How CIP3 Works

Data stored in the PPF file is translated when rasterized. This ensures greater accuracy and faster plate speeds than manual plate or plate scans.
PPF files can be stored on the hard disk, smart card or via the network into the print control interface. For example, the ink value can be downloaded to the print console to automatically preset the ink fountain key, and the processing data can also be transmitted to the bookbinding machine.
In addition, the PPF thumbnail image can be printed out as a record by a Postscript printer to check the integrity of the job or to provide a hard copy of the uncomputerized printer ink settings.
On the one hand, because many functions are involved in the workflow, each function can write to or read data from the PPF file to access the CIP3 data. Therefore, it is almost impossible for a PPF file to be generated by a single application software.

E.g:
1. The imposition software may provide information for page placement, trim marks, and color patches; it may even give a fold and crop position.
2. The raster processor will make a low-resolution page.
3. The workflow system can insert data for job management.
On the other hand, a PPF file will be read by multiple wave applications.

E.g:
1. The cutting device reads the data related to the page setup and cut paper.
2. The printer will read the low resolution page description to find the ink coverage data.
3. All of these applications will read general job information such as the job name.
Therefore, it is highly probable that the PPF file will be used alone, at least because it is part of a Postscript branch. When a page is rasterized and the film or media is output, the Postscript file is no longer used. Therefore, the rasterization process will put CIP3 information in a file.