Why is there cracking on my scoring job?

When a job is coated with UV, then scored and folded, the surface can begin to crack along the fold. As the piece is handled, those cracks tend to grow larger and the ink may start to chip off. This is a normal reaction of a hard coating being bent, not a printing defect. A few things influence how visible it becomes:

• Coating - UV and other hard coatings are more prone to cracking on a fold than an uncoated or matte finish.
• Stock weight - heavier cardstock puts more stress on the fold, so cracking shows more.
• Ink coverage - dark, heavy ink along the fold line makes any cracking easier to see.
• Score depth - a proper score compresses the fibers so the sheet bends cleanly instead of splitting.

To minimize it, score along the fold before folding, keep heavy ink and coating off the exact fold line where possible, and consider a matte or uncoated finish for pieces that fold.