8Prepress Shines at Graph Expo

Attendees of the upcoming Graph Expo and Converting Expo 2004 event, slated to be held next month in Chicago, will see debuts and demonstrations of prepress solutions from a host of manufacturers. Following is a selection of just some of what will be featured at the show:

Dalim Software (Booth 5066) will introduce new versions of its automated workflow production software tools, which now can run on Mac OS X. To be shown are Dalim Twist Version 5.0, a new JDF-enabled version of the company's automated workflow software; Dialogue Version 3.0, for Internet-based remote and collaborative viewing and soft proofing of high-resolution files; Printempo Version 2.0, its browser-based, JDF-enabled print production system; and Mistral, its Web-based production management system.

Dynagram (Booth 5011) will be presenting at the Graph Expo event its DynaStrip imposition solution for commercial printers. Based on the JDF standard, company officials say that DynaStrip affords the complete customization and control of imposition layouts, thus allowing users to create, save, and modify basic templates on the fly.

EFI (Booth 4613) will launch the next generation of its Fiery System software, featuring a new user interface, variable-data print capabilities, specialized graphic arts tools, and automated production workflow solutions for increasing productivity and linking digital presses to MIS operations. ColorProof XF, EFI's new, scalable client/server-based proofing solution, will also be on display [see page 30 in this issue for more details].

Enfocus Software (Booth 4877) will show the Enfocus PDF Workflow Suite, including Instant PDF 3.0, PitStop Professional 6.1, PitStop Server 3.1, and a subscription to Enfocus certifiedpdf.net for easy access to PDF specifications. The suite allows users to set up and communicate PDF quality specifications, and to check and correct incoming PDF files.

Enovation, a Fujifilm company (Booth 4042), will introduce to the U.S. market its FinalProof GxT digital contract proofer, offering true halftone dot digital proofs using Fujifilm's exclusive Thin Layer Thermal Transfer technology. Also at the show, Enovation will introduce Fujifilm's new B2 violet computer-to-plate (CTP) platesetter, the Luxel V-6. First shown at Drupa, the device comes in manual, semi-automatic, and automatic configurations. Additionally, Enovation will debut to the U.S. market Taffeta, its next-generation 20-micron FM screening solution. The company also will be showcasing applications for use on the Xerox DocuColor 6060, the Remote Director monitor-based proofing system from ICS, and Enovation's new and complete CTP solution, Turnkey CTP.

Esko-Graphics (Booth 4017) will present the North American debut of its new Espresso four-up computer-to-UV-plate platesetter system, capable of imaging most conventional UV plates. The device can facilitate an easy move from an analog to CTP workflow, according to the manufacturer, and can image up to 13 four-up UV plates per hour in normal light conditions, or up to 20 four-up high-sensitivity UV plates per hour in safe light, at a fixed resolution of 2,400 dpi. Other CTP solutions featured by Esko-Graphics will include the eight-up PlateDriver 8 Auto CTP system, allowing for the unattended on-line loading of up to 500 plates in five different bins. In addition, Esko-Graphics will demonstrate its new JDF-enabled Scope workflow solution, encompassing a suite of pre-production software tools for the commercial print and packaging markets.

GMG USA (Booth 5062) will show the latest version of its ColorProof software [see page 37 in this issue for more details]. In addition, the manufacturer will highlight the ProofControl 4 quality control system, a package of complementary hardware and software that allows users to vary and document the conformity of each proof with any industry or custom standard. GMG also will feature FlexoProof, designed to meet the proofing needs of the packaging industry, and InkOptimizer, which automatically reduces the amount of chromatic colors for ink savings of up to 25% on press, according to the manufacturer.

Group Logic (Booth 5087) will be previewing new versions of its MassTransit and ExtremeZ-IP network workflow solutions. The latest version of MassTransit is JDF-enabled for automated file transfer. The company also will feature the latest version of ExtremeZ-IP Print Server TCP/IP print server software for Macs printing to printers and other devices managed by Windows-based servers.

Heidelberg (Booth 1000) will feature the Prinect Experience, a series of eight workstations that will walk visitors through Prinect, the company's computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) solution. The exhibit aims to demonstrate to printers how they can employ CIM in their own facilities.

HumanEyes Technologies will make its North American debut with its new distribution partner, xpedx (Booth 4606). At the xpedx booth, HumanEyes will present its 3-D technologies, demonstrating how its software can facilitate the production of high-quality lenticular images.

Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) (Booth 4031) will present its Color Fidelity System, designed to help users ensure predictable color from image capture to output. The system, comprising three modules, complements most graphic arts software and provides a consistent method for the proofing and communication of both RGB and CMYK work, according to KPG officials.

Presstek (Booth 5047) will highlight its new ProFire Excel, a laser imaging platform designed to bring improved productivity to chemistry-free CTP and direct-imaging (DI) applications. Featuring a 16-micron spot size and 300-lpi resolution, the device supports stochastic screening. Presstek also will feature its next-generation CTP platform powered by ProFire Excel, Dimension Excel, with new automated plate handling features that offer higher throughput (up to 20 plates per hour) and more flexible plate handling options.

In its DI line, Presstek will show its ProFire Excel imaging optimized with the new ProFire Digital Media, allowing DI presses to deliver 300-line offset quality screening, and support for FM screening. The new KPG 5634 and Ryobi 3404X-DI will be featured in Presstek's booth as well.

QuadTech (Booth 817) will show the latest version of its Color Control System, which includes patented, video-densitometer-based technology that detects and analyzes printed micro color bars and then instantly adjusts the press in real time to control four-color process and Pantone colors. QuadTech also will highlight Data Central, a software product designed to enhance press productivity, addressing the need for improved workflow using JDF-enabled systems and controls.

Screen USA (Booth 3601) will show the latest version of its Trueflow PDF workflow management system, designed to optimize CTP production and digital printing. The latest iteration, Version 3.0, enables a transition from a PDF and PostScript workflow to a JDF-based environment, using JDF-based job tickets. Other workflow solutions highlighted in Screen's booth include the Riteonline print ordering system; Riteportal Internet portal into prepress; and Ritetransfer client/server file transfer system.

Screen also will feature its Spekta hybrid AM/FM screening technology. In addition, Screen will show its new Plate-Rite Ultima 32000Z, affording high-speed output on a range of plate sizes up to the largest 32-page plates. The company also will feature a 16-page device, the PlateRite Ultima 16000.

StaffingTools.com (Booth 4963) will debut its dedicated Prepress Training Solution division at Graph Expo. The company will showcase the new look of the division, along with new training courses and a new Learning Management System.

X-Rite (Booth 5053) is launching IntelliPass, an inking preset solution that processes existing prepress bitmapped data to calculate precise ink-key preset values. According to the manufacturer, IntelliPass can upgrade existing legacy equipment from as early as the 1980s, and is compatible with multiple press brands. The company also will feature MonacoOptix, a new colorimeter designed to create accurate ICC profiles for CRT and flat-panel color displays; Pulse ColorElite portable color measurement system; the DTP 70 scanning spectrophotometer; MonacoQColor cross-platform color management software; IntelliTrax press-side color management system for sheetfed printers; and the DTP32 Series II, providing calibration and quality control for PostScript color copiers, printers, and proofing systems.