Super high resolution prints on transparency in L.A.?

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molecool - 26 Apr 2004 06:31 GMT

I do live in Los Angeles and need to find someone who can produce a high res
print. I have created 'non-traditional' artwork (for some research) in
Illustrator which contains several thousand super fine lines at a thickness
of less than 1/10 of a millimeter. I need to have the file printed in color
and on transparent foil! This has proven to be a problem and even a res80
LVT print didn't come out just right.

Now, I heard that a LightJet 5000 might be able to print this, but I have my
doubts as to whether those things can print on transparent foil. Also,
everytime I call someone about sending them my file they want it as a 300dpi
Photoshop file, which doesn't make any sense if the output is supposed to
approach 4000dpi!! Again, converting to Photoshop is not the problem, but
the low resolution is - at 300dpi everything is simply going to turn into
mud.

I have already blown hundreds of dollars on failed res80 LVT outputs (a.k.a.
'mud') and am getting a bit frustrated. Is there a place in L.A. that can
produce super high resolution color prints? Also, being able to talk
somebody who actually understand the process and the intricacies involved
instead of some clueless 'technician' would really help ;-)

Any help would be greatly appreciated - I can't believe it's 2004 and I am
unable to get a decent output... <sigh>

Michael

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Gordon Moat - 26 Apr 2004 21:23 GMT

> I do live in Los Angeles and need to find someone who can produce a high res
> print. I have created 'non-traditional' artwork (for some research) in
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> the low resolution is - at 300dpi everything is simply going to turn into
> mud.

Convention litho and newer CTP systems have a maximum resolution of 2540 dpi,
which would cover the 1/10 mm, but not very good for the smaller items. One
problem in all systems, even at this resolution, is dot gain. Some CTP systems
are possible of 5 µm accuracy when making the plate, though getting the printed
output you want is another matter.

Creo have some newer solutions which greatly decrease and control dot gain, and
might have an answer for you. You can contact them through their web site
<http://www.creo.com>. Creo hold the patents on the most advanced technologies
in printing, and will gladly point you towards a company in the Los Angeles
area that uses their technology.

> I have already blown hundreds of dollars on failed res80 LVT outputs (a.k.a.
> 'mud') and am getting a bit frustrated. Is there a place in L.A. that can
> produce super high resolution color prints?

Possibly, if they are a Creo provider. Another option is Gravure printing, done
with laser etched plates. Unfortunately, the gravure printing choice could be
very expensive, but it is something you might want to ask about.

> Also, being able to talk
> somebody who actually understand the process and the intricacies involved
> instead of some clueless 'technician' would really help ;-)

I suggest you contact Creo. You can also try Precision Litho in Vista,
California (just south of LA) at 760.727.9400. or through
<http://www.plitho.com>

> Any help would be greatly appreciated - I can't believe it's 2004 and I am
> unable to get a decent output... <sigh>
>
> Michael

Unfortunately, what you are trying to do is very specialized, and not within
the realm of normal printed outputs, nor of normal photographic outputs. I
would be happy to take a look at your Illustrator file, if I can offer any
further assistance. As well as being a commercial photographer, I am also a
print design specialist, with a great deal of knowledge and information about
current technologies.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com

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