Typecraft 
Proofing for Computer-To-Plate Workflow

Typecraft, a full-service sheetfed printer based in Pasadena, Calif., has been providing printing services to the Los Angeles area for over 50 years. As digital printing has evolved, Typecraft has invested in the latest technology advancements to provide leading-edge services to its clients, including the renowned J. Paul Getty museum in Los Angeles. As a result, Typecraft has migrated to a 100 percent digital workflow, taking projects from digital prepress, to computer-to-plate (CTP), to the presses. 

Historically, the biggest bottleneck in the printing industry’s digital workflow process has been the proofing cycle, due to the lack of an affordable and accurate digital proofing system on the market. Typecraft was forced to rely on proofs from printers that were not only costly, but could only produce 300 dpi output – not sharp enough to satisfy clients’ requirements. For evaluation of finer details, the company had to resort to expensive, time-consuming film-based proofs. They knew they needed to find a printing solution that could meet their as well as their client's high standards for quality and affordability. To resolve the digital-proofing problem, Typecraft purchased the Epson Stylus Pro 5000 with the Fiery RIPStation 5000.

True color is critical through all stages of the process, from proof to final product. The Epson/Fiery solution provides an impressive level of flexibility, combined with incredible accuracy. Whether creating color separations from transparencies, or working from a final disk of color separations already in position, the Epson color proofing system produces accurate and consistent proofs. With 1440 dpi output, the high-quality proofs meet the professional requirements of Typecraft clients. The Fiery RIP Station 5000 allows Typecraft’s technicians to calibrate the Epson printer to exactly match the output of specific press targets for more precise proofing. 

Typecraft has helped its clients make the adjustment from more expensive traditional proofing methods to the faster, more affordable, and high-quality Epson proofs . When clients order traditional proofs such as Matchprints, Typecraft offers them a complimentary Epson color proof to show them the quality of both proofs side by side. When comparing the two, clients usually choose the cost-effective Epson proof with the assurance that quality has not been sacrificed. So, not only does the solution represent savings in initial hardware investment, but the cost per print is also much less expensive.

Typecraft’s adoption of a completely digital workflow – with its integration of the Epson Stylus Pro 5000 – solidifies the company’s commitment to generate top quality output and to provide quick turnaround to meet its clients’ professional requirements.