Which of the following is NOT a primary operation categorized under "finishing"?

In the context of printing and production, "finishing" refers to the final steps taken to enhance the appearance and functionality of a printed piece. Primary operations categorized under finishing typically include processes that modify the printed piece after the main printing has occurred, such as folding, cutting, and die cutting.

Inking, on the other hand, is primarily part of the printing process itself rather than finishing. It involves applying ink to a substrate (such as paper) to create images or text, which is where the actual design is first applied. Therefore, inking does not fit into the finishing category, as it takes place before the finishing touches are applied to the product. This distinction is crucial in understanding the various stages of print production and highlights the roles of different processes within that workflow.