Application Analysis of Digital Printing Workflow
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First, the status quo of printing digital workflow
Although the domestic printing production process has experienced the development of CIP3/PPF in the past 10 years, it has entered the stage of CIP4/JDF, but the development of printing industry in China is still very slow. Relevant information indicates that the printing enterprises adopting digital workflows in China are basically in the transition stage from traditional analog production processes to digital production processes, represented by large-scale book printing and printing factories, commercial printing factories, and large-scale plate-making companies and publishing house output centers. The application of these enterprises' digital workflows is mainly concentrated in the prepress stage. Some printing companies are extending the process to printing, focusing on ink quantity control, and lacking systematic and in-depth research on equipment and technology for establishing and developing digital processes. Need to explore in practice. The current digital level in China determines the unique way of digital workflow in China. Some advanced printing companies aim at achieving CTP output, and gradually realize digital proofing from the realization of digital folding. PDF output, color management, digital process management, network transmission, and ultimately the digitization of the entire process; and some printing companies with less technical content should use digital workflow based on imagesetter according to their own situation.
Second, digital workflow application
There are two modes of digital workflow that are currently promoted and applied in China. One is the long-distance digital workflow, which is CIP3 workflow; the other is the short-distance pre-press digital workflow, which includes three main methods: The CTP-based digital workflow, the second is based on the large-format laser imagesetter digital workflow, and the third is the digital process software + CTP + CTF hybrid operation mode.
1. Long distance digital workflow
This process is a CIP3-based full digital workflow that enables the acquisition, processing, and graphics of high-precision color digital images. Combine, digital proofing, output film or direct plate making, data transfer, printing and postpress are all closely combined Automated operations and integration. The entire workflow of CIP3 enables the digitization and integration of Prepress, Press, and PostPress. CIP3's all-digital workflow has high efficiency and good product quality, marking the printing industry has entered a new phase of the digital age.
However, the current status of the printing industry in China is that the CIP3 workflow is difficult to promote and apply in actual production. For example, lack of funds, a set of software and hardware equipment that match the workflow, its price is expensive, generally several hundred thousand yuan; lack of digital management experience, domestic enterprises' data, standardization, standardization ability is still weak; equipment is old The composition is complicated, most of them do not have CIP3 interface, it is difficult to fully apply digital workflow and so on. Therefore, the CIP3 full digital workflow is difficult to operate, which is one of the biggest difficulties in promoting the application of this new technology.
Therefore, if the entire information management system of the printing enterprise has not reached a certain level, it is difficult to achieve a fully digital workflow. However, it must be seen that it is the direction of development. Therefore, qualified enterprises should implement it first. Fortunately, many well-known developers at home and abroad have launched a set of unique solutions to create conditions for enterprises to implement CIP3 full digital workflow from a technical level. The application of this process will become more and more extensive.
2. Short-distance prepress digital workflow
Every revolutionary change in prepress technology has greatly promoted the progress of the printing industry. At the same time, every progress in the printing industry is inseparable from the development of prepress technology. At present, digital technology in the prepress field is replacing traditional crafts. And the pre-press digital workflow will completely replace the traditional process and realize the transition to pure digital.
2.1 CTP-based digital workflow
This kind of process has been widely used in some advanced printing enterprises, and the effect is obvious, and it plays a huge role in actual production. The printing quality and production efficiency are greatly improved compared with the traditional craftsmanship, and many applicants fully feel the new one. The efficiency, efficiency and quality of technology.
The CTP and digital workflow covers the processing and exchange of data from scan input, file processing, digital proofing, direct plate-making to on-machine printing. A complete CTP system is not only a plate-making machine, but the most important thing is to create an ideal digital workflow that matches it. The direct plate-making machine and digital proofing machine are just output devices. It is up to the digital workflow software to determine how it works. The digital workflow is equivalent to the human brain in a CTP system and plays the role of command.
There are a variety of solutions for C T P and digital workflows. The PDF-based workflow is currently the most popular workflow, and PostScript data or other data formats in PDF workflows are converted to PDF format. PDF avoids the unpredictability in the PS page description language. PS files from any application software and any platform are converted into PDF format. The singularity guarantees the reliability of production, while PDF is device-independent and has a relatively high level. Compression capability ensures flexible and compact data formats. For example, the True Flow digital prepress workflow developed by Screen Company is the core of CTP and digital workflow. It can directly interpret PDF1.3 and PostScript3 files, and is the world's first web browser. The running workflow management system supports PDF, PS, ICC color management, layout, CIP3, PPF file output, work ticket, hot folder and other functions, and integrates RIP technology. The function of RIP is to accept PS, PDF, Documents such as EPS are interpreted, calculated, and formed into intermediate format files, and output multiple times, such as generating TIFF images, Outline PDF, and RIPed PDF, which are used for digital proofing, blue paper, and CTP direct plate making. Digital processes enable versatile, intuitive automation. And with the matching EFI digital proofing software, the 1-bit-tiff file or TIFF file completed by RIP is output on the large-format inkjet printer to realize the color management of the sample output. Practice has proved that CTP and digital workflow are mature, and analysis from production practicability, easy to use, accurate, reliable and compatible, and system integration are the signs of maturity.
