Checking file / Proofing

• Embed all process images

• set LPI to 175

• Dot shape -> HD15 (must type in…. HD15 is not an option in dropdown box)

• Colors should be K, C, M, Y, Opaque white

• When trapping, be sure to have only layers you need to trap on. (Turn off guides, opaque white, template layers)

• Color bar:   solid (100%), midtone (30%), highlight (3%) of CMYK

• reverse print? (when ripping it is mirrored because you are reverse printing)

• Opaque white set to overprint

 

How to RIP your flexible package

1.     Make sure there is no design outside of the inside bleed border. If there is, mask off those areas.

2.     Make sure there are no design elements interfering with the magenta seal area (pink area). If there are, move those elements over and off of those lines.

3.     Don’t forget your trap layer. Make sure that you have not trapped the technical marks. If you have, simply remove the existing trap layer and re-trap your design with those layers turned off

4.     Ensure that the opaque white layer is set to overprint.

5.     Run spell check.

6.     Look at your color separations to be absolutely sure all the elements are there and accurate (dielines should not be knocking out)

a.     The Esko > Viewer  is the best one to use because you will get a message if you have RGB images and you can also view registration errors

7.     Open your ink manager and make sure that your LPI is set to 175, and your dot shape is set to circular euclidean).

8.     Ink Order: KCMY, Opaque White

9.     Set document width to 7.5”

10. In your registration circles, there is one that is hexachrome orange. You must change this to the opaque white spot color.

11. Layer Order: Opaque White, Trap Layer, Artwork Layer

12. Make sure all technical marks on the side of the package are present.

13.  RIP the file to the “Godfrey CDI.” Workflow Ticket

14. Set the appropriate distortion factor based on plate caliper and repeat length

15. Set your file to “mirror” or “reverse”  (this means your plates will be right reading because now you are wanting to reverse print on press).

16. Be sure only to output the appropriate colors and layers in your file

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PROOFING

1.    Release file to “RIP”

2.    Soft Proof your 1-bit TIFF: check distortion, images are right reading, check other elements that are important for print production

3.    To get to VIEWER so you can soft proof

a.     Use Automation Engine Pilot

b.     Find your “Copy/Move”  task in the task window

c.      Right click on it and choose  “Go To,  Output File”

d.     Click on one of your file separations

e.     Click on “view” and now you can soft proof your 1-bit Tiffs for any final mistakes..

4.     You will also have to print a proof output on the Epson in the Esko computer lab. Drag and drop your Illustrator file just like was done for the label assignment

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Prepress Platemaking

PRIOR to platemaking, you need to distort your file for the repeat and plate thickness you are using. The instructor or grad assistant will assist with sending your file to the correct output device.

 

Referring to your plate making demo notes you and your partner will make your plates. You will be making digital plates. Remember the basic steps are the same.

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Process: Back exposure, Imaging, Face exposure, Plate Processing, Drying, Post expose, Detack

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Platemaking

 

Documentation:

Measure your plates on the Betaflex before mounting...:

Floor ________ inches         Face ________ inches     Relief _______ inches   Dot % 3 _____   Dot % 30 _____

                 

 

Plate Mounting

Follow the steps from the plate mounting LAP that is on top of the mounter

1. Find the correct sleeve for your repeat length.

2. Find the correct stickyback for the design you’re printing.

3. Mount your plate on the sleeve, remember correct plate orientation and pre-register mounting.

 

Have the instructor or grad assistant check you plate sleeve. NOTE - plates are to be mounted PRIOR to your press date or points will be deducted from your final grade.

 

Press Run

Work with the instructor or lab assistant to run the press.

 

Evaluation:

Submitting Your Project for Grading

Assemble the following materials in an organized manner and submit them in a folder for grading:

1. Thumbnail Sheet

3. Proof(s)

4. 5 repeats flat, 5 formed pouches

5. Sonoco Institute Job Jacket

6. Lab report hardcopy (and also submitted to Canvas as a Word Doc)

 

Assignments  turned in without the above listed items will receive a 2% reduction for each of the above not submitted (or submitted improperly). Assignments are expected to be turned in within one week from completion on press. After one week they will be considered “Late” and grade deductions will apply.