Big Show In The Big City

An unexpected Spring snowstorm and a down economy couldn't keep attendees from crowding the 10th annual On Demand show.

By Bob Neubauer and Mike Llewellyn

Despite a surprise spring snowfall that blanketed New York City and weakened first-day attendance, the 10th annual On Demand Digital Printing & Publishing Conference went on as usual early last month.

The exhibit hall at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center seemed much larger this year, due in part to On Demand's co-location with the AIIM Conference & Exposition. As a result, there were 438 exhibitors, compared with 150+ at last year's show.

By the event's second day, with the snow scare a fading memory, floor traffic rebounded. Among the 27,200 attendees reported by show organizers, scores of in-plant managers criss-crossed the 259,460-square-foot exhibit area to see the latest digital printing equipment.

Two of the show's largest exhibitors, Xerox and Heidelberg, had adjoining booths, with the Xerox iGen3 sitting directly across the aisle from Heidelberg's NexPress 2100, like suspicious neighbors sizing each other up over a fence. Other large exhibit areas were hosted by Canon USA, HP Indigo, IBM, IKON Office Solutions, Océ Printing Systems USA and Ricoh.

Despite all the hardware at the show, some of the biggest focuses were of the intangible variety.

• Xerox unveiled a new digital workflow strategy, expanded its collaboration with Electronics For Imaging and became a partner in a Creo initiative to create an integrated production workflow process.

• Heidelberg talked as much about inventive ways it can help printers drive profitability as it did about its products, and launched its Professional Services Group to aid in this task.

Front ends got as much attention at On Demand as the printers they drove:

• Electronics for Imaging, soon to ship its millionth Fiery controller, touted a number of new servers, including the Fiery Q4500 server for the Xerox DocuColor iGen3; the ColorPASS-Z5100, Z5400 and Z4600 servers for Canon's CLC 5000+ and 3900+ products; the Fiery S300 server for the Konica 8031; and the Ricoh EB-105EX server to power Ricoh's Aficio 2090 and 2105 devices. A server for a new Scitex Digital Printing VersaMark printer is in the works.

• Heidelberg announced ImageSmart 2.2 software with a PDF-based workflow for its Digimaster products.

• Creo's Spire color servers were printing to both the Xerox iGen3 and the DocuColor 6060 at Creo's booth.

• Xeikon introduced version 3.6 of its IntelliStream digital front end.

• Canon announced its new imageWARE Publishing Manager desktop publishing tool. It lets users merge different file types, manipulate and combine multiple hard copy and digital documents, edit page layouts and print—all from their desktops.

On the hardware side, several printers were introduced or revamped to handle a greater variety of substrates, including very lightweight paper. There were also a few new entries into the category that show founder Charlie Pesko of CAP Ventures called the "universal copier/printer" in his keynote address: devices that output both color and monochrome pages at costs competitive with dedicated color and monochrome printers.

Become 'Super-efficient'

During the educational portion of On Demand, CAP Ventures set the tone at a sunrise breakfast meeting. To survive in today's printing industry, said Associate Consultant Terry Frazier, every printing business must focus on becoming a Super-efficient Organization (SEO).

Best Practices In a session titled "Best Practices for In-plant Success," In-plant Graphics Editor Bob Neubauer opened by asking attendees to consider, "What services would make you an integral part of your parent organization?" Michael Sadagursky, director of operations at the federal government's Defense Logistics Agency, had a few answers. He took the audience on the journey his operation made to streamline itself. By reducing the number of different pieces of equipment he ensured that operators could be interchanged. He was then able to overhaul the in-plant's workflow to create autonomous "cells." "Running an 'automated document factory' in this way makes employees responsible for the entire run of the job," said Sadagursky, adding that he was able to bring an end to "blaming the other guy." Sadagursky argued that an in-plant's goal is to be an indispensable customer resource. "We are very concerned about having a consistent image. We want people to know that wherever a customer is, they'll get consistent customer service," he noted. Sadagursky was followed by Mike Renn, assistant vice president for corporate operations at Mellon Financial. Renn noted that the "ultimate goal" that should inform every decision an in-plant manager makes is the success of his or her customers. "If your customer is successful, you'll get customer loyalty—and money," he said. "Make friends. Never forget the customers that helped you succeed, and build a database of these customers and continue to serve their needs." He also advised managers to benchmark not only with other in-plants but with their competitors. Look at the services they offer. Also, he added, give employees credit for things they do right. And take note of any strengths they may have in areas other than their current duties. Future needs may arise that these employees can satisfy.

Borrowing the term from other industries in the manufacturing sector, Frazier said a tough market and Internet technology make it essential for printers to rethink the nature of their business and focus less on quality printing (which they already do well) and more on cutting costs, adding value and integrating all services.

Frazier produced statistics showing that across the printing industry, $702 billion are spent on what he calls "business processes," while only $117 billion is spent on the actual cost of printing.

"What this means," he said, "is that SEOs will radically alter the the industry. Flexibility is the watchword."

The SEO note was also sounded by Charlie Pesko during On Demand's opening keynote address. He said the wave of the future for the entire printing industry will be a focus on "process improvement."

"Super efficiency is a must," he said, adding that a successful printing operation also "uses the Web as a common business tool and integrates its procurement processes."

During the same opening ceremony, New York Times Chairman and Publisher Arthur O. Sulzberger, Jr. accepted the Rochester Institute of Technology Isaiah Thomas Award in Publishing from RIT's school of print media. Before an audience of attendees eager to get their hands on the latest in digital printing equipment, a grateful Sulzberger quipped, "As the world becomes increasingly computerized, no one should underestimate the value of slathering ink on dead trees."

