Image Carrier preparation refers to the processes and techniques involved in creating the medium on which images will be printed using various printing technologies. The preparation process varies depending on the type of printing method being used, such as relief printing, planographic printing, intaglio printing, and screen printing. Each method requires specific materials, tools, and steps to ensure the quality and accuracy of the printed image.
### Types of Image Carriers and Their Preparation
1. Conventional Relief Printing:
involves preparing block and type forms.
uses materials like rubber and photopolymer plates.
Processes include making line blocks and half-tone blocks and handling photopolymer and rubber plates.
2. Modern Relief Printing:
utilizes digital flexo plates and various digital imaging technologies.
involves the use of digital imagers (DI) and different types of lasers for plate making.
3. Conventional Planographic Printing:
uses lithographic plates and involves the photomechanical process.
requires materials like Ps plates and involves graining processes to prepare the plate surface.
4. Modern Planographic Printing:
employs Employs Computer-to-Plate (CtP) technology and various digital imaging techniques.
includes auto plate exposure, processing of digitally imaged plates, and maintenance of image and non-image areas.
5. Intaglio Printing:
involves materials and equipment for gravure image preparation.
Processes include electroplating gravure cylinders, etching, and engraving.
6. Screen Printing:
utilizes raw materials, tools, and equipment for stencil making.
Methods include direct and indirect stencil making and Computer-to-Screen (CtS) processes.
### Learning Outcomes
**Theoretical:**
Understand image preparation processes for different printing technologies.
Differentiate between various types of image carriers.
Know the raw materials and chemicals used in image preparation.
Solve problems related to image preparation using different printing methods.
**Practical:**
Apply the tools and equipment used in screen printing.
Prepare various types of stencils and print on different substrates.
Operate screen-printing machines and presses.
These processes are essential for ensuring high-quality prints in various printing applications, from commercial printing to specialized artistic productions】.