COMPUTER TO FILM (CTF) -Definition, Types,- an overview | Printweb Topics

 Computer to film (CTF)

    

                                                          ( COMPUTER TO FILM                                                                                                                                 ( IMAGE SETTER)

Computer to  film is a print work flow involving printing from a computer straight to film is through  and image setting design are typically created in adobe illustrator  or CorelDRAW. However they can also be produced desktop publishing software packages and image setter is an ultra high resolution large format computer output device for CTF for multi colored printing. 

The images broken up into multiple layers representing each of the spot colours of the CMYK  process colour from the image setter the film is taking to the plate maker where the film is LED on top photo polymer material.

The vacuum is then drawn to ensure tight contact between the plate and film the plate is then exposed with UV light.The plate is then washed in a solvent solution typically water where the unexposed  area wash away leaving a relief area.

 It  then dried and given is a second and final exposure without the film for  durability. The plate can then by fitted on to an offset Rotary machine or flexography printing  press ready to print the product.

 A printing plate can produce 100000 impression or more before showing sign of wear after which a new plate can be made from the original film.

 While  advance in technology of heat  stabilization of polyester film new generation laser printer film provide excellent image registration and sharpness for multi colour job.

Computer to film is being replaced by the more advanced COMPUTER TO PLATE (CTP) technology

CTF is the imaging of thin film based an digital data which is controlled by computer. 

1. CTF work by complete digital workflow.

2. Digitalization of pre-press make it possible to developed such technology by creating data image , graphics , text , layout , impositioning digitally . 

3. CTF increase productivity and save time because manually , proofing and impositioning taken lot of time . 

4. Now different software are available which makes it possible to create, proof and imposition digital film .

5. It greatly improve quality and regulation . 

PROCESS OF CTF -:

1. PAGE LAYOUT 

2. PROOFING OF SINGLE PAGE 

 

3. PREFLIGHT CHECK 

4. ELECTRONIC IMPOSITION 

5. POSTSCRIPT DATA FILE 

6. RASTER IMAGE PROCESSOR

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