2.2 Digital workflow based on laser imagesetter
The digital workflow based on laser imagesetter is most suitable for the technology upgrade of most printing companies in China, because it can make full use of the existing prepress equipment and combine the existing production system with the new system to maximize its effectiveness. The “old tree opens new flowers” and continues to create benefits, which is favored by everyone. Well-known domestic and foreign manufacturers have also adopted this process as the goal of current workflow development and launched successful solutions.
The digital workflow technology based on imagesetter has matured, and various solutions can be used conveniently, accurately processed, and have strong compatibility. Many users have realized its valuables in practice: they can make full use of the original prepress equipment, exert their functions, achieve less investment, and quick results; the enterprise technology has been upgraded, completely solving the cumbersome process of the traditional prepress production process. The manual imposition work makes the imposition work fast and accurate; it plays a good role in furthering the CTP and digital workflow; the color level information is quite stable in the process of transmission, good reproducibility, production efficiency and product quality. Improved.
2.3 digital workflow software + CTP + CTF mixed operation mode
This mode of operation is a mode in which the CTP direct plate making system and the traditional CTF device coexist. The advantage is that the advantages of the two modes can be gathered, and the plate making mode can be flexibly selected according to the actual situation of the enterprise. On the one hand, it can meet the needs of most printing companies for technology upgrades, because it can make full use of existing prepress equipment, combine existing production systems with new systems to maximize efficiency, and avoid the use of CTP plates for a few jobs. The cost brought about by the increase. Therefore, this mode of operation is the most suitable model for most printing companies in China.
Of course, the difficulty in establishing this mode of operation is how to enable digital process software to integrate CTP direct platemaking and traditional CTF processes, and how to make the two modes work together. Because the equipment used in China's current prepress system is somewhat closed, incompatible, and not open, it is difficult to be compatible between equipment and software of different manufacturers, which makes it difficult for the effective integration of CTP direct plate making and traditional CTF process. . For example, the digital process software integrates the RIP function, and the one-bit-tiff file output from the digital process software is sometimes not recognized by the laser imagesetter. Therefore, third-party RIP software is required to drive the imagesetter, which is production. Brought a certain degree of difficulty.
At present, some companies have adopted this mixed operation process mode. It is believed that this operation mode will improve the efficiency of plate making and bring greater benefits to enterprises.
Third, the problems and thinking in the application of digital processes
1. Problems in the application of digital processes
In recent years, the rapid development of equipment and technology has removed obstacles for the establishment of digital workflows. Digital printing has become very common in foreign printing enterprises. However, domestic printing companies must enter the digital age and still need some exploration and integration. Reasons include the following.
1.1 Because the national conditions and the specific level of economic development are different, there are many differences between the management models of domestic enterprises and foreign enterprises. To enable domestic printing enterprises to use digital workflow systems, they can only rely on domestic software development familiar with China's national conditions and printing industry dynamics. Business.
1.2 The role of advanced workflow in the competition and development of enterprises is not fully recognized. Due to the low labor cost, a large number of manual participation and traditional operation methods are still the main production modes of printing enterprises. Despite the increasing competition in the domestic printing market and the gradual increase in labor costs, many printing companies have not fully realized that using new workflows to increase productivity and provide customers with a wider range of services will greatly promote the development of enterprises. . This requires the entire industry to jointly educate and nurture the market, so that people can understand more about the value that new types of workflow can create for the enterprise, and the decisive role in the future development, and update people's ideas.
1.3 PDF and JDF continue to heat up in China, but there are not many people who really understand the operation mechanism. Therefore, there is a lack of professionals in China to promote digital workflow.
1.4 Many foreign companies use the complete set of equipment from the same manufacturer, so they have the basis for applying the same manufacturer's process software; while domestic enterprises generally have complex equipment, Chinese and foreign, and even worse, their equipment models are old and not available. The CIP3 interface makes it difficult to apply digital workflows.
1.5 Because the establishment of a new digital workflow requires a certain amount of capital investment, and because the workflow requires software products to form, and the value of the software has not been valued by people, coupled with low labor costs, this has led many companies to establish The workflow of advanced digital printing is "love you in your heart, and the pockets are difficult to open." Solving this problem requires manufacturers to better promote and promote the value of advanced workflows, as well as flexible financial arrangements.
2. Thinking about digital workflow
Today, as the digital workflow is being heated up, as an insider, users should conduct objective analysis and calm thinking:
2.1 Think one: How to evaluate digital workflow
Manufacturers are vigorously promoting their digital workflows and evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. Manufacturers, scholars, and customers each have their own set of standards, but the most important thing is the customer's standard, because the customer is the ultimate user. Nowadays, the processes of each family are constantly becoming mature and perfect, each with its own characteristics. It is not necessary to evaluate whether it is good or not. The key is to see which process is more in line with the actual situation of the enterprise and can bring more to the enterprise. Big profit.
