Re: Scanning old postcard for use on book cover

[Arthur Entlich <artistic-1@xxxxxxx>]

Preston,

I am using these terms in a more modern sense than perhaps you would 
interpret them.  As you are very likely aware, today the "plate making" 
(if a plate even is used, as such) is often done directly from digital 
files with no intermediary film steps. Even as I was typing the phrase, 
I was thinking "someone in the printing profession is going to complain 
about this", but I also decided I didn't wish to go into the detail...).

However, it seems you are that someone, so here we go:

Please replace the terms "within the plate making process" with:

"Today, many printers use a process which produces a direct emulsion 
photo or laser etched plate with no film medium as an intermediary. 
These are often made directly from digital files and a RIP system.  Some 
RIP software does optimized sharpening that is pre-set based upon the 
screen or dot density, and therefore over sharpening may result if you 
send a pre-sharpened file.  Therefore, it may be best to speak with your 
pre-press or press people before making any assumptions.  Further, if 
the image may be resized prior to the final printing process, sharpening 
might best be done on the final image just prior to the plates being 
produced.

Some printing processes use no real plates at all, but create temporary 
electrostatic plates similar to laser or photocopiers.  One such system 
is the Indigo Press process, which uses a liquid ink-like toner. 
Depending upon the size of the print run, sometimes these systems are 
used, as they are more economical for short runs.  The break point is 
usually between 500 and 1000 impressions in color.  These systems also 
use RIPs which may have imbedded sharpening, so once again it might be 
best to check with them."

Now, let's see, Preston is/was a pressman, so should Mr. Bookbinder go 
to Preston (calling him Press, for short) to find out about the proper 
way to prepare a bookbinding for press?  This is getting to complicated 
for me ;-)

Art


Preston Earle wrote:

> "Arthur Entlich" <artistic-1@shaw.ca> wrote:
> "  . . . Some printers do not want any sharpening done, as they do it
> within the plate making process."
> 
> and
> 
> "If the pre-press work will be done elsewhere, ask them, as things like
> covers are often needed to be made oversized to either be wrapped around
> during binding, or in paperbacks, they are cut after binding and a
> certain amount of excess image is supposed to be there so they can make
> it "full bleed" during the trimming process."
> --------------------
> 
> In thirty years of commercial printing, I've never heard of sharpening
> "within the plate making process." If "some printers" do this, they are
> in the distinct minority.
> 
> and
> 
> Don't you think it is presumptive to give a "Bookbinder" advice on
> binding books?<G>
> 
> Preston Earle
> PEarle@triad.rr.com
> 


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