Category: Digital letterpress
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Linotronic 330 Film Output

Hello all,

At our shop, we are using a RIP-50 and Linotronic 330 setup for film output. I have noticed that when outputting film along the length of the roll, I do not get accurate reproduction.

Let’s say I output a 500mm long graphic, the end result measures 498mm. We need better accuracy than this.

Does anyone have some insight on what could be causing this and possible some suggestions on how to resolve the issue?

I am using adobe illustrator to generate graphics prior to sending them to the RIP.

I would greatly appreciate your help.

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It’s been a long time since I used to babysit a 330. But I dimly recall there was an setting either in the rip or on the panel of the 330 where you could set up a compensation for film stretch. Sounds to me like there’s too much compensation in place.

It’s been a long time since I used to babysit a 330. But I dimly recall there was an setting either in the rip or on the panel of the 330 where you could set up a compensation for film stretch. Sounds to me like there’s too much compensation in place.

Thanks for your reply, unfortunately I am unable to find such a feature anywhere on my setup.

I checked the L-330 panel, and the RIP output manager. I also looked through all the manuals I have for the RIP and L-330 and found no reference to such a feature.

Do you recall where the setting was located?

I would appreciate if anyone else could shed some light on this issue.

Thanks a lot

Sorry. It’s been 17 years since I last laid my hands on a 330. It’s entirely possible that I’m remembering another machine.

We had a agfa 1000 plus that we had accuracy problems with as well. If it is similar I cleaned the rollers with alcohol and adjusted the tension and it helped a little. The specs on your imagesetter is .6 mil repeatabilty. you are out of spec but using a capstan imagesetter it is hard to get hairline register on your films. We went to drum and got a little better, .2 mil but I noticed a difference. Where are you at? We have a back up drum imagesetter that maybe for sale. btw capstan is where the film is pulled across the laser, drum the film is held in place and the laser moves. It gives you a little better repeatabilty. Good luck! Richard