The Advantages of CTP Workflows

Digital technology has revolutionized the print production workflow, bringing unprecedented quality and efficiency to what has traditionally been an inexact, labor-intensive process. Perhaps the most important "revolution" has been the development of computer-to-plate (CTP) workflows. At Springfield Printing, we have been offering customers the benefits of CTP since 1999. Here are a few things you should know about this technology:

Higher Quality, Less Headaches
In the CTP process, printing plates are imaged from a customer's digital files. Such a process offers several advantages. By going directly from file to plate, there is no need to create film separations. This can save significant amounts of time, money and headaches by eliminating the scanning, film output (remember, one for each color!) and mounting processes. In addition, there is less possibility for error, as the CTP process requires only minimal handling of the customer's files.

Another benefit to CTP is the improvement in output quality over film-based workflows. Data integrity and registration are improved by going straight from file to plate, while dot gain and muddied midtones - two key problems associated with film - are greatly reduced, resulting in sharper, cleaner images.

The speed and quality improvements of a CTP workflow can only be fully realized if the digital files are properly prepared. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when laying out your files:

• Ensure that images are set to "CMYK" rather than "RGB" color
• Use only high-resolution images of at least 300 dpi. This will allow us to achieve the best overall printed image when using a higher line screen on color-critical projects.
• Preflight your files to verify that all fonts are included, and that you've supplied both screen and printer fonts where applicable.
• Contact us if you have any file preparation questions!

By using our easy FTP file upload capability, the process can begin at any time, turning around your project faster-for less.

The Springfield Printing Advantage
Rely on Springfield Printing for all of your high-quality printing and post press needs. As part of our prepress process, we carefully proofread every page of every file we receive to ensure clarity and accuracy. We also save you time and simplify the print production process by offering easy FTP file upload capability, allowing you to send files directly to our prepress department from your computer. Give Springfield Printing a call and let us be your high-quality printing partner.