Prepress (or reprographics) includes a host of processes that sit in-between design and print. They include: scanning; retouching (image manipulation); technical preparation and pre-flight checking (trapping, planning, bleed, checking of file formats, preparation of digital artwork files such as ADS, PDF, etc.); digital Cromalin proofing and HP inkjet proofing; and platemaking.

It is a highly technical set of processes that require high quality equipment and even more importantly high quality staff. Stabur Graphics meets these two crucial requirements. We have a team of 4 people covering the above processes and a fine set of equipment to aid them in their endeavours. Below is a summary of each of the processes and some technical specifications.

• SCANNING
The digitisation of images from transparencies (slides), negatives, prints, artwork, pre-printed items and sometimes original objects such as fabric swatches. We have two drum scanners and a digital camera for small objects (also see digital photography). The drum scanners take originals of up to A3 size (420mm x 297mm) coping with the vast majority of peoples scanning needs. Our scanners can input images at resolutions of up to 12,000 dpi.

Scans can be used for all kinds of end uses including printed materials, large format digital output and the internet. Once scanned all images are given a general clean-up to remove dust and scratch marks and colour correction to match the original. Thereafter we can perform dramatic retouching and image manipulation. When the image is complete we can supply the scans to you on your own disk, burn them to CD or send them to you by iSDN (email can be used for small scans only).

• RETOUCHING (image manipulation)
General cleaning up of images to remove dust and scratches is often only the beginning. If an original is old or badly damaged we can repair and replace areas. Or, if an image includes something that spoils the view such as a car in front of a shop, for example, then we can remove the car and fill in the area where the car was. Almost anything is possible, you just have to ask. Creative image manipulation can be applied to create many different effects including spectacular backgrounds, montaging and morphing.

• TECNICAL PREPARATION
Taking a design and making it work for print is a vital process. The design might look great on screen or as a laser copy but when making separations for film and plates there are many considerations to be made. Professional preparation of artwork includes trapping, planning, adding bleed, and checking of image file formats. If you don't get it right at this stage it doesn't matter how good the printing machine or print technician is. Other processes include preparation of digital artwork files such as ADS and PDF to send artwork to newspapers and magazines for advertisements.

• DIGITAL CROMALIN PROOFING
Careful proofing of final artwork is essential and a little time and expenditure in this area can save you a considerable amount of time and money later by avoiding costly reprints. Our digital Cromalin system works directly from the files produced by our prepress technicians and produces consistent results up to B2 size.

• PLATEMAKING
Following proofing we make the printing plates using our Heidelberg CTP (computer to plate) system. Our platemaking room is isolated from the rest of the department in a temperature controlled room and is kept spotlessly clean to ensure that no dust creates unwanted marks on the final printed image.

Click here for a copy of our Prepress Plant List in PDF format.