To start imaging masks, the Kodak service representative must set up both the ThermoFlex imaging device and the device control workstation—TIFF Front End. TIFF Front End (TFE) consists of the following software to optimize and control sending high-resolution image data to the imager, and provide feedback to users about device operations:
- TIFF Assembler Plus
- Xpose or Print Console device control software
- Copydot Toolkit or Viewer
TFE is a user interface that provides a means of managing all aspects of exposing digital plates on the ThermoFlex device.
Figure 1. TFE user interface
TIFF Assembler Plus
- Gangs individual colors or jobs into one output image for optimal utilization of plate material
- Allows operators to view high-resolution data
- Has a compare feature that identifies pixel differences between original and change files for quality control purposes
- Can translate proprietary TIFF formats on the fly into a standard TIFF format for imaging (most importantly, Esko LEN format)
Figure 2. TIFF Assembler Plus user interface
Xpose or Print Console Device control software
- Drives ThermoFlex devices
- Narrow and Mid devices use Xpose
- Wide devices use Print Console
- Provides media setups and imaging orientation
- Provides feedback on device state, progress, and errors
Copydot Toolkit and Viewer
- Provide a means to view actual high-resolution data used to image plates
- Can be used to measure line-screen angles and frequencies
The full version of Copydot Toolkit can also be used for pixel editing of 1-bit data and reformatting of data for other devices.
Imaging tests can be done on an imaging device without having a digital workflow upstream, provided there are available 1-bit TIFF test files at appropriate resolutions and line screens. After the Kodak service representative has set up TFE and has appropriate TIFF test files, the Kodak ThermoFlex can be set up to accurately expose the digital mask.