IMAGESETTER Meaning and
Definition
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An imagesetter is a specialized device used in the printing industry to produce high-quality film or plate output for the reproduction of text and images. It is primarily utilized in commercial printing, graphic design, and publishing sectors. The imagesetter functions by converting digital information into printable graphics that can be used to create offset printing plates or film negatives.
The primary purpose of an imagesetter is to create high-resolution output with precise details, ensuring accurate reproduction of complex artwork, text, or photographs. It employs advanced laser technology to expose light-sensitive material, typically a light-sensitive film. The imagesetter’s laser scans across the surface of the light-sensitive material, generating images by selectively exposing specific areas to light. This process creates dots that form the graphic or text through a halftone screening process.
Imagesetters often offer different dot resolutions depending on the desired output quality and the specific requirements of the printing project. Higher resolutions lead to finer detail and smoother gradients in the final output. Additionally, imagesetters may support different color separations, allowing for the creation of films or plates with multiple colors or for specialized printing techniques.
With the advent of digital technology and the rise of computer-to-plate systems, the usage of traditional imagesetters has declined in recent years. However, they remain a crucial tool in some printing operations, especially those still utilizing film-based workflows or requiring specific capabilities that an imagesetter offers.
Common Misspellings for IMAGESETTER
- umagesetter
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- imatesetter
- imagwsetter
Etymology of IMAGESETTER
The word "imagesetter" is derived from the combination of two words: "image" and "setter".
- "Image" comes from the Latin word "imago", meaning "representation" or "copy". It entered English through Middle French and Latin, retaining a similar meaning of an optical representation or likeness of an object, person, or scene.
- "Setter" originates from the word "set", which has Old English and Germanic roots. In this context, it refers to a person or thing that sets or places something, often in a particular arrangement or order.
Therefore, an "imagesetter" is a device or machine that sets or arranges images, specifically referring to equipment used in the printing industry for producing high-resolution prints of digital images, designs, or artwork.
