During this filed trip to the United Federation of Teachers Print Shop I learned a great deal on how the production side of graphic design works. I learned that.digital printing can be done in various ways. Two technologies dominate the industry, inkjet and xerography. Digital printing is increasingly utilized for print jobs that were previously printing using offset, flexo or screen printing. There are several other digital printing processes that are geared towards specific niche markets. I also learned about three important printing machines they use for production. The first printing machine used is the RYOBI 3200PFA. This printer can print both sides of the full A3 size, or full 11×17 inch size sheet simultaneously at top speeds of 10,000 sheets per hour. There are quick and easy image registrations on both sides of the sheet that is accomplished by turning dial knobs. This machine offers high speed, superb quality, and significant savings in cost and time.
The second important printing machine they use for production is the ICTP Platewriter 2000. The PlateWriter 2000 is the second-generation range of Computerto-Plate systems, which produce press-ready aluminum plates without the use of chemical processing. The PlateWriter applies a patented Liquid Dot image on to non-photosensitive aluminum printing plates. The imaged plates are manually fed through an integrated finishing unit that dries the plates and bonds the liquid dots to the plate surface. The finishing unit includes a built-in gumming station to finish the plates for storage or immediate use on the press. This machine is important for production because it sets new standards in cost flexibility and speed. The PlateWriter produces digital plates, which deliver accurate registration and high quality for small to medium format offset printers.
The Final machine that intrigued me and learned about for production is the Didde Glasier 1750. This machine is unique because The Glasier 1750 press is ideal for short run direct mail, business forms or commercial printing applications. It allows maximum versatility in a single press. The process section of the press accepts perforating, die cutting, or punching units interchangeably in any position, providing maximum flexibility for a wide range of jobs. The oil bath system provides maximum lubrication of the gears for high speed production and uses bearings on the plate, impression, and blanket cylinders to provide durability. Finishing options include roll-to-roll, roll-to-fold or roll-to-sheet. The machine not only eliminates tracking but allows it to run very lightweight papers at full speed. All three of these machines help create an efficient production company in the world of graphic design.
