* What is the DI?
* What is Direct Imaging?
* What are the primary benefits of the DI?
* What is the quality of print like?
* How does the DI compare to color copies?
* What paper can run on the DI?
* Why is a waterless system preferable in short-run color printing?
* How does direct imaging work?
* Are the plates recyclable?
* How is the Quickmaster DI better for the environment

What is the DI?
The Heidelberg Quickmaster Direct Imaging press (or DI) is a four-unit, waterless offset printing press which links directly to any PostScript prepress system through a process called Direct Imaging. Direct Imaging utilizes the digital information from PostScript systems for press set-up and on-press plate imaging. Among the major process features of direct imaging is the elimination of film, photographic plates, and the chemicals associated with them.

The DI also serves to reduce labor-intensive processes normally associated with conventional lithographic printing. This press images all four plates in register, simultaneously, and presets the ink zone settings based on the page coverage requirements. Also, it prints without water, so dampening is not required.

In short, page preparation and make-ready times are dramatically reduced.

What is Direct Imaging?
Direct Imaging is the bridge between electronic prepress systems and true offset printing. The DI allows digital data to be sent directly to the printing press using direct-to-press, filmless, non-photographic technology.

What are the primary benefits of the DI?
Since the DI eliminates a majority of the manual processes, it excels in meeting market demands in many areas. The DI is indeed a cost-effective method by which to produce four-color print runs of 500 to 10,000 pieces. You'll enjoy fast turnaround time and exceptional image quality.

What is the quality of print like?
The DI's image quality is comparable to traditional lithographic printing. As a result of its laser diode technology, the edge sharpness and dot shape produced on the DI are the same as you would expect from a conventional imagesetting device.

How does the DI compare to color copies?
Actually, the two technologies complement one another. Electrophotographic printers, such as our Xerox DocuColor40 and Canon CLC 1000, provide excellent copier quality. However, with this technology, whether you're printing one or 500 pieces, the cost remains constant. True production oriented printing beyond 500 copies becomes uneconomical when compared to the DI.

From a technology standpoint, all are PostScript printing devices. However, copiers are xerographic devices where an electronic charge is applied to a sheet of paper and either dry or liquid toner particles are polarized (oppositely charged) fusing it to the sheet.

The DI takes advantage of an entirely different technology known as dry lithography, or waterless printing. From a marketing standpoint, the DI and color copiers address the short run quick turnaround four-color printing market. However, when you're looking at a run length from 500 to 10,000, the DI offers the highest-quality, most COST-EFFECTIVE solution on the market today.

What paper can run on the DI?
The DI can print on any weight stock from onion skin to 12 point cover. Choices include all substrates that can run on a conventional offset press, including coated, uncoated, recycled, mylar, and self-adhesive papers. Sheet sizes range from 3.5" x 5.5" to 13.4" x 18.1".

This is one of the fastest combinations of hardware/ software available on the market today. Under most circumstances, we will RIP and separate files in times ranging from four to eight minutes.

Why is a waterless system preferable in short-run color printing?
Waterless printing provides for easier and quicker make-ready, a sharper dot structure, and greater flexibility in ink laydown since there is no dampening system to bring into balance. In addition, waterless lithography results in less paper stretch, lower dot gain, and more consistent process control.

How does Direct Imaging work?
Direct Imaging works by a technique called "ablation technology". Wherever ink is to be laid down, a laser removes the silicone and image-forming layers from the plate, thereby exposing the base layer of polyester which accepts ink.

Are the plates recyclable?
The plates consist of 99% polyester, and a very thin top layer of silicone, both of which are completely harmless to the environment. So, yes, the plates are recyclable. The plate manufacturer, accepts the used plate material, or the plates can be recycled through normal channels.

How does the Quickmaster DI benefit the environment?
The DI process eliminates the hazardous waste materials right up to the final step of printing! No film or film processing is required, the plates are non-photographic, and the disposal problems associated with the heavy metals and chemistry are eliminated, as are the costs associated with these activities. And, since the DI is a waterless offset system, fountain solution and alcohol substitutes are eliminated.

Paper waste is also reduced significantly since the DI boasts a very quick make-ready time.

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