Prepress
Once the client has chosen the suitable packaging solution, and graphic designer has finished its appearance, the preparations for the production process can begin. The task of the prepress, or repro department, is to check print files and make preparations for plate production.
The process begins with confirming the design file according to the determined criteria. During the preparation of the print file, its size, colour mode (e.g., CMYK) and colour profile is defined. The placement of text and images on the edges of the format, as well as image quality (resolution) is evaluated visually. Software such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator is used in file preparation.
Prepress specialist makes proofs of the work in order to confirm the corrected file with the client. The proof can be on paper (formproof) or digital (softproof). Ecoprint uses softproofs when corresponding with the clients, and formproofs for the operators to follow in production. Once the client has confirmed the softproof, the next step — plate preparation — can begin.
Plates are made using the CTP (Computer-to-Plate) machine. CTP technology can transfer digital print files straight to printing plate. Printing plates are made of aluminium and can be purposefully used only once. Before they are placed in the CTP machine, it is made sure that plates are clean and unscratched.
In the final stage of prepress, print files are uploaded into the CTP system. In the CTP machine, the prepared plates are placed on an appropriate bed so that the surface covered in emulsion is facing the light source. The purpose of the sensitive CTP machine is to project the images in the print files onto the plate using lasers. Every colour has its own plate (for example, in the case of CMYK technique, four plates would be required). Once the image has been affixed to the plate, it is removed from the CTP machine and sent to the printing machine to await the next stage.