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Basics of Printing. Understanding the Proofing Process. Randy Thompson Director , Business Development. PROOFS Purpose. Opens communications Keeps customer in the loop Allows you to document changes for added billing Limits financial exposure. Proof Specifications.
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Basics of Printing Understanding the Proofing Process Randy Thompson Director, Business Development
PROOFSPurpose • Opens communications • Keeps customer in the loop • Allows you to document changes for added billing • Limits financial exposure
Proof Specifications • Name / Address / Contact of Approver • Date of Proof • File Identification (Job Name) • Type of Proof • Purpose – Text only, color only, contract • Approval or Change Documentation • Customer Signature Area
Digital Proofs • Created directly from computer digital files • Same files used to create plates • Variety of digital proofing systems running from low resolution to high end, high resolution halftone dot reproduction • Replacing analog proofing systems
Digital Proofs - Low Res Color Laser Printer • Small Format limitations • Toner Inks • New generation with RIP software for proofing short run variable data full color jobs
Digital Proofs - High Res Digital Sublimation • Dye Sub • First system on market • Uses dyes and heat to create image • Quick and inexpensive • Laser Sub • Dot based proof • Equal quality to analog proofs • Current standard for digital contract proof
Digital Proofs - High Res Laser Thermal Imaging • Halftone dot image • Fastest growing system • Internal RIP that images plates as well • Closest to printed piece
Digital ProofsFactors to Consider • Dots vs No Dots • Inability to accurately judge overprinting • Spot Colors reproduced in full color build • Advantage • Less than half the cost of analog proofing and produced in less time
Digital Proofs PDF/Soft Proof • RGB image of art transmitted by E-Mail or FTP site access • Advantages • For non color critical jobs • Check for content and position • Disadvantages • RGB vs CYMK
PROOF TYPES PRESS CHECK • Actual press sheet when make-ready completed • Checked for: • Registration • Color Density • Color match to approved proofs
Proofing Tips • Correct Size and 100% • Exact Registration • Plus or minus one-half row of dots • Use printer’s loope • Check for scratches, dirt or any marks in text, solids, screens • Check text. Line up laser proof, Typeface • Check all images for color, clarity and sharpness
Direct to Plate Technology • Start with electronic art • CD-Rom/DVD/FTP • Pre-flight electronic art • Image a low-res paper proof for position • Image a hi-res proof for color approval • Take same electronic art and image plate • Take plates to press and do make-ready • Print job
Direct To Press Technology • Start with electronic art • Pre-flight electronic art • Make low-res proof for position • Make hi-res proof for color approval • Take same electronic art and image to a printing plate directly on press already in perfect registration already • Print Job
Heidelberg DI Press with internally mounted polyester print plates
Recap • Film vs Digital systems • Soft (on line) proofing for simple jobs • Contract proofs • Digital proofing on the rise • Proofing type vs nature of job / process • Press checks