Direct Digital Imaging
The basic idea behind direct digital imaging is a solid-state - and hence highly reliable - 14'' print head that writes line-by-line onto heat-sensitive DRYSTAR film in a single-step process. Images of the same quality level are printed without the use of a complex laser and optical system. The only moving parts in the printer are the film and film drum itself. The straightforward design greatly increases reliability. The unique direct digital printing process guarantees high consistency of exposure.
Agfa's DRYSTAR imagers incorporate a built-in on-line macro-densitometer, controlling crosstalk via an intelligent thermal model that takes environment, image contents, thermal head condition and other factors all fully into account. The result is that every pixel in the image is completely software-controlled. This makes the thermal process more flexible than alternative laser engine technologies.
Key advantages:
- A single-step process, a simple mechanism
- Compactness
- Reliability
- Accessibility
- Daylight-insensitive film
- Easy maintenance
- Simple ecological packaging
- Solid-state imaging
- Long life
- Controlled, consistent image quality
- Excellent price/performance ratio
- Solid cost benefits