Tailor-Made Negative And Positive Dot Shapes

Stork Prints Austria has introduced a new RIP software tool that is claimed to automatically generate dot-dimensions across the tonal range for half-tones by direct laser engraving.

Active 3D RIP is said to allow the formation of tailor-made negative and positive dot-shapes.

It offers flexibility when determining the dot dimensions, from one per cent to 99 per cent density and it also allows unlimited dot depth variables, from zero to maximum, as well as complete shoulder steepness control, with the possibility to vary angles from zero degrees to 90 degrees.

Thanks to the new software tool, the dot formation process is precise with minimum manual input needed, said Stork Prints.

The operator determines the ideal three-dimensional shape for the smallest dot, as well as for the largest dot.

All dot-sizes and shapes are then automatically generated and because of that, there is no need to compromise quality at any stage of the tonal range, between the smallest dots to the largest dots, from one per cent to 99 per cent, for example.

Stork Prints said that Active 3D-RIP software will enable the flexo printer to reduce tonal loss by 50 per cent, compared with other 3D dot shaping techniques used in direct laser engraving.

The software also gives the operator the freedom to create virtually any shoulder steepness desired, so that dots, especially in highlight areas, have optimum support.

That in turn gives the printing forme improved durability and consistency of printing quality over longer periods.

The direct laser engraving process, launched by Stork Prints in 2004, is claimed to be an 'in-the-round' method of imaging printing plates and sleeves for flexo, letterpress and dry-offset applications.

It is also used for imaging Rotamesh and Rotaplate electro-formed nickel screen cylinders.

In relief applications, the process involves the burning away of the non-image areas by a CO2 laser, without the need for UV-light, or time-consuming processes, such as exposing, washing and drying.

According to Stork Print, the printing forme is imaged to higher quality standards than is possible by other means, in a shorter time and in a single process step.

Jan Boerkamp, product manager graphics at Stork Prints Austria, commented: "As the only fully digital printing forme imaging method, direct laser engraving offers clear benefits over other UV and ablation mask alternatives.

It already offers unrivalled dot-shaping possibilities, superior quality and a fully integrated, simplified workflow with minimal consumable costs.

The additional time-saving, quality-enhancing features of Active 3D-RIP give another boost to the competitiveness of direct laser engraving and flexo printing itself.".

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