Package Final Draft.Computer To Plate(CTP)
In this vibrant and colorful world, have you ever wondered how various colorful folding cartons are made? Let our Printing helper from Oriental Packing unveil the mysteries of printing for you.
Firstly, upon the completion of the design file, a print plate, also known as CTP, is produced. Then, according to the paper material and the printing items, the most suitable printing method is selected.
Here's a little side note about print plates for you. Computer To Plate (CTP) is a process that directly transfers digital images to a printing plate. This procedure utilizes a computer software to control a laser beam on a publishing machine, which accurately sketches out the image to be printed onto the plate. The parts that are photosensitive will correspond to the patterns of the image and are further preserved. Afterwards, through a plate washing process, the parts that have not been imprinted are washed away. After these steps, the plate can be directly used for printing.
★ This CTP technology enhances the precision of plate making and reduces the traditional plate-making time.
Those colorful boxes and bags that you see are actually composed of tiny dots of four basic colors: C (Cyan), M (Magenta), Y (Yellow), and K (Black). These dots are so small that they are indistinguishable to the naked eye and can only be seen with a loupe. The printing process involves recombining these four-color dots onto the paper. To distribute different colors evenly on the paper, the angles of the dots on the four plates must be different to construct a print.
However, sometimes four-color printing CMY K cannot achieve the desired color effect. In this case, we need to use spot colors PANTONE®. Spot colors are inks pre-mixed by the master printer and poured into the printer's ink tray. They can be used as a replacement for or in conjunction with CMY K. The effect of spot color printing usually has sharper and brighter hues, allowing the viewer to clearly perceive different levels beyond colors.
It's worth noting that the accuracy of the printed color is not only affected by the machine but also by the paper. If the paper is not entirely white, the printed color may vary. Therefore, choosing the right paper and printing method is critical in the printing process.
Through the above analysis, we believe you now have a deeper understanding of the intricacies of printing. Both four-color printing CMYK and spot color printing PANTONE® can bring us a rich visual experience. Printing is not only a technique, but also an art. It transforms the creativity of designers into reality, making our lives more colorful. While mastering the knowledge of printing, don't forget to choose a professional printing company. We will provide you with the highest quality printing products and the most professional services, to ensure the best presentation of your creativity.