When people hear platesetter, they probably think of someone who puts silverware and flatware on a table for dinner. Even if they understand it is not exactly affiliated with preparing for a meal, they are unsure exactly what it does mean. Platesetters are machines that are similar to printers. They receive images from a raster image processor and create a lithograph with a plate. This can then be used on an offset press to recreate the image over and over. They have mostly replaced the printing press in this day and age and are ideal for huge printing jobs. They are expensive, but companies that do a lot of high volume printing use the machines on the regular basis.

In general, there are three types of machines. These are internal drum machines, external drum machines, and the capstan machines. Theater feeds a roll of plate material through the imaging area of the machine. This occurs at a continuous speed. Once it has been exposed, it is cut and the plate has been created. This option is the most affordable of the three machines. Naturally, it is also the least accurate, which accounts for the savings.

External drum machines have a plate connected to the outside of a drum, which rotates. The rotation causes the imaging unit to move parallel along the drum, which creates the image production. The internal drum style is similar, but has the plate on the inside of the drum. The spinning mirror moves around the center of the drum creating the image.

Plates are usual hole punched at some point during the printing process. External drums do it before loading it into the drum. The punch holes are used to make sure there is a registration with the drum. The internal style machines load the plate and then punch it, followed by the creation of the image. The punches are then released, which ensures the registration. It is because of the punching that capstan machines are considered less accurate. The positioning of the plate is what creates the inaccuracy. Usually, capstan machines are used only in one and two color printing jobs when accuracy is less important.

The final image is created by a laser. There are several lasers used during the process and all of them fall into either the thermal laser or visible light laser category. The thermal laser images the plate with heat, which is generated by the laser hitting the plate. The visible light laser version images the plate by using photographic technology and exposing the plate to the light of the laser. The thermal option is always better and is the more popular option for modern machines. When choosing which machine is right for you, it is important to consider your budget and the importance of accuracy. You need to be willing to spend more if accuracy is very important to your company. Those who are doing a large volume of jobs where accuracy is not a factor can opt for the less expensive machine.

Author Bio: Penny Lane recently reviewed printing equipment and was impressed with the technology used today in platesetters or computer to print. She ordered a platesetter for her printer in her office.

Category: Business
Keywords: platesetters,platesetter