Makeready is a word commonly used in the printing industry to refer to the preparation of a printing press before running a job. It is pronounced /ˈmeɪk.rɛd.i/ and spelled with a combination of three morphemes: make, meaning to create or prepare; ready, meaning to be prepared; and the suffix -i, meaning related to or characterized by. The unique spelling of makeready reflects its origin as a compound word and the conventions of the printing industry.
Makeready is a term commonly used in the printing and publishing industry to refer to the process of preparing a printing press or machine for production. It involves a series of tasks and adjustments that need to be completed prior to running the printing job.
The makeready process typically includes several steps such as cleaning the press, installing the appropriate plates or cylinders, adjusting ink density and distribution, setting up the paper feed, aligning the printing elements, and testing the registration. These tasks aim to ensure that the press is ready to produce high-quality printed materials with accurate color, sharpness, and clarity.
Makeready is an essential and time-consuming phase in printing, as it allows operators to fine-tune the press to achieve the desired results before actual production commences. It requires skilled technicians who are knowledgeable about the equipment, the printing job requirements, and the intricacies of color management.
In addition to commercial printing, the term may also apply to other industries, such as graphic design or packaging, where similar preparatory processes are undertaken to set up machinery for production runs.
Overall, makeready is a critical stage in the printing process that ensures the highest level of print quality and efficiency, minimizing errors and waste during production.
The word "makeready" is derived from two separate terms: "make" and "ready".
"Make" comes from the Middle English word "maken", which is derived from the Old English word "macian" meaning "to construct" or "to do". It has Germanic roots and is related to the German word "machen" and the Dutch word "maken", both of which also mean "to make".
"Ready" comes from the Old English word "ræde", meaning "prepared" or "willing". It is also related to Old High German "reiti", which means "preparedness" or "arrangement", and the Old Norse word "ræða", meaning "to advise" or "to counsel".
When these two words are combined, "makeready" refers to the act of making something ready or preparing it for use.