Digital Printing Process

Digital printing enables the printing process to be automated and simplified, and establishes the concept of first distribution and post-printing. Like other new technologies, digital printing requires skilled and high-level operators, from the computer to the paper, output directly from the press. Proofing: Most digital presses can be used for proofing, and customers can clearly know the quality after printing. Customers can check the proofs on the spot before the printing starts. If the files are transmitted over the network, the proofs can be sent by express mail. Design: The designer uses the typesetting software to create a file, providing all the files, papers, bindings, and other necessary information. If transmitted electronically, many printers will use a form to record all customer requirements. In addition, the customer must provide a laser proofing copy of the print file so that the printer can clearly understand the final output style. File preparation: The operator opens a file provided by the customer to check the format, typeface, image connection, accuracy, trapping and other settings. After the inspection is completed, raster processing is performed, electronically imposed, and then transmitted to the controller of the digital printer. Printing: Although many preparations are automated, one or two operators are still required to monitor the press and the computer. They are primarily responsible for calibrating the settings of the paper; by adjusting the dot size to control the color and fine-tuning accuracy, ensuring that the file is set correctly; checking the ink or toner to ensure adhesion; checking the paper supply to ensure that the mechanical part is operating normally. Packaging and binding: According to the customer's requirements and the type of printing, it can be cut, counted, and simply bound or completed on other machines. Many printing houses also provide plastic seals. Distribute after printing: Archives can be transferred to other digital presses through high-speed communication lines, saving transportation costs and providing personalized printing between regions.

communication method

Currently, a variety of communication methods can be used to electronically transmit files, and the transmission speed is from 28.8 Kb/sec of the Plain Old Telephone Service (MODS) modem to 100 Mb/sec of ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) fiber networks. The speed of the currently popular ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) network is 128Kb/sec. The customer must make a choice between the ease of connection and speed.
High-precision image files are usually large (at least 10MB), and they also need enough bandwidth to control the transmission time. The time required to transmit a 10MB file is shown in the table below.

The actual transmission speed varies with network load and server speed. Distribute after printing Although in recent years, there have been national newspapers published for local print editions everywhere, digital printing really enables anyone on the network or who owns a modem to “print well after printing.” For example, the electronic archives of promotional materials used in the exhibitions held in the days before the opening of the trade fair can be delivered to a digital printing factory close to the trade fair. Then 1,000 copies of the materials can be sent to the scene in time, saving time and money. Companies can send highly targeted data to newspapers or magazines across the country: they can print only the news stories customers demand: designers don’t need to fax or pay for shipping, just send the final four-color design file to Digital printing factories can do a great job. The concept of first-commencement and post-printing of digital printing has only just begun, and it also faces issues such as transmission, color management and proofing. Although there are already fiber optics and ISDN networks, many customers still use some slower methods to transfer files. This often produces a significant bottleneck effect. The use of electronic lists can simplify the transmission of files, but also systematically explain the printing requirements. Although the color management system on both sides of the subject and the customer is conducive to the unity of color, it is still necessary to mail samples of colors and files to ensure the accuracy of color. Generally, if the company uses the method of distribution and printing first, although the file will be provided to the local offices for local review and printing, The proofs may need to be mailed to the corporate headquarters. In spite of this, the full print may still provide many business opportunities. Now, various digital printing plants are networking and standardizing software, file formats, etc. to suit digital printing. With the development of communication technology in the direction of low cost and high efficiency, this is only a matter of time, so that every customer, whether it is a desktop publisher or a newspaper office, can easily carry out digital printing worldwide. print.