Electronic prepress system with multi-function thermal imaging apparatus

An output device (16) of an electronic prepress system (10) has a first operating mode for outputting color separated images individually onto a first image receiving material and a second operating mode for outputting the color separated images onto a second image receiving material with the color separated images superimposed as an assembled color proof. The invention involves a thermal imaging apparatus (16) comprising a support (30) for supporting a receiver material and a donor material in a superimposed relationship. The support (30) includes a cylindrical drum having an inner circumference on which the receiver material is supported against in a bottom layer of the superimposed relationship and the donor material in a top layer of the superimposed relationship. An imaging unit (40) thermally transfers an image from the donor material to the receiver material. A material selecting mechanism (20) selects a material from a plurality of material supply rolls (104). A material dispensing mechanism (150) dispenses the material from the plurality of material supply rolls toward the support (30). An applicator (50) automatically loads and unloads the receiver material and donor material onto the cylindrical drum. The output conveyor (70) removes the material without contact between the image on the material and adjacent platens. The imaging material has an inherent curl and is loaded onto the cylindrical drum (30) with the curl aligned with the inner circumference of the cylindrical drum. The apparatus according to the present invention includes a redirecting mechanism (300) for redirecting of the imaging material in a direction against the inherent curl.