By default, the optimization set in the "Preferences" in "Default for Sheet Optimization" is used for all jobs. Use the combi button on the right to display predefined sheet optimization setups for use specifically on the job currently open.
The name of the selected setup displays in italics. In this way, you always know which resource is being used for optimization.
The key data are divided into the following groups:
•"Geometry Data" (margins)
•"Cost Data" (print preparation in general and per separation, cost per 1000 sheets)
•"Global Control" (slider "less plates" <> "less sheets")
In the "Preferences" in "User Interface", you can set whether the groups will display either closed or open by default. This is where you can also set whether one or more groups will be fully hidden.
When a group is closed, a yellow warning triangle displays if the setup should deviate from the default.
In addition, all the parameters of the resource in use that deviate from the default display beside the "Advanced Settings..." button. The setup in italics becomes obsolete and no longer displays when you modify one of the boxes or change the position of the slider. The modified data are used for optimization for the active job and are retained.
More details about each of the data:
Geometry Data for Sheet Optimization
Cost Data for Sheet Optimization
Global Sheet Optimization Control (less plates/less sheets slider)
Advanced Settings for Sheet Optimization
Geometry Data for Sheet Optimization
Left Margin / Right Margin / Top Margin / Bottom Margin
By defining these margins, you create a bounding box within which the 1ups can be positioned. If you leave the default values of "0" as they are, the bounding box is the same size as the paper. By entering values for the margins, you shrink the size of the bounding box accordingly.
If you set marks at the left, right and top, you must set a margin for these marks.
Cost Data for Sheet Optimization
When you enter cost values, optimization will give you the most cost-effective result.
Example:
If the cost for print preparation (with setup of the press) is higher than comparable paper costs, then optimization provides a result with as few press sheets as possible but perhaps with more paper waste.
Fixed and variable costs can be taken into account with these parameters.
The values are to be entered by the user and can also have just material data. What is entered in this group can vary according to the economic philosophy of the company.
Note: These costs are not costs in a specific currency but only relative costs. In other words, it is not absolutely necessary that the values as such are correct but the relation of the values to one another.
Print Preparation (global)
The cost of a complete plate set should include the plate material, imaging and checking the plate as well as washing, loading and proof printing for print preparation.
Print Preparation (per separation)
At this point, the colors are not always known, and, consequently, a finer distinction of the cost is possible only through the operator.
Printing Material (per 1000 sheets)
The cost for 1000 unprinted sheets that have run through the press.
Global Sheet Optimization Control (less plates/less sheets slider)
The slider lets you weight the priority, in other words whether less plates or less press sheets will be used. The digits only portray the weighting for the algorithm and are not important otherwise.
Note: The slider does not necessarily improve optimization in every job. In some cases, the result is identical.