What You See Is What You Get PDF Workflow

When wanting to invest in a next generation CTP system Alkemade Printing in Lisse (Netherlands) chose Screen's B2 Platerite 4100 platesetter and Screen's Trueflow 3 workflow, supplied by Wifac NL.

When wanting to invest in a next generation CTP system Alkemade Printing in Lisse (Netherlands) chose Screen's B2 Platerite 4100 platesetter and Screen's Trueflow 3 workflow, supplied by Wifac NL.

Alkemade's managing director, Remon Aklemade, chose Trueflow 3 as he wanted a 'what you see is what you get' PDF-workflow.

Alkemade Printing employs 17 people and prints mainly commercial B3 and B2 print work.

It produces a lot of plates overnight and if any problems arise operators automatically receives an email, enabling them to confirm production.

For proofing the company invested in a HP Designjet 5500 PS and a Gretag Plate scan densitometer.

Remon Alkemade explained: "Standardisation cannot be achieved half-heartedly.

Every step in the production process must be under our control.

Once a week we check all parameters by producing a test plate.

Up until now it has not been necessary to do any re-calibration." The company had a lot of experience, both good and bad, from a previous CTP investment made in 1999.

So, when looking for a second generation CTP, Alkemade knew exactly what he wanted.

"In those five years we got a lot of experience.

I wanted a thermal CTP system, with an open workflow and fast plate production.

As with any kit I expect very good support from the supplier." To hold and reinforce that position, an optimal control of the production workflow is essential.

Trueflow is said to optimise the workflow for CTP, producing digital proofs, digital printing and the distribution of PDF-files for remote proofing and printing.

It features file check, OPI support, trapping and imposition and was developed to drive CTP production.

The latest version can handle PDF 1.4/1.5, enabling users to switch easily from a PDF and Postscript workflow to a JDF-based workflow, said Screen.

Trueflow was written in XML and is, therefore, JDF compliant.

Consequently job tickets accompany PDF and Postscript files, automate file checking, colour management, trapping, imposition and output plus Trueflow features a 'late-binding' and even a 'very late binding' function, allowing for changes up until the very last moment, added the company.

The Platerite 4100 is said to be designed to meet the needs of the medium sized printer, supporting a wide range of plate formats and offering automatic in-line punching and on-line processing.

It operates under normal daylight conditions and produces 10 B2 size plates per hour at 2400 dots per inch (dpi).

The 4100 can be fitted with a single-cassette autoloader, which can hold up to 50 plates, added Screen.

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