First, the system and its composition - integration program
As a work flow system, Heidelberg's Delta technology can meet the various needs of computer direct output film or computer-to-plate. Productivity, reliability and flexibility complement each other and play a decisive role in the development of the entire process system. Why do you say that? Because Heidelberg has installed more than 3,000 delta systems around the world, it can meet the different needs of users for their work processes. To do this, software and hardware scalability must be achieved - and Delta Technology has successfully overcome this difficulty. It is easy to operate and ensures that users have strict control over all aspects of the workflow.
Delta system consists of Delta workstations, Delta software and Delta chassis. It combines all the advantages of pure hardware and software RIP, and can increase productivity in various environments. Heidelberg is currently testing the latest hardware for Delta workstations. This hardware is provided by Data General and Acer, not only for a variety of output devices, but also for different production environments.
Second, Delta Technology - Make It Simple
Delta software is based on Microsoft's Windows NT server and supports standard platforms. These platforms can be flexibly configured to achieve the required production capacity. The entire system can be configured to allow several processors to work in parallel and facilitate hardware expansion while supporting pure RIP functions and important server functions in standard software through the print manager. The print manager is responsible for controlling the delta technology system.
Heidelberg's RIP grating processing system is always based on the Adobe technology that sets new standards in the market. Similarly, Delta technology also deploys Adobe's Postscript3 interpreter, which can set up to 64 input and output queues, and the output manager can perform output presetting. The preset data required for raster processing and imaging can be directly transmitted to Delta. The queues in the RIP can also be divided into groups, as the previous process of each job is completed before imaging. In addition, the system also provides a module for the calibration of the imagesetter. Many important output data can be pre-selected, such as the best use of the width of the batch, punching start, screening system, network cable and dot shape, to meet a variety of different needs. The delta parser is responsible for checking for errors and their integrity in the file. This saves the user valuable time and avoids erroneous imaging. After an Adobe Postscript or PDFTM file is interpreted, a list of deltas is generated from the display list.
Third, Delta list - a powerful program
Over the years, with the continuous accumulation of our experience, the advantages of Delta's technology have continued to increase, which is reflected in the entire operation process, until the final output stage. Of course, the key is to ensure that all links have a safe and reliable platform. Heidelberg's platform uses a delta list approach. It first interprets Adobe Postscript files and stores them in a non-overlapping, page-independent format. As a result, the page information contained in the list of deltas only relates to the imaging process.
Once the list of deltas is generated, it can be immediately imaged, eliminating the errors that Postscript outputs. Pre-processing the raster of Adobe Postscript files and storing the delta lists not only means higher production reliability, but also the possibility of multiple outputs per raster.
Its greatest advantage is that it can be interpreted and screened at different times and in different locations. This is the core of the concept of R.O.O.M. Heidelberg. Once the data is rasterized, it can be output to printers, layout proofers, imagesetters. Or on the plate conveyor. This guarantees higher productivity, greater flexibility and more reliable job flow.
Fourth, connect more features - Delta expansion software
Delta Image Manager - Delta Technology provides users with unlimited extensions of the server's delta workstation. The Delta Image Manager easily turns a print server into a file server, provides OPI services, and automatically generates low-resolution data for typesetting files. These low-resolution data are automatically replaced with high-resolution data before raster processing. One of the outstanding features of Delta Image Manager is that it is compatible with file images generated by Helios OPI and Coior-Central, in addition to its own OPI format. Concentrating the server and RIP functions on one workstation not only reduces the network load, but also provides a more economical package for small businesses.
Delta CEPS Inputs - A wide variety of input formats creates great difficulties for prepress platemaking.
This is exactly what differentiates Delta. It not only handles the Postscript industry standard, but also handles PDF and TIFF/ITP1 files. The delta CEPS input can also directly read the formats of traditional platemaking systems such as Scitex and ChromaCom.
The integrity and consistency of the data in the workflow is guaranteed by the delta list.
Delta trapping technology—An important factor in ensuring high quality output is trapping should be consistent with subsequent printing processes. With Delta trapping technology, users can generate traps with default or custom settings and see the effects on the monitor. This is a very effective way because the traps are non-overlapping data.
Delta proofer - Proofing is an important part of Delta technology. Performing a WYSIWYG display on the monitor alone is not sufficient, especially in a fully digital computer directly out of film or computer-to-plate workflow. For Delta systems, high-quality proofing of true colors is mechanical. Delta Proof Open takes full advantage of the Delta List Print Manager, converts high-resolution delta lists to appropriate proofing resolutions, and ensures data and final printing processes through intelligent color management software based on ICC standards. meets the. Spot colors are converted to primary colors through a predefined color table.
