Explore direct imaging

(The Direct Approach) What is the future of offset printing? The answer may be direct imaging. Look at today's time: rapid printing, on-demand printing, digital printing, intensely abnormal competition. If small printing companies want to survive, they have to apply new technologies and pay attention to the trend of printing development. Direct imaging has given a brighter path to today's commercial printing: it has the advantages of high printing efficiency, low cost, short prepress ready time, and reduced printing steps. In fact, direct imaging (DI) is not a new technology. Heidelberg introduced the GTO-DI series as early as 1991. The new imaging system, introduced by Presstek and CreoScitex, lays the ground for many DI printers. At Drupa, nine equipment manufacturers exhibited DI products, which clearly shows that direct imaging technology is in the position of offset printing. Mr. Eric Frank, deputy manager of Direct Imaging and Digital Printing Marketing Department at Heidelberg, said: “The print quality of DI products is the same as that of traditional printing presses.” He discussed the advantages and benefits of DI products with the representatives of Xerox, Presstek and CreoScitex. The location includes good positioning and registration, low product cost and quick prepress preparation. Cost factors: Although there are many advantages to direct imaging technology, there are some deficiencies that have not yet been resolved, namely the price factor. Mr. Frank said: “DI printers cost 25% to 40% more than conventional offset presses, but he added that as computer ICs and other electronic components become more sophisticated, DI products will be more accepted. "The emergence of DI products is a signal for Xerox to enter the market. It introduced the powerful Docucolor 233 DI-4 and Docucolor 400 DI-5. Ron Kendig, manager of direct imaging at Xerox, said: “We know that digital printing is superior to other methods in the printing process, and we hope to be an excellent guide to lead customers to digital printing. Then he added that Xerox's lack of experience in offset printing support technology has enabled them to form a partnership with Presstek, which has many years of experience in DI development. In fact, Presstek's ProFire is the imaging system of choice for most DI press manufacturers. The company has 8 years of experience in laser light source sales. According to Mr. Efrem Lieber, Deputy Manager of Sales at Presstek, their advantage lies in their close integration with the market and their ability to provide support services to customers. "ProFire is a combo-integrated system." He said: "We have integrated various functions so that the system can adapt to a variety of customer needs, especially to adapt to changes in A2, A3, and A4 size. Large-scale offset printing In machines like the 40y Komori Project D and the Speedmaster DI46-4 in Heidelberg, CreoScietex's SQUARE spot is a popular choice in imaging equipment. The advantages of these products are sharp edge sharpness, fastness, and good print stability. Most of DI's presses were traditionally offset presses combined with laser imaging technology, but there were also some manufacturers who had begun the change and Scitex and KBA introduced to the market a 74 Karat press in the jointly developed Karat Digital Press series of presses. Say, a printing press has an impression cylinder and two plate cylinders, each plate cylinder has two plates, the first paper printing two colors, the second paper printing the other two Color: Feida and the delivery section are on the same side, adjacent to the console.Marketing manager Mr. David Bartram said that most DI printer customers are trying to overcome the lack of an offset printing machine. Our approach is to make the printing process itself more efficient and use the technology throughout the process.He also proudly claims that the 74 Karat can provide "independent control of color" function, which is an ink self-calibration system called Gravuflow, which satisfies The need for ink consistency and predictable hiding power Another new DI development trend is under way, in the printing expo, CreoScitex demonstrated unprinted printing by jetting a type on the printing plate sleeve The laser-imaging polymer was imaged by its SP unprinted digital offset printing system using Agfa's liquid media in order to achieve rapid printing.” He said: “Now we can automate the conversion, just on a computer screen. Just touch the machine, without the need for manual intervention. The printing time consumed in these conversions can be greatly reduced. “In addition, printing customers can also save a lot of plate-making costs. The quality of prototypes at the print fair was good, but Mr. Palmer was confident that this product would be better for commercial printing in the near future. Direct imaging technology undoubtedly brings to offset printing.” Changes, but experts believe that the traditional printing method will not die. "Was that all the presses will be equipped with direct imaging equipment? "Mr. Lieber of Presstek's answer is "no." But one thing is certain: any printer who wants to be a leader in the competition will be moving toward direct imaging technology.