Prepress is the process of analyzing and converting graphics and text into a print-ready file. The resulting data must meet the requirements of the client as well as Uniflex regulations.

A lot of specialists are involved in prepress: proofreaders, designers, and special operators. Their job is to minimize mistakes during this process. Let's see how we set up our prepress process at Uniflex.

PREPRESS. THE MAIN STAGES

1. Input correction
2. Input integrity and print-readiness check
3. Prepress and layout creation
4. Layout correction
5. Coloring test
6. Preparing layout for printing
7. Layout check by a designer
8. Layout check by a proofreader

UNIFLEX PREPRESS EQUIPMENT

Uniflex prepress center is equipped with modern machines enabling fast and high-quality prepress process. We use Apple iMac computers with calibrated monitors, Wacom digitizers, color ink-jet and laser printers.

EFI Fiery XF color management system and Epson Stylus Pro 7900 ink-jet printers provide color corrected 1:1 layouts. Printer spectrophotometers constantly control color rendition, ensuring full color integrity during the whole process.

To simulate white paint on transparent film we use Epson Stylus Pro 7900WT ink-jet printer with special ink for controlled ink tabulation.

We implement printer profiling to register printing capabilities of every machine. Printing profile is built with Xrite software and i1iO/i1Pro spectrophotometers, creating CMYK and CMYKOVG (Multicolor) profiles.

Esko Studio Visualizer/Toolkit for Flexibles is a powerful program suite for flexible packaging and self-adhesive labels 3D modelling. It allows our customers to see a full simulation of the end product, including special decorations and layout correctness. A special label module creates a cutting die contour based on input parameters including container curvature (for rotary body only).

Uniflex platemaking equipment creates plates with CtP (Computer-to-plate) technology with Esko Nexus RIP software. Nexus RIP was developed to meet the needs of companies in the flexible packaging industry. It is very versatile and provides the means to work not only with classic dot patterns, but with such technologies as HD Flexo, Hybrid Screening, FM etc.

With modern platemaking machines such as Inline UV2 and laser engravers equipped with HR Optics 4000 ppi we are able to print plates both with classic dots and with flat top dots.

Uniflex prepress center tightly collaborates with label and flexible packaging production departments. We regularly test new technologies for our prepress process, and new polymers for plate manufacturing.