Of course this is not all, it can also smooth the outline, optimize the shape of the line or text, in order to ensure the final print effect is clearer. This means that the print manager can transfer the data needed for proofing to any PS proofing machine on the network, or to the IRIS proofer via the SCSII interface. All this can be done automatically if the user needs it.
Delta Signa Extender - Once the user has confirmed color proofing, the page can be transmitted to the layout department. The Delta Signa Extender supports the direct spelling of delta list data. The list of deltas stored in the page tool generates a browse file and transmits it to the Signa Station imposition workstation. Layout workstations can automatically or interactively generate full-page files, of course, all under the control of the screen. Since the browsing image generated using the delta list is extremely small, the whole process is particularly rapid. This has the additional advantage that if the page needs to be modified, it only needs to modify the part without re-rasterizing the entire Postscript file. For the user, this means higher efficiency and greater reliability.
Delta proofing - In order to improve safety, the Delta system can do proofing. This process is very simple. The delta layout proofing function converts the complete delta file to be used for final output to the resolution and data format used for layout proofing.
Especially in the process of computer-to-plate making, in addition to proofreading through the plates, the proofs are usually printed out for proofing. These processes can be done automatically.
Delta Print Interface - GIP3 - Many printing companies with pre-press divisions take into account future developments and have begun to apply digital data before printing to print and post-press processes. For example, after using the delta file to generate the layout proofing, the delta printing interface CIP3 generates the necessary data and performs ink area presetting on the printing machine. These files are compatible with the PPF format and can be further processed by Heidelberg's CPC32 and data control systems. In addition, the imposition workstations can also provide administrative data on job, layout, and post-print cutting instructions. The advantages are greater production reliability, and faster machine settings in the printing and postpress stages.
V. Delta Chassis - Master Everything
Before the data arrived in the delta chassis, it had been rasterized but not screened. The screening is performed in a delta chassis.
Since the connected output system does not operate in the on/off mode, the entire screening process is greatly accelerated. Delta chassis has two versions - HQS High Quality Screening and I. S. Unreasonable screening, the latter is the world's most famous screening process. There are also other options - delta diamond screening with FM output, new offset printing with delta Mega dot screening, and delta gravure outlets.
VI. Delta Job Preparation Server - Provide More Choices
Delta workstations (excluding delta chassis) have a variety of configurations, combined with print managers and image managers, to provide users with a wide range of server functions, thus ensuring that it is equally applicable in other system environments. Even if the output system is not controlled by delta technology (such as Hercules and RIP50), the advantages of the R.O.O.M. concept can be fully reflected. With this type of job preparation workstation, a list of deltas can be generated in advance and used in the subsequent trapping and color page printing processes. For example, Delta proofers can be used to optimally control all the proofers in the network. There is no doubt that a realistic color sample can be generated, and the existing proofing system can be linked to the work flow – in a nutshell, this is an efficient and economical solution. Delta proofing output is also important in the standard Postscript workflow.
In addition, the PTP data can be quickly and easily generated using the delta printing interface CIP3, and the ink zone controls on the press - all of this is done automatically after proofing. Its main advantage is that different jobs can be assigned to different workstations in the network to share the workload. The delta list can also be output to an external data medium or transmitted via ISDN. The modular structure allows users to expand their configurations in stages according to their needs.
VII. Looking to the future
Although the time is not ripe yet, many people are already talking about the PDF data format. It can be foreseen that the PDF format will have greater development in the future and be applied in the prepress process. Delta technology can help to better meet this future. The PDF format can be processed on the Delta system, and this format can also be used on imposition workstations.
Adobe's portable work card can contain job information such as output parameters, trapping and imposition instructions, etc. It can also contain print and postpress information. The Delta R.O.O.M. Concept and the PDF file format complement each other perfectly. The active advantage of PDF is reflected in the RIP process, and the advantages of the delta list are reflected in the post-grating process. PDF page-oriented job flow can be modified until the last raster processing. The delta list is equivalent to digital film, representing a completely reliable output format used in proofing, film, plate, and color management. Delta users can combine the advantages of the two, and it can determine when to convert from a PDF format that is easy to modify and replace to a more reliable, export-friendly delta list mode.
In the future, the imposition workstations can also generate job cards for delta technology to read and execute. With the continuous development of Delta technology and the close cooperation between Heidelberg and Adobe, users will continue to receive maximum benefits in the coming period.