Books, magazines, pamphlets, and posters are examples of published materials. Creating them involves work by various individuals:
Printing transfers the texts and images onto paper that we can hold. Printing involves 3 stages:
Binding and finishing stage: folding, cutting, collating, and binding various sizes of sheets of paper and packaging for delivery. This is the role of the binding and finishing machine operator.
Pre-press technicians turn files from graphic designers into formats that a printer can use. This process is known as pre-flighting.
When necessary, pre-press technicians may edit the files to produce the best possible print results. For example, they might adjust the colours used in the files. Or they might make small adjustments to the layout, typography, or images. They must understand the entire production process to make appropriate decisions.
In most printing shops in Alberta, pre-press technicians are responsible for the whole pre-press process from opening the files to plate making. This process is mostly automatic.
In large printing shops, pre-press technicians may specialize in specific processes.
Scanner operators use flatbed or drum scanning equipment to capture images digitally. They:
- Scan the original photograph or slide to create a digital image
- Manipulate the digital image using colour correction software
- Ensure that each image is colour corrected
- Make sure each image has the correct tone reproduction curves for printing
Customer proofing specialists use computer files to create laser or plotter prints for customer approval. They:
- Check proofs for colour matching, typing errors, and page impositions
- Rule, trim, and fold proofs to represent the final printed piece
- Send the proof to the customer for approval
Platemakers create printing plates for the printer. They:
- Position approved files onto a printing plate
- Expose, process, and approve the quality of the plate
- Send the plate to the press operators
In process colour printing, visible colours in artwork or photographs must be colour separated. Pre-press technicians may create printing plates or cylinders for each colour. The type of plate or cylinder will depend on the type of printing press to be used:
- Lithographic or planographic processes use plates that have image and non-image areas on the same plane. The areas are separated by chemical interaction.
- Computer systems or computer-to-plate (CTP) devices can transfer digital images directly onto lithographic plates or to a specially equipped printing press.
- Newer digital presses do not use printing plates. They produce images directly from electronic files.
