1-bit TIFF Inspection

[Dave Thornton]

We use an Esko Spark for imaging DuPont flexo plates for narrow web labels, with a Nexus RIP upstream producing 1-bit tiffs for imaging. When the system was installed last April, the Esko trainer suggested that when a plate is imaging, we should avoid using Grapholas on the Spark for inspecting the next batch of images to be burned; it likes to have only one thing to do at a time. I'd like to have some way for our platemaker to inspect the images while the machine is imaging, whether on a second computer or on the Spark.

We also have a single seat of DotSpy, but that is used by the guy who does trapping and step & repeat, and is in a different room, so running the dongle back & forth doesn't really work well. We could upgrade to a site license for DotSpy for another $5,000, but I'd rather explore other options before we spend that kind of money. During the install, the Esko rep mentioned that we could install the Grapholas TIFF viewer on a second machine, but didn't go into specifics about how to do that.

So I guess my question for others is what do you use for inspecting your files before committing to plate? A corollary to that is, how do you have your workflow arranged? and could we modify ours to be more efficient in this regard?

Thanks!
--
Dave @ Cimarron Label

[GinSu]

On ocassion I'll use Photoshop to view 1-bit Tiffs.

If you set the dropper tool to a large size, say 5 x 5, and view the image reduced, you can get screen value percentages.

And you can use the measure tool to get the screen angle by "measuring thru the dots.

You may also need to change the Aspect Ratio in PSD to square. While my 1-bit Tiffs don't require it, a customer providing 1-bit tiff does. But changeing the setting doesn't seem to effect the output.

[Dave Thornton]

We have used that option in the past, but I forgot to mention it; thanks! Gimp might be an alternative, depending on whether I can finagle the purchase of another license for Photoshop.

One concern with using an image editor is that we don't want any editing to happen to these files; we're doing an increasing amount of work for pharmaceutical customers, and they want us to minimize the points in the workflow where things can be edited. But I guess that can be accomplished through directory-level permissions.

Any other ideas?

[disbellj]

A person doing trapping and imposition does not need DotSpy. He can simply view the ripped files with Insight and and the imposed files in Preps. If his preview in Preps doesn't work (and even if it does), he can make a "make composite proof" (pdf) in his Impo workflow to see the imposed flat when it goes through the Impo workflow (to make sure it looks correct, is the correct size, etc.)

Then the platesetter guy can look at the screened files with DotSpy.

Don

[eskopdl]

Since you were installed Esko-Graphics ( your Spark ) and Artwork Systems ( your rip ) are now one company, EskoArtwork. I would give your sales rep a call since now we can offer more options all under one roof. In addition to DotSpy ,we now have BitMapViewer and FlexoPerfection ( free demo download available on http://www.esko.com/Web/site.aspx?p=138 ). The answer may be more available and less painful than you think.

[APS]

Take a look at First Proof Pro. It has some great features for previewing 1-Bit data.

http://www.hamillroad.com/main/produ...stproofpro.htm

[michaelejahn]

I have a small application named ELAN GMK Glass.

opens 1 bit TIFFs in a jiffy, and has cursor oriented and quick key enable zoom for fast review. Opens all sorts of weirdo image file formats as well.

if you buy some java juice, I will send you the application for free.

http://www.javajuiceextract.com/

just email your receipt to me at mjahn@elan-gmk.com

[Andy]

Hi Dave,

You should take a look at FirstPROOF. The standard (Std) version gives you high-performance viewing (of Hqn PGB, TIFF and Esko LEN) files (to which you can add options). The Pro version gives you (amongst other things) an additional set of specialist tools for checking all sorts of pre-press and press issues (distances, traps, overprints, screening, moire, inking, seams, density, bar codes,...). In addition, the Pro version can do color accurate views of what you are going to print.

In terms of some of the tools there are and how you'd use them, take a look at the "FirstPROOF Guide to Pre-Press Soft-Proofing" at http://www.hamillroad.com/main/produ...proofguide.htm.

You can setup FirstPROOF to not allow any modifications to the job (modfiy, delete, merge and rotate can be disabled), so you can guarantee that what you (or your operator) are seeing is what you'll print.

There's loads of info on our web site, including trial versions you can download. FirstPROOF runs on both Mac and PC. Std retails for £395 and Pro for £995, but exact pricing depends on what our dealers/OEMs charge.

I can't really do justice to FirstPROOF in such a short reply (it has lots of tools and features in it), so will leave you to take a look at our web site and try it. But if you have any particular questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

If you do like it and end up using it, you'll be joining our existing install base of 1000s of happy users.

Regards,

Andy.

Andy Cave,
Chief Executive Officer,
Hamillroad Software Limited.
www.firstproof.com
www.hamillroad.com

[Dave Thornton]

Wow! You all have been busy! Sorry for not replying at all, but we ended up with our 9 year old in the hospital last week; strep virus migrated to his heart, causing some inflammation (myocarditis) and a lot of panicky adults. He's out now, and doing very well; back in school even. I'm just now getting my feet back under me.

Lots of good advice here; I'll touch on a few of the responses.

Peter: I was hoping the fallout from the AWS/Esko merger might yield some streamlining of the tools available. I've been working the tech support side from Esko and AWS trying to get some better tools toward this end, but haven't got very far. I'll try hitting up the sales guys & see what I can shake loose. We bought the equipment through Pitman, and haven't dealt with anyone in sales at Esko; anybody there I can contact directly who services the midwest?

Paul & Andy: I downloaded a copy of FirstPROOF, and WOW! does that do a lot! I like it a lot, but not sure how the price will go over with the bean counters. One question for Andy; I downloaded the Lite version to see if that would do what I wanted, and made sure to select Lite during the install, but it defaulted to Demo mode of the Pro version. What are the functional differences between the Pro version in Demo mode and the Lite? Is there a way to force it into Lite mode? Also, I'm a little confused by the feature list for the Lite product; it says that "TIFF Input - Configures an Input Folder for viewing TIFF images (both tiled and striped)" works, but "TIFF Open - Dynamically opens the TIFF files in a given folder for viewing" does not. What's the difference?

Michael: I'll take you up on that & order some JavaJuice! I'm the one in the office who has to bring my own coffee because the stuff they brew in the breakroom is far too weak for me; if I wanted tea, I'd drink tea! Nice advertising gimmick; I hadn't heard of that stuff before. I'll email you my receipt once I get that done. Is Glass something that's available from www.elan-gmk.com?

Thanks again everyone!

[eskopdl]

David - To get the appropriate person from EskoArtwork to speak with you, your best bet is to call the office at 937-454-1721, give them your location and request. They will get you in touch with the right person from there.

- peter