A world leader in map finishing

At Dennis Maps, we not only offer map printing but map finishing services too – so your map can be printed, finished and packaged in one go.

What is map finishing?

Map finishing involves transforming the printed map into the final product, using different specialised and niche equipment. We’ve got the UK’s – if not the world’s – most comprehensive specialised map finishing equipment. Plus, we have an expert team, who are highly skilled at carrying out map finishing services.

There are plenty of finishing options to choose for your map, including having it delivered flat, rolled into a tube, folded or folded with a cover. Our in-house experts will work with you to come up with the perfect solution to meet your needs.

Why choose Dennis Maps?

We have a vast range of map finishing equipment and can offer you a winning blend of quality, price and speedy production that few other printers in the world can match. When you choose Dennis Maps, you’ll be guided through the printing process and have access to our industry experts, whenever you need it.

What are the different stages of map finishing?

There are several stages in the map finishing process, that you can find out about below.

1. Trimming a map

Firstly, we trim your printed map to size. Don’t worry, we won’t use a large pair of scissors for this! Our factory has two large guillotines that are designed for specialist trimming. We use a Schneider Senator 137H CT Guillotine with full ancillary equipment and auto waste removal, plus a Schneider Senator 155 TCV Guillotine.

2. Folding a map

This is where we work our magic! We offer a large variety of fold configurations, from a large single sheet of paper, using our four specialised map folding machines. These include the Stahl GF 142 BGL specialised map folding machine (2/2,5/5 + knife unit) and the Stahl GD 142 T specialised map folding machine (2/2,5/5 + knife unit). These two large format map folders are the only ones in operation in the UK, making them something quite special. We also use the MBO T-800 Medium Format Folding Machine and the MBO T-130 Large Format Folding Machine to achieve a variety of fold configurations.Want to find out more about map sizes, as well as folding options? Then head over to our FAQs.

3. Laminating a map cover

Have you chosen a separate cover for your map? Then we’ll usually laminate it after printing. We use a Billhoefer 102 machine to laminate map covers. You can pick from either a matt or gloss effect finish.

4. Die-cutting and creasing a cover

At this stage, we die-cut and crease laminated map covers to their final size, ready for them to be attached to a map. We do this using two Heidelberg SBG cylinder machines.

5. Joining the map cover and the folded map

Then we move on to the most exciting part of the process! We use our incredible CMC Map Finishing machine to join map covers to folded maps. Our specialised finishing machine is really unique – it’s one of only two in the world. See it at work below.

6. Encapsulating (waterproofing) a map

This stage is optional. If you’re looking for a waterproof map, our encapsulation service can help. We use two encapsulation machines: a Galaxy 540 Map Cover Encapsulation Line and a Galaxy 1100 Map Encapsulation Line. During the process we add a protective film to both sides of a map and its cover, making the final product tearproof and waterproof. Your map will be ready for use whatever the weather.