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In the printing profession there is a new process called CTP, which stands for computer to plate. It is one aspect of the prepress process and makes use of the prepress equipment called an imagesetter. The older technology was known as CTF, or computer to film. In the computer to film process, the print job goes from the file in the computer directly onto photographic film. The image then is transferred from the film to the photographic plate so that the images can be printed. The computer to plate process eliminates the central step and transfers the image created in the desktop publishing program directly onto the printing plate. obviously, when an entire step is eliminated, efficiency goes up and costs go down.

But what is required to switch from CTF to CTP? It takes an upgraded infrastructure and a redesigned workflow. In designing this new work flow, the central concentration needs to be on preventing bottlenecks in the process and keep the process moving smoothly. But the infrastructure is equally important. Thinking back to when you first acquired your computer system, you may expect that purchasing a new system will break your bank. However, this may not be true. Nowadays, the prices of new desktop computers have dropped significantly, making this purchase more in line with what you can afford. In addition, the increased speed of new computers will raise the efficiency of your shop measurably. In time, the new computers will seem to pay for themselves as you are able to increase throughput. In retrospect, you will see your old system for what it was: an albatross around your companys neck, weighing it down.

But lets return to the work flow issue. How can CTP technology improve your work flow? Here are some ways:

First comes job acceptance and preflighting. This step consists of checking the files that the customer has sent you to make sure that the fonts and graphics are structured according to the customers requirements.

Next consider image acquisition. Are any scanning or digital photography operations required? This step might include color correction, file format conversion, and other image manipulation.

Next comes the phase of prepress operations. This phase involves preparing the job so that it is compatible with your specific press type.

Electronic imposition is the heart of the prepress operation. It consists of bringing together the actual page files and imposing them onto the printing flats and transferring them to the raster image processor.

As you near the end of the process, you need to be able to create proofs. The proofing step is essential because it ensures the accuracy of the final product.

The final step is a sort of a finishing-up process that takes care of the files and the databases to ensure that everything is archived correctly.

This may seem like a complicated process, but dont forget that that big middle step has been eliminated. If you streamline your process and convert to CTP, you wont see just a return on your investment (ROI). You will ensure your ability to remain in business (RIB).

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