Which brings up the question: How common is plate thickness variation? Do venders have a thickness variation standard where such plates are guaranteed to meet a certain thickness tolerance? Are there "premium" brands that offer better tolerance?
I suppose the "dynamic auto focus" CtP system would be more expensive, but would allow one to use less expensive plates, providing a better long-term payoff.
Unfortunately there is no perfection in manufacturing - there is always a maximum/minimum tolerance that the manufactured product must fit within. The same goes for plates. Even then, if the temperature changes then the plate thickness also changes. Or a small piece of debris lands on the drum or back of the plate can change the plate surface to exposure focus point.
Focussing method is just another factor that should be considered when evaluating the cost of a prospective CtP device.
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Formerly Print Quality Marketing Manager for eleven years at Creo/Kodak. Presented at print technical conferences, trained printers and buyers regarding print quality issues in Europe, N. America, and S.E. Asia. Articles published in trade journals, co-authored TAGA paper on halftone screening, authored BRIDG's guide to halftone screening. Previously Technical Director of Western Canada's largest commercial sheetfed shop. For several years Professor of Digital Graphic Design at Emily Carr University. Former Creative Director at McCann Ericksson Vancouver.
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Cool tape test. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteWhich brings up the question: How common is plate thickness variation? Do venders have a thickness variation standard where such plates are guaranteed to meet a certain thickness tolerance? Are there "premium" brands that offer better tolerance?
I suppose the "dynamic auto focus" CtP system would be more expensive, but would allow one to use less expensive plates, providing a better long-term payoff.
MAJ
Unfortunately there is no perfection in manufacturing - there is always a maximum/minimum tolerance that the manufactured product must fit within. The same goes for plates. Even then, if the temperature changes then the plate thickness also changes. Or a small piece of debris lands on the drum or back of the plate can change the plate surface to exposure focus point.
ReplyDeleteFocussing method is just another factor that should be considered when evaluating the cost of a prospective CtP device.