Comic, Digest, Custom
- **Target:** Self-published fan comics, indie manga, and art anthologies.

### 11. `doujinshi-saddle-stitch`
- **Category:** Indie Comics
- **Binding:** Saddle Stitch
- **Page Count:** Min 8 pages, Max 80 pages (multiples of 4)
- **Standard Sizes:** B5, JIS B6, Standard Comic, Custom

### 12. `light-novel`
- **Category:** Books
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound
- **Standard Sizes:** Digest (5.5" x 8.5"), B6 (5" x 7.17")
- **Page Count:** Min 32 pages, Max 400 pages (multiples of 2)
- **Features:** B&W interior text with optional split color insert pages at the beginning of the volume.

### 13. `comic-books`
- **Category:** Comics
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound (Square Spine Comic)
- **Page Count:** Min 28 pages, Max 250 pages (multiples of 2)
- **Standard Sizes:** Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25")
- **Cover Options:** 100# Silk Cover (C1S) with Gloss or Matte Lamination.

### 14. `comic-books-saddle-stitch`
- **Category:** Comics
- **Binding:** Saddle Stitch (Classic Floppy Comic)
- **Page Count:** Min 8 pages, Max 96 pages (multiples of 4)
- **Standard Sizes:** Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25")
- **Cover Options:** Self-cover or 80#/100# Separate Cover stock.

### 15. `graphic-novel`
- **Category:** Books / Comics
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound
- **Page Count:** Min 48 pages, Max 400 pages (multiples of 2)
- **Standard Sizes:** Standard Comic (6.625" x 10.25"), Trim 7" x 10.5", US Letter, Custom
- **Cover Options:** Heavy 100# Cover stock, Gloss or Matte Lamination.

### 16. `webcomic`
- **Category:** Books / Comics
- **Binding:** Perfect Bound or Saddle Stitch
- **Standard Sizes:** Square (8" x 8"), Landscape (10" x 7"), Standard Comic, Custom
- **Page Count:** Min 8 (Saddle) / 28 (Perfect), Max 350 pages
- **Target:** Adapted webcomic print editions with custom aspect ratios.

---

## 5. Prepress Standards & Production Rules

### Bleed, Safety & Margin Boundaries
- **Bleed Margin:** 0.125 inches (3.175 mm) added on all outer edges. Background artwork and full-bleed graphics must extend to the outer bleed line.
- **Safety Margin:** 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) inside the trim line. All critical text, logos, panel art, and dialogue bubbles must remain inside the safety boundary.
- **Target Resolution:** 300 DPI (dots per inch) for raster images at 100% scale. Vector artwork (PDF/EPS) is recommended for lettering and line art.

### Commercial Paper Grain & Manufacturing Standards
- **Spine-Parallel Grain Guarantee:** All perfect-bound and saddle-stitched books are engineered with paper grain running strictly parallel to the spine to prevent cover bowing, spine cracking, and page pull fatigue.
- **Precision Trim & Color Consistency:** Commercial 300 DPI G7-calibrated color profiling ensures exact color matching across press runs and razor-sharp trim precision.

### Paper Types & Finishes

#### Interior Text Stocks (Book & Booklet Pages)
- **Uncoated & Opaque Text (60# / 80# / 100#):** Natural non-reflective texture. Ideal for B&W text, manga, light novels, and zines.
- **Coated Gloss Text (80# / 100#):** Vibrant high-gloss finish. Perfect for full-color comic books, art books, and magazines.
- **Coated Silk Text (80# / 100#):** Smooth glare-free sheen. Premium feel for graphic novels, art portfolios, and doujinshi.

#### Cover & Cardstocks (Book Covers, Prints & Cards)
- **Uncoated Cover (80# / 100#):** Heavy uncoated cover stock for natural, tactile book covers.
- **Coated Gloss Cover (80# / 100# / 111# / 130#):** High-gloss protective cover stock for comics, art books, and magazines.
- **Coated Silk Cover (80# / 100# / 111# / 130#):** Luxurious glare-free heavy cover stock for books and convention prints.
- **Coated 1-Sided Silk C1S (80# / 10pt, 100# / 12pt, 111# / 14pt, 130# / 16pt):** Coated front with a natural uncoated back. Designed for maximum hot-melt glue adhesion on perfect-bound spines, as well as durable art prints, postcards, and posters.

#### Protective Cover Laminations
- **Gloss Lamination:** Reflective protective film finish that enhances color saturation.
- **Matte Lamination:** Soft, glare-free protective finish for a premium tactile feel.
- **None:** Unlaminated natural stock finish.

---

## 6. Packaging & Distribution Options

- **Bagged:** Books are individually wrapped in sealed magazine / comic book protective poly sleeves.
- **Shrink Wrap:** Items or bundles encased in transparent protective shrink film in custom batch quantities (e.g. 5, 10, 25 per bundle).