An Ideal Work Flow for Digitalization

An Ideal Work Flow for Digitalization

The rapid transition of prepress operations to computer-based digital processes and the spread of the Internet have made it possible to send original document data directly to the printer over ordinary telecommu- nications networks. By incorporating the RYOBI 3404DI into corporate network environments, it can be positioned as a high-performance output device.

Advanced Digital Technology To Boost Productivity

From prepress directly to the press—direct imaging technology from Presstek incorporated into the RYOBI 3404DI makes it possible to completely eliminate the need for analog intermediate processes such as film output and image exposure onto the plate.The RYOBI 3404DI raises productivity even with frequent job changes, and is the ideal system for short-run color printing jobs that demand quick turnarounds.

System Flowchart

Windows

Internet

Macintosh

PostScript or

PDF data

RIP for RYOBI 3404DI

SV770

PostScript or

PDF data

Bitmap data

Ethernet

EPSON ink jet color printer

High-Speed, High-Precision Imaging Thanks to Advanced On-Press Imaging Technology

•FirePower™ multi-beam lasers developed by Presstek loosen the silicone layer on the surface of the plate, directly forming the screen dots.The RYOBI 3404DI is equipped with two imaging heads. Both imaging heads contain six laser modules, each of which emits four laser beams. A total of 24 laser beams burn the image onto the two plate surfaces (two colors) on each plate cylinder.

•The two imaging heads burn the plates for the four colors simultaneously in precise register.

Select from Either 1,270 or 2,540 dpi Imaging Resolutions

Supports Both PostScript and PDF

The RYOBI 3404DI supports both PostScript and PDF data in the Macintosh and Windows® environments, and achieves the fusion of prepress and press in a flexible, open system. In addition, by using Ethernet to link the RYOBI 3404DI to a digital front-end system, digital data received from the prepress side can be printed directly with impressively fast turnaround times.

RIP for RYOBI 3404DI SV770

Preview screen (DI file viewer)	RIP monitor and output control screens

Advanced RIP

(Raster Image Processor)

•The RIP for RYOBI 3404DI SV770 utilizes Harlequin ScriptWorks (PostScript Level 3 compatible), which has a proven track record of performance and offers high speeds and reliability. Its Windows NT® Server operating system also has a long established reputation for stability and functionality. Optimized bitmap data for printing is generated quickly based on PostScript or PDF data received from a Macintosh or Windows-based computer.

•Generated bitmap data can be previewed on the RIP or on the monitor screen at the operation stand, allowing for quick and accurate verification of text and the print image.

•An optional color printer plug-in makes it possible to network with an EPSON ink jet color printer for proofing of layout and text.

You can select 1,270 dpi or 2,540 dpi resolu- tion depending on turnaround times and quality of printing demanded.The laser spot size* can be formed in two sizes—28 µm at 1,270 dpi and 21 µm at 2,540 dpi.The 2,540 dpi setting enables output equivalent to 200 lines per inch.

*Spot sizes were measured on the PEARLdry™ Plus plate after imaging was completed.

Laser module

Faster Processing Thanks to Shorter Make-Ready Times

The RYOBI 3404DI carries out high-speed imaging for four plates simultaneously thanks to a high-speed plate cylinder rotation of 18,000 rph. This allows four-color imaging in approx. 4 min. 30 sec. at 2,540 dpi and approx. 2 min. 20 sec. at 1,270 dpi. Printing operations are fully automatic, from plate advancing and imaging to presetting the ink fountain keys and running a test print. Even at 2,540 dpi, make-ready time is short— approx. 9 min. from plate advance to start of test print, dramatically increasing productivity.

Fully Automatic Plate Advance and Take-Up Mechanism

After four roll-type plates are set inside the plate cylinder gaps (one in each cylinder gap), the plates are advanced automatically and simultaneously (Auto Plate Advance Mecha-

Auto plate advance mechanism

Productivity Comparison

(A3 sheet, 4-color, 500-sheet job)

CTFilm

CTPlate

3404DI

Imaging

nism).With single-button operation, new printing plates are positioned automatically, and used plates are wound onto take-up spools. Each roll contains 28 plates.

Shortened Drying Times with an Infrared Dryer (option)

The delivery section can be equipped with an infrared dryer to shorten drying time for printed materials, an especially effective option for jobs with short turnaround times.Also, the use of powder sprays can be reduced for a cleaner working environment.

RIPping and film making (off-line) or imaging on the press

Plate transport from prepress section

Platemaking and plate punching

Plate mounting

Inking, registration adjustments

Production run

(minutes)