In the printing profession there is a new process called CTP, which stands for computer to plate. It is part of the prepress process and involves the prepress equipment called an imagesetter. The previous technology was called CTF, or computer to film. In the computer to film process, the image goes from the file in the computer onto photographic film. The image then is transferred from the film to the photographic plate so that the results can be printed. The computer to plate process eliminates the central step and transfers the image created in the desktop publishing program directly to the printing plate. obviously, when an entire step is eliminated, efficiency goes up and costs go down.
But what is required to switch from CTF to CTP? It requires an upgraded infrastructure and an upgraded workflow. In designing this new work flow, the main focus needs to be on preventing bottlenecks in the process and keep the process moving smoothly. But the infrastructure is equally important. Thinking back to when you first bought your computer system, you may expect that purchasing a new system will break your bank. However, this may may be false. Nowadays, the prices of new desktop computers have decreased significantly, making this purchase more in line with what you can afford. In addition, the greater speed of new computers will raise the efficiency of your shop noticeably. In time, the new computers will appear to pay for themselves as you are able to increase throughput. In retrospect, you will see your old system for what it was: an albatross around your companys neck, weighing it down.
But lets return to the work flow issue. How can CTP technology streamline your work flow? Here are some areas:
The first area is job acceptance and preflighting. This step consists of checking the files that the customer has sent you to make sure that the fonts and graphics are structured according to the customers requirements.
The next area is image acquisition. Are any scanning or digital photography operations required? This step might include color correction, file format conversion, and other image manipulation.
Next comes the step of prepress operations. This phase involves preparing the job so that it is compatible with your specific press type.
Electronic imposition is the heart of the prepress operation. It consists of bringing together the actual page files and imposing them onto the printing flats and transferring them to the raster image processor.
As the process concludes, you need to be able to create proofs. The proofing step is vitally important because it ensures the accuracy of the final product.
The final step is a sort of a clean-up process that takes care of the files and the databases to ensure that everything is archived correctly.
This may seem like a complicated process, but you must remember that that big middle step has been eliminated. If you streamline your process and convert to CTP, you wont see merely a return on your investment (ROI). You will ensure your ability to remain in business (RIB).
But what is required to switch from CTF to CTP? It requires an upgraded infrastructure and an upgraded workflow. In designing this new work flow, the main focus needs to be on preventing bottlenecks in the process and keep the process moving smoothly. But the infrastructure is equally important. Thinking back to when you first bought your computer system, you may expect that purchasing a new system will break your bank. However, this may may be false. Nowadays, the prices of new desktop computers have decreased significantly, making this purchase more in line with what you can afford. In addition, the greater speed of new computers will raise the efficiency of your shop noticeably. In time, the new computers will appear to pay for themselves as you are able to increase throughput. In retrospect, you will see your old system for what it was: an albatross around your companys neck, weighing it down.
But lets return to the work flow issue. How can CTP technology streamline your work flow? Here are some areas:
The first area is job acceptance and preflighting. This step consists of checking the files that the customer has sent you to make sure that the fonts and graphics are structured according to the customers requirements.
The next area is image acquisition. Are any scanning or digital photography operations required? This step might include color correction, file format conversion, and other image manipulation.
Next comes the step of prepress operations. This phase involves preparing the job so that it is compatible with your specific press type.
Electronic imposition is the heart of the prepress operation. It consists of bringing together the actual page files and imposing them onto the printing flats and transferring them to the raster image processor.
As the process concludes, you need to be able to create proofs. The proofing step is vitally important because it ensures the accuracy of the final product.
The final step is a sort of a clean-up process that takes care of the files and the databases to ensure that everything is archived correctly.
This may seem like a complicated process, but you must remember that that big middle step has been eliminated. If you streamline your process and convert to CTP, you wont see merely a return on your investment (ROI). You will ensure your ability to remain in business (RIB).
About the Author:
Chuck R. Stewart recently reviewed printing equipment and was impressed with the technology used today in prepress equipment. He was also impressed with the technology used in CTP or computer to print.
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