Pancyprian TS Graphic Arts III Θ.Κ. study plan

Describe the physical principle of each of the five main printing processes (offset lithography, flexography, gravure, screen printing, digital) and explain how ink transfer differs between them

Explain the role of dampening solution and the ink-water balance in offset lithography, and state what happens to dot gain and scumming when the balance is wrong

Compare the five processes on achievable substrate range, typical run length, plate or screen cost, and image quality, and justify which process suits a given job brief

Sketch from memory the ink train of an offset press (plate, blanket, impression cylinders plus inking and dampening units) and label each part

Explain how flexographic and gravure cylinders or sleeves are prepared and how cell volume or anilox line count controls ink lay-down

Describe screen printing mesh count, stencil types, and squeegee angle, and predict how each variable changes ink deposit thickness

Distinguish the main digital printing technologies (inkjet and electrophotography) and state the substrate and run-length limits of each

Calculate sheet counts, gross sheets required, and waste allowance percentages for a given run length and spoilage rate

Convert between ream weight, grammage (g/m²), and sheet area to find the mass of a paper delivery

Trace the prepress workflow end to end from image capture through scanning, colour separation, RIP, CTP output, and imposition, naming the file or data state at each stage

Explain what a RIP does to a page description file and why trapping, overprint, and screening settings are applied at that stage

Describe how a CTP platesetter images a plate and list the checks made on a finished plate before it goes on press

Compute a basic imposition scheme for a 16-page signature on a given sheet size and state the fold and creep implications

Explain additive and subtractive colour mixing and convert between RGB and CMYK values for simple colours, stating why the conversion is not lossless

Interpret a densitometer reading (solid ink density, dot gain, contrast) and state acceptable process targets for CMYK

Explain what an ICC profile describes and distinguish input, display, and output profiles in a colour-managed workflow

Describe when a spot colour is specified instead of a process build and how it is handled in the separation and on press

Classify typefaces into the main historical groups (old style, transitional, modern, slab serif, sans serif, script, display) and identify the distinguishing features of each

Convert between point, pica, millimetre, and inch measurements for type size, leading, and line length

Apply composition rules on leading, measure, kerning, tracking, alignment, and widows and orphans to correct a badly set page

Construct a baseline grid and a column grid for a given page size and explain how the grid governs placement of text and images

Classify paper grades (uncoated, coated gloss and matt, recycled, board) and match each to a suitable print job with reasons

Relate grammage, bulk, caliper, and opacity, and explain how paper absorbency affects ink setting and drying

Distinguish the main ink types (offset litho, UV, flexo water-based and solvent-based, screen) and their drying mechanisms

Sequence the post-press operations for a saddle-stitched booklet and a perfect-bound book, naming cutting, folding, collating, binding, trimming, and any laminating or die-cutting

State the quality control checks made at each finishing stage and the defects each check catches

Identify the hazardous substances found in a print workshop (solvents, fountain solution additives, UV inks, plate developers, spray powders) and state the controls for each

Interpret the information on a safety data sheet and locate the hazard, handling, and disposal sections

Describe machine guarding requirements for cutters, folders, and presses and the safe procedure for clearing a jam or making-ready

Explain correct segregation, labelling, and disposal routes for waste ink, solvent, used plates, and paper trim

List the personal protective equipment required at each main machine and the reason for each item

Solve mixed production calculations combining imposition arithmetic, waste allowance, ink coverage estimation, and cost per thousand sheets

Build a simple job cost from paper, plates, ink, machine time, and finishing, then derive a selling price with a stated margin

Rehearse weak areas identified in earlier weeks by re-attempting missed calculation and colour questions under timed conditions

Summarise the whole workflow from brief to delivered job in a single annotated flow covering prepress, press, and post-press decision points