Computer direct plate making (CTP) is a kind of digital printing plate imaging process, the advantages of using digital workflow, directly to the graphics, image generated by the plate burning machine after digital plate graphic, eliminating the traditional phototypesetter film, artificial puzzle, plate burning process, greatly improved the work efficiency and accuracy, at the same time, effectively reduce the human and the artificial operation is not controllable. CTP equipment does bring infinite convenience to the plate-making workshop, but at the same time, we should pay attention to the corresponding problems.

Software: Lack of uniform specifications

At present, there is no unified specification for CTP process software. The company where the author works used the partners of Founder ElecRoc and Trueflow. The data stream format adopted 1-bit Tiff workflow, but after installation, there were problems such as gibber, white line and abnormal transparency when using PS process. After that, according to the actual situation, We upgraded Founder's Elecroc to version 5.1 and switched to PDF process, that is, we first made PDF version, then output a large PDF file for raster image processor (RIP) interpretation. The import of the new version effectively resolves the occurrence of the above exception.

In terms of RIP efficiency improvement, the author has tested a sleeve file with a large number of nodes, and the RIP time of 4.6 version is 54 minutes, while that of 5.1 version is 8 minutes, which is nearly 7 times higher than that of conventional files, while the average RIP time of conventional files is more than 30% higher. The updated RIP software significantly improves the speed and accuracy of the lattice, and reduces the CTP wait time and possible machine versions.

However, if a unified specification can be developed in software, IT is believed that the future of CTP will be greatly enhanced.

Hardware: pay attention to equipment maintenance

In terms of hardware, I think we need to pay attention to two aspects. One is the environment of THE CTP plate-making workshop, including temperature and humidity control, dustproof, insect prevention, light and so on. Among them, temperature is the most critical. The temperature difference between winter and summer is large, and the humidity in plum rain season is off the table. A constant temperature and humidity environment can avoid many abnormal problems. Related workshops can be equipped with additional equipment, such as air conditioning, humidifier, sunscreen curtain, rodent board, rodent repellent, etc.

In terms of equipment maintenance, computers, servers, plate printing machines, plate printing machines and supporting uninterruptible power supply and water chiller need to be maintained. Maintenance projects should be formulated into books and divided into daily, weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual cycles. The CTP captain is required to perform and register strictly according to the maintenance list items, and the supervisor shall review regularly, and then the company's audit department shall arrange irregular audit, so as to effectively maintain and maintain the CTP equipment.

At the same time, in addition to the routine maintenance of the plate machine also need to regularly check the wear of the gear, sleeve, roller, chain tightness, water cooling liquid water level, etc. In addition, because the cots of the developing tank are in a soaking state for a long time, it is necessary to make regular adjustments to ensure flexibility.

News by packaging printing Singapore  packageprinting.sg