2.2 Whether to purchase a digital workflow
Digital workflow is a good technical product, but not every enterprise needs to buy and use, and must not be fashionable, we must make judgments and decisions based on our actual situation. For example, an output center only needs a set of RIP. If you spend tens of thousands of dollars, you can buy a special RIP and a large version of the software. Why do you need to spend more money to buy a digital workflow? In addition, consider whether you need to buy now. If it is not too urgent, it is better to wait for a while. As time goes by, the performance of the process will be more perfect, and the price will be cheaper.
2.3 Think three: How to choose a digital workflow
First, the decision maker or the main technical staff must be fully familiar with the content, role and advantages of the digital workflow; secondly, have a comprehensive understanding of the production process and process of the enterprise, and have a clear idea of how to use the digital workflow. There is a clear goal for what effect to achieve; then, examine the different processes to see which process is more cost-effective than your actual requirements. For example, companies with more foreign businesses must consider the requirements of foreign companies. Foreign companies have their own standards for digital workflows. In addition, newspaper printing is different from commercial printing, and the selection criteria will be different. Finally, after-sales service is also an important inspection standard.
Therefore, when purchasing a process, the company must comprehensively consider various factors and choose a digital workflow that suits its own characteristics. At the time of purchase, you can purchase in modules and gradually upgrade and add modules according to actual needs.
2.4 How to play the role of digital workflow
The digital workflow is a system engineering, not a single product. It is closely related to each production process and production equipment. The original production process must be adjusted to meet and comply with the requirements of the digital workflow. Digital workflow is only a tool, and ultimately it must be done by people. Therefore, the quality of relevant personnel is also very important. There must be good management personnel and excellent technical personnel, as well as serious and responsible operators.
For example, the output of the folding version has a very important practical significance for subsequent printing, but if a human error occurs in the large version, it will cause great losses. Therefore, the operator must be responsible and good. Printing process knowledge. Nowadays, the application of digital workflow is relatively simple and one-sided (mostly applied to prepress systems). In fact, it has very powerful functions, but we have not found and used them. This requires us to constantly research and explore repeatedly. And experiment, accumulate experience, tap potential, and maximize its role. In addition, when applying digital workflows, it should be flexibly applied and mastered in light of actual conditions. Foreign electronic documents are not necessarily standardized. Different documents need different solutions. In view of the current printing status in China, manual imposition can not be completely eliminated. Some journals' advertising films will be used repeatedly, and they need to be manually imposed. It is necessary to take into account the factors of manual imposition, but also to consider how to save, whether to do self-revision and so on.
Fourth, the conclusion
As an advanced production method, digital workflow is gradually recognized by domestic practitioners. Although China's digital workflow is relatively lagging behind printing developed countries and regions, its application is mainly concentrated in CTF and a small amount of CTP production. However, with the advancement of technology and the rapid development of the domestic printing industry, the application prospects of digital workflow in China are very broad.
Through the analysis and understanding of both process products and printing companies, it can be seen that the digital workflow has broad development space. Although the theoretical significance of most functions of digital workflow is greater than practical significance, the digital workflow represents the printing industry. A development direction and trend, its role has gradually emerged, has great potential, with its popularization and more mature, will play a greater role in the printing industry, further push the printing industry to standardization, data And network, towards high quality and efficient development.
Although the digital workflow based on JDF has gradually matured and improved, in general, it is still in the enlightenment stage, and its application has not yet been popularized. Even enterprises that use processes often only use some functions in the process, some enterprises The digital workflow has not yet been fully recognized and accepted, and its technology and performance have yet to be further strengthened and improved. Therefore, the popularization and development of digital workflow requires a process, as CIP4 Chairman Martin Bailey said, looking forward to another 5-10 In the year, JDF was truly automated and fully interoperable. Therefore, in the next few years, the digital workflow will be the development direction and popular trend of the printing industry. In the past few years, it will be a more vigorous promotion, more mature technology, more popular applications, and more significant effects. I believe in digital work. The process must have a bright future.
Compared with the particularities of Europe, the United States and other Asian countries, the domestic printing industry determines that the domestic pre-press digital process application process will not be very fast, and will remain in the application exploration stage in the next few years, but any new technology will be eliminated. Traditional enterprises may promote the transformation of some enterprises' business, and the market competition will survive the fittest, or more horizontal cooperation in the industry. The domestic printing industry will have a day to see the future, and the application prospects of the printed digital workflow in China are bright.
The digital workflow represents a development direction and trend of the printing industry. Its role has gradually emerged and has great potential. As it spreads and becomes more mature, it will play a greater role in the printing industry. The printing industry is moving towards standardization, data and networking, and is developing towards high quality and efficiency.