He was followed by Robert C. Tapella, deputy chief of staff at the U.S. Government Printing Office, who talked about how print communication is changing at the GPO. More than half of the products GPO makes available to the federal depository library system never see ink-on-paper, he said.

"The future belongs to those who can securely manage content, repurpose that content for a variety of outputs and revolutionize the communications effectiveness of their customer's content," he said.

GPO, under the new leadership of Public Printer Bruce James, is looking at customers' communications needs—and not just their printing requirements, Tapella said.

"We're not going to let our middle name—printing—get in the way of what we need to be doing for our customers," he promised. GPO is taking a closer look at content management, platform optimization and value-added services. Making content searchable is a primary focus.

GPO is working with Congress to meta-tag documents so they can be distributed in multiple forms.

"Print will be just another viewing alternative," he said.

Hot Products, Busy Exhibit Hall

On the show floor, after a slow, slushy first day, traffic rebounded on day two. Buyers were shoulder-to-shoulder at times throughout the exhibit hall.

With "digital inspirations" as its show theme, Heidelberg introduced a trio of new configurations for its NexPress 2100 digital production color press. Available soon will be the Standard, Entry and Xtreme Editions of the 2100.

Heidelberg also announced its Digimaster 9110cp, though the actual machine is being kept under wraps until Graph Expo. It can handle a broader array of paper sizes and heavier coated stocks along with labels and plastics. Preloaded software reduces installation time.

Roll-fed Devices Make Strong Showing Continuous-feed printers were in evidence all over the On Demand show floor. Xerox introduced a pair of them, the DocuPrint 850 and 425, both of which print 195 feet per minute. Using both pinless and pin-fed paper, they print at 600 dpi. Another "X" company, Xeikon America, showed its DCP 500 D, featuring One-Pass Duplex printing at 138 ppm. According to the company, now part of Punch International, the OmniVac air treatment system improves the internal cleaning process, while the Q-pack upgrade increases image quality via an encoder and tuning system that corrects web speed deviations. The 20˝-wide press also features the new IntelliStream 3.6 front end, with 30 percent faster processing. Acquired by Xeikon in 1999 and relaunched a year ago as an independent company, Nipson showed off the latest version of the Nipson 8000 digital black-and-white press. Model 470, with Twin Engine Duplex configuration, can print more than 1,000 ppm at 600 dpi using Nipson's non-impact magnetography technology. Drum life has been increased by 50 percent on the model 470, while a new toner formulation reduces toner consumption by 30 percent. Delphax Technologies demonstrated its continuous-feed CR1300 system, which prints 1,300 ppm at 600x600 dpi. It handles a range of substrates, from ultra-lightweight to heavy stocks. At the booth, the CR1300 was running from roll stock to delivery of finished soft cover books at a speed of 300 feet per minute. It produced 200-page books every five seconds, and planned to donate those books to New York City schools. Scitex Digital Printing showed off its variable data color printing expertise with its VersaMark Vantage system. Outputting up to 325 feet per minute (708 impressions per minute at 8-1⁄2x11˝), the VersaMark Vantage can be configured with a choice of controllers for processing either IJPDS or IPDS data streams. Scitex also touted its open-architecture Composer data preparation software for variable data printing.

More important than any product announcement, according to Xerox, was its new workflow strategy, the Xerox FreeFlow Digital Workflow Collection. This set of software with industry standard workflow technologies and open interfaces allows in-plants to integrate the hardware and software components they choose, from Xerox and others, to create a seamless process for management of print jobs, from start to finish. FreeFlow integrates Xerox workflow components like DocuSP, DigiPath Production Software, VIPP and EOMS, thus showing the company's commitment to open systems, industry standards and modular offerings.

Xerox also showed off enhancements to its DocuColor 6060 and 2000 printers. New controller software, like DocuSP 3.7 and Creo Spire CXP6000 version 3.0, combined with the Horizon Color Works 2000 booklet maker, will enhance productivity of the printers.

Océ Printing Systems announced the availability of its new VarioPrint 2105, a high-volume, cut-sheet digital printer, copier and scanner. It offers 101-page-per-minute (ppm) output and a monthly duty cycle of 1.5 million prints. Additionally, the VarioPrint can handle simultaneous printing, RIPing and scanning.

With its new "change the tone" slogan to guide it, Konica Business Technologies launched its ColorFORCE 8050 imaging system, designed for cost-effective color and black-and-white printing at 50 ppm for each. Using Konica's new Simitri Color Polymerized Toner, the 8050 offers sharp text, improved halftone clarity and higher image stability over long runs. It scans 37 originals per minute, and outputs its first copy in 7.6 seconds. Its rated monthly page volume is 150,000 pages, in color or black and white. Target costs are 5¢ per color page and 2¢ for black and white.

Canon USA—on a roll after once again achieving overall number one market share for copiers sold in the U.S. last year—introduced the Color imageRUNNER C3200 multifunction device. Using four-drum, single-pass engine technology, the C3200 can print and copy both color and black-and-white pages at up to 32 ppm. Canon's oil-free S-Toners produce glossy color. The C3200 scans color pages at 23 ppm and monochrome documents at 36 ppm, both at 600 dpi. Canon also debuted imageWARE Publishing Manager software that simplifies the production of documents requiring multiple inserts and file types.

A few weeks before the show, Ricoh Corp. announced the availability of the new Aficio 2090 and 2105 color and black-and-white printers (see page 5). Both machines were on view