Streamlined Artistry

Science bests art

In offset platemaking's struggle with art versus science, it seems the latter won several years ago. And that is a good thing, contends Richard Butler, product development manager for Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. (Graphic Systems Division).

"Really, what was the purpose of the 'art' part of producing plates?" he wonders. "Wasn't it to compensate for results that were not consistent?" Butler insists having a firm shop standard produces a higher percentage of good plates, and also leads to easier correction of inconsistencies.