Library
Technical guides and industry insights for print and electronics engineers: LDI, CTS, thermal CTP, digital printing and market trends.
LDI vs Photolithography: Choosing the Right PCB Imaging Method
A practical comparison of laser direct imaging (LDI) and traditional photolithography for PCB fabrication — how each works, where it wins, and how to choose.
9 min readTechnology GuideComputer-to-Screen (CTS): The Definitive Screen Engraving Guide
A complete guide to computer-to-screen (CTS) screen engraving — workflow, resolution, substrates and how digital exposure replaces film and manual exposure.
8 min readTechnology GuideHow to Select a VLF Thermal CTP Platemaker
A buyer’s guide to very-large-format (VLF) thermal CTP platesetters — thermal vs violet, key specs, automation and how to match a device to your pressroom.
8 min readTechnology GuideDigital Printing vs Conventional Platemaking: A Prepressed Comparison
Digital printing versus conventional CTP platemaking — setup, run length, variable data and per-piece cost, and where each wins on the shop floor.
7 min readTechnology GuideInkjet Printing Explained: Piezo, Thermal and Continuous
How drop-on-demand and continuous inkjet work, the trade-offs between piezo and thermal heads, and how to match inkjet technology to substrate, ink and throughput.
8 min readTechnology GuidePCB Laser Direct Imaging (LDI): Fine-Line, HDI and Packaging
How LDI images circuit patterns without masks, the resolution and alignment numbers that matter for HDI and IC substrates, and when maskless exposure beats contact printing.
9 min readTechnology GuideFlexographic Platemaking: Film Negatives to Laser Ablation
The flexo plate workflow — analog film exposure, digital CDI laser ablation, solvent, water and thermal processing — and how to choose a plate path for packaging and labels.
8 min readTechnology GuideFilm Output and Traditional Prepress: What Still Needs Film
What imagesetters and halftone film used to do, why digital plate and screen imaging replaced most of it, and the niches where film still survives.
7 min readTechnology GuideCTP Platemaking: Thermal, Violet and the Digital Plate
Computer-to-plate without film — thermal versus violet lasers, plate chemistry, the prepress workflow, and how to choose a platesetter for your pressroom.
8 min readIndustry TrendsPCB Manufacturing in 2026: AI Servers, HDI and the New Imaging Demands
AI servers, advanced HDI and IC substrates are reshaping PCB production. What the shift means for imaging equipment, line width budgets and factory planning.
8 min readIndustry TrendsInkjet Printing Trends 2026: Packaging Leads the Next Wave
Packaging, water-based inks, purpose-built presses and AI-driven operations are redefining industrial inkjet. A practical look at the trends that matter for print businesses.
7 min readIndustry TrendsPackaging Prepress in 2026: Short Runs, Automation and Cleaner Plate-Making
Run-length fragmentation, CTP automation, water-washable plates and expanded-gamut color are transforming packaging prepress. What converters and trade shops need to plan for.
8 min read