Now the file goes to a metal plate, the heart of this whole system. Here, all of the settings (such as screens, trapping, and imposition) are performed on-the-fly. As each element is processed independently, even at this late stage changes can still be made before the plate is produced. With two analog steps now being replaced by one digital step, the image going to the metal plate is always first generation. This creates a plate with crisp, high-resolution images.

Benefits:

First generation, metal plate imaging

Quick one-step plate making

Clean, flawless plates with no fit problems

Most jobs require changes. Here, the digital imaging system illustrates one of its greatest assets, flexibility. Last minute changes can be easily performed. A page or individual pages can be changed and re-RIPped without having to rework or re-RIP the whole document. Traditionally, changes at this stage could cause hours or days of delay and consequently cost money. Now any required alterations can be made with much less impact on the materials or labour required to complete the job.

Benefits:

Eliminates time-consuming film stripping

Changes are quick and easy

Reduces costly delays

Faster recovery

Once the file is processed, it is RIPped (Raster Image Processing), which basically preps the file for final output for either proofing or plate production.

Benefits:

Accurate, automatic trapping

Pre-flight check

Automatic imposition and pagination

RIPs only once, outputs many

At this important stage, depending on the demands of the job, one or two high-end digital inkjet printers are used to create the proof. Our Iris 43 Wide Imposition proofer eliminates blue lines and produces a full colour "reader" copy. For jobs such as four-colour process, an additional proofer, the Iris 4Print, is used to create a "match" proof. Calibrated with our presses, this proof is an accurate representation of the final printed product.

Benefits:

No more blue lines

One piece, Iris match proof

Full colour mockups for both spot and process colour.

Once a job is created, it is sent directly from the desktop to the Brisque Impose, where all of the elements are processed. Powerful software is used ensuring the document is properly laid out. A preflight program checks for any missing data. Other programs ensure critical functions such as image placement and trapping are performed correctly.