What is an Imagesetter?

The manual imagesetter is a machine that selects characters manually on the template and performs typesetting by photography. Manual imagesetters generally consist of a light source, a template, a lens and a shutter, a mirror on the light channel, a dark box of photosensitive material, a display and indicating device, and various push mechanisms. When the camera is working, select characters on the template according to the original, align the characters to be lined up to the lens, lower the positioning device and activate the shutter. The negative characters on the template are illuminated by the light source through the light channel and finally the photosensitive material Imaging. When composing a character, the position of the character is marked on the display and indication surface; after composing a character, the pushing device automatically advances the position of a character so as to arrange the next character. Manual typesetting feed and push, old machines use gear push; new machines use stepper motors to control. ^[1]