Product Reviews

Q

We need to generate a BITMAP file for our inkjet spot UV system, i'm trying to simplify the process and wondered if anyone had any ideas. If we receive in .AI files with a separate layer named 'UV' is there easy way of imposing the multiple files in indesign (CS5) and outputting an imposed BITMAP by drawing down the data from only the UV layers. All the imposition has occurred in Indesign, so i just need to output the BITMAP from the UV layer. Also, can we do this with PDF, rather than speccing a .AI file, can we request customers specify a layer in the PDF called UV, and do the above. Probably janet and john stuff this, but would appreciate any advice, i need to speed up this process.

Sounds like you need to get yourself a 'RIP' - Raster Image Processor, in fairly simple terms this take files from various software, and outputs them to whatever device you want as an output file, normally a high res bitmap or tiff, in the same way a platemaker works. Harlequin are one of the original maker of these, and they can still be bought, do a google search. This will make it possible to get clients to supply either Indesign/Illustrator/Quark/PDF files that can then then be out put in the way you want. Pdf can be set up with UV info, it is not really a layer as such, but a "Colour" within the document, that is easily outputable in the way you want.

Hello, we are running a print training session for a client and would like to show a video of a sheetfed litho press running with an explanation of the process. I've had a look on youtube and asked press manufacturers and printers but haven't had much joy- does anyone have any suggestions?

Also this link might be useful, it's not entirely up-to-date, and focuses on web printing, but still quite illuminating: www.howstuffworks.com/offset-printing