Scanner Type; Scan Resolution - ENCAD 215319-1 User Manual

3. Scanner Type

How you get the original image into the computer is important to the overall printing
process as scanner quality varies greatly. Using a scanner that meets the requirement of
the overall print quality is essential to have enough color fidelity and edge clarity. An
image scanned with a low end scanner will lose detail, clarity, and color. It is important
that you understand what type of image quality is required for your print and use the right
scanner to achieve it.
Traditionally, drum scanners are ideal for retaining the best edge definition and color
depth. If the original image is poor, an expensive drum scan may be a waste of money.
Almost all service bureaus use drum scanners.
Flatbed scanners require an optional transparency adapter to scan transparencies.

4. Scan Resolution

Scanning the original at low resolution will degrade the large-format inkjet print quality.
Scanning at resolution which is too high slows down the RIP and adds no quality to the
image. Consequently, choosing the right resolution for the output print size (and thus, the
amount of scaling needed after scanning) will determine what the optimum resolution is
for each image.
The quality of the image you would like to produce is determined by the final output size
and the file size. For example, if you want output a 36" x 36" image, the file size will be
approximately 24MB for a fair-good quality image (75dpi), 43MB for a good-very good
quality (100 dpi) and 97MB for an excellent quality (150 dpi) print.
Your service bureau can help you determine the optimum resolution to scan your image
based on the size and quality of the image you would like to print.
DO NOT USE INTERPOLATED RESOLUTION OF YOUR SCANNER TO COM-
PUTE IMAGE SIZE
Most 300 dpi scanners can interpolate or "imitate" 600 dpi scanning. This is really not
really scanning at 600 dpi and will degrade the image quality. When scanning, ensure that
you are using the scanner's true optical resolution, not its interpolated resolution. Scan-
ning at the highest optical resolution (300 dpi) is better than scanning at the scanner's
highest interpolated resolution (600 dpi).
CADJET ® 3D User Guide
Introduction 1-6