New Generations of Electronic Scanning and Engraving Equipment.

Having mastered the techniques of electronic color separation and correction, and electronic engraving of rotogravure cylinders, the manufacturers of such equipment are now working toward more sophisticated systems which will eliminate most, if not all, of the intermediary steps which traditionally have separated original copy from final printing plate or rotogravure cylinders. New color scanners will separate and correct the colors, enlarge or reduce images, strip or photo-compose pages, make local editorial corrections, and screen by laser, in one step. In the field of rotogravure, second generation systems will combine color separation, correction, stripping and cylinder engraving, in one operation. Electron beam engraving and computerized, tape-controlled systems are being investigated for third generation systems, of the not-too-distant future.