Film Imagesetter for printing machines

Film imagesetter machine

Film typesetting machine, also known as laser typesetting machine, is a device that converts graphic information in electronic files into dot matrix images on film. The following is an introduction to it:
Working principle
The text, image and other information edited by the computer are processed into dot matrix images through RIP (raster image processor) and converted into signals to control the laser. Then, the laser is used to scan the film vertically and horizontally to expose the photosensitive material on the film to form a dot pattern corresponding to the original. Finally, through chemical treatment processes such as development and fixing, the unexposed part is removed, leaving a clear graphic image on the film.

Application field of film imagesetter machine

Printing industry: It is widely used in the platemaking process of traditional offset printing, letterpress printing, gravure printing and other printing methods. It is used to make cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), black (K) four-color films and spot color films, providing accurate original plates for subsequent platemaking and printing.
PCB manufacturing: The circuit board design is output to the film through the film typesetting machine, and then the pattern is transferred to the copper-clad board through exposure, development and other processes for the production of printed circuit boards.
Screen printing: The film negative for screen printing is produced to form patterns on the screen, control the penetration and blocking of ink, and realize the printing of patterns.
Technology development trend

• High precision and high speed: With the continuous advancement of technology, the output accuracy of the film typesetting machine is constantly improving, and it can output higher resolution images and finer dots. At the same time, the scanning speed is getting faster and faster, which improves work efficiency.
• Intelligence and automation: It has functions such as automatic calibration, automatic fault detection, and automatic image processing, which reduces the workload and errors of manual operations and improves the stability and reliability of work.

• Environmental protection: In terms of laser light sources, photosensitive materials, and developing and fixing, it is moving towards a more environmentally friendly direction, using more energy-saving laser light sources, and developing more environmentally friendly photosensitive materials and developing and fixing solutions to reduce pollution to the environment.

Four color film: CMYK film, where C represents cyan, M represents magenta, Y represents yellow, and K represents black. When printing, various colors are presented through the combination of these four color dots. Four film sheets need to be made separately for printing plate making, which can achieve full-color printing. It is commonly used for color books, posters, packaging and other printed products that require rich color requirements.
Solid color film: a film specially made for a specific color, used for printing situations that require specific and accurate colors, such as enterprise standard colors, special fluorescent colors, etc. Spot color film can compensate for the shortcomings of four-color printing in accurately presenting certain colors, and is usually used for printed products that require extremely high color accuracy, such as brand logos, high-end packaging, etc.
Classified by printing process

Sort printing film by color

• Offset film: The offset printing plate has correct characters, which are reversed when printed on adhesive tape, and then transferred to paper or other media to present correct characters. So when printing offset film, in order to ensure full contact between the pattern and the PS plate, the film should be on the reverse side, usually referred to as the film facing downwards or reversed.
• Screen printing film: Screen printing is a method of direct contact between the printing plate and the substrate, where the content on the printing plate is reversed. However, to ensure sufficient contact between the film coating and the screen mesh, the screen printing film should be facing upwards, meaning that the content we see is correct, commonly referred to as film facing upwards.

Classified by graphic and textual information

• Positive film: For example, when printing a circle, if the center circle of the film is coated with medicine film (black) and the area outside the circle is blank, it is a positive film. The positive film is the main film, with normal color and orientation. Generally, the PS version requires the positive film of the film.
• Negative film: Negative film, also known as negative film, has a color or direction opposite to reality. The black text on the film is white, and the direction is also reversed from side to side. Resin plates (the type of printing material used in cardboard boxes) usually require film negative film.