Electronic Prepress Preparation
Introduction
Purpose
Increasingly, more sophisticated digital presses are appearing in work spaces.
These machines allow the DM or LI to electronically program (digitize) the
job parameters into memory instead of using conventional mechanicals and
press plates.
Because prepress preparation is minimal, short-run or small jobs are more
economical to run. Digitized printing allows flexibility during the revision
process of a book and eliminates the need for a stockpile or large inventory at
distribution points. Rapid turnaround time, now defined in hours, not days,
increases the customer base and customer satisfaction. The term on-demand
printing is often, but not solely, associated with digitized printing.
Digital printing
Digital printing is a relatively new concept in the printing industry. This
type of printing uses plates, created by a spark discharge, to print. This
eliminates liquids, such as ink and water used in traditional offset
lithography. Digital printing is defined as any printing using a raster-based
process to produce an image carrier or replicate directly to a substrate from
digital document files. Color applications, currently limited, are increasing
as the new technology develops. Eventually, digital approaches will apply to
every facet of graphics communication whether you print 1,000, 100, or 1
duplicate. Make sure you read and understand the operating manuals that
pertain to the equipment.
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