Frequently Asked Questions about OYO Imagesetters

How long has OYO been making and selling thermal plotters and imagesetters?
OYO has been making imaging peripheral devices since the early 80's and has enjoyed dominant market share in the seismic industry for this technology. Since 1992, OYO has been active in engineering and manufacturing thermal imagesetting devices for the prepress industry.

How many thermal plotters and imagesetters has OYO sold?
Worldwide, OYO has over 4,000 installed thermal imaging solutions in a variety of markets and industries. Over 800 of these are serving the prepress industry.

What is the difference between a thermal plotter and an OYO Imagesetter?
A thermal plotter and a thermal imagesetter share appearance and core technology. Functionally, they can vary with regard to control and precision. Each model is optimized for it's intended industry.

Who sells and supports OYO Imagesetters?
OYO Imagesetters can be found through a variety of qualified dealers and distribution channels. Where an authorized OYO dealer is not available, systems are available directly from OYO Instruments, LP Whether you purchase your OYO directly from OYO Instruments, LP or through one of our distributors, OYO Instruments, LP offers comprehensive technical support.

What RIP options are available for the OYO Imagesetters?
A number of RIP options are available. OYO has spent a great deal of time testing and evaluating RIPs, and offer and support only a few of those available. You can find a description of the RIPs supported by OYO on our web site, www.oyo.com, or by contacting us at sales@oyo.com, or by calling (713) 986-4444 or 1-800-747-7651.

What is a RIP? Does the imagesetter need one?
RIP stands for Raster Image Processor. The RIP takes information from your application and translates it into a language that your output device is able to understand. Yes, the OYO Imagesetter requires a RIP.

Does OYO supply a hardware RIP?
The RIPs that OYO currently supports are a combination of hardware and software. The actual processor is supplied by the customer in the form of a PC. This is the best arrangement, allowing for flexibility of configuration and easy upgradability.

Are there any limitations connecting an OYO Imagesetter to a network?
Since the RIP runs on either a PC running Windows NT or the Mac OS, networking is as easy as adding any new computer to an existing network. Our Windows 98 RIP for the TechStyler requires third party networking support for Macintosh connectivity.

How is density calibration done for the OYO Imagesetter?
Film density can be controlled from the OYO Imagesetter control panel. Several incremental exposure values ensure the proper level of density. Calibration for dot size is done from the RIP software. General tonal (gamma) curves can easily be applied, or if tighter control is needed, densitometer readings can be used to linearize the OYO.

Can I use my favorite graphics design software and output films to the OYO Imagesetter?
Most popular graphic design applications rely on the postscript programming language to create the artwork you design. The RIP (Raster Image Processor) interprets and prints these files to the OYO. Printing to the RIP is generally as easy as printing to any other printer on your network.

How is density calibration done for the OYO Imagesetter control panel?
Several incremental exposure values ensure the proper level of density. Calibration for dot size is done from the RIP software. General tonal (gamma) curves can easily be applied, or if tighter control is needed, densitometer readings can be used to linearize the OYO.

How long will it take to RIP and plot a file on the OYO Imagesetter?
RIP time is dependent on the complexity of the file, amount of memory available to the RIP, and the speed of the computer on which the RIP resides. This makes it difficult to accurately predict how long a file will take to process. OYO does offer one of the fastest RIPs in the industry, which will most likely equal or outperform any printer you may currently be using. The imagesetter itself prints at speeds up to 30 inches per minute for paper and up to 10 inches per minute for film.

Does OYO do imagesetter installations?
You are never on your own with OYO. On site installation and training is available as well as technical phone support.

What technology does the OYO Imagesetter use to make films?
The OYO imagesetter utilizes thermal technology to produce environmentally friendly films. No chemicals, dyes, inks, or toners are needed with this process. The only consumable is the film.

Are there other brands of thermal imagesetters available on the market?
What is the difference between them and the OYO Imagesetter?
There are other thermal imagesetters on the market. What sets OYO apart is its unique single substrate thermal head technology and innovative closed loop registration control. Our thermal head is one continuous piece, even on our largest 54" unit. Our competitors splice smaller heads together to achieve larger widths. This 'splicing' can cause density shifts, image misalignment, and gaps in the printed piece. Our closed loop control ensures accurate registration of even your longest print jobs. It continuously monitors the film for movement and will perform minute adjustments to ensure that your film separations will overlay accurately.

Are there any owners of OYO Imagesetters that would be willing to talk to me about their experience with the product?
There are several OYO Imagesetter owners that have and will be happy to talk about their experience with the OYO. Normally, we can refer you to a company that does similar work to your own shop. Please call a graphic sales representative for more information.

Can I make both film positives and negatives on the OYO Imagesetter?
Yes, the OYO Imagesetters can produce film positives and negatives at resolutions up to 600 x 1200. This makes it an ideal choice for newspapers, flexography, and low end offset.

What is the maximum size image I can output on an OYO Imagesetter?
We can produce films up to 54" wide by nearly any length.

Are there any chemicals or toners that I have to load into my imagesetter?
Thanks to our environmentally friendly, thermal technology the only thing you need to put in the imagesetter is film.

Is there any problem with disposal of used film?
As with traditional film, our thermal film does contain silver. You should consult your local EPA for proper disposal.

What industries are currently using the OYO Imagesetter?
OYO meets the demands of screenprinters, newspapers, and flexographic companies.

Can I use a Mac with the OYO Imagesetter? A PC?
Both a Mac and a PC can be used to print to the RIP software required by the OYO. The platform the RIP resides on is dependent on which RIP you purchase from OYO.

Do I need a processor to develop the film output from the OYO Imagesetter?
No processors or chemicals required. Your film positives and negatives are ready to use as soon as they print.

Does the OYO imagesetter have a film saving feature to reduce my film wastage?
All of the RIPs OYO sells offer some type of film saving or nesting features. This allows multiple plates to stack up side by side, utilizing as much of the film as possible.

Is it possible to use a smaller width film than what is specified by the size of the OYO Imagesetter?
No, you should only use the width of film that is appropriate for a particular size of OYO Imagesetter. In other words, use only 42" film in the 42" imagesetter. Attempting to use a smaller width film can damage the components in the machine.

Can I use any brand of thermal film that I choose?
We recommend that you do not. Using film not approved by OYO Instruments, LP could result in voiding your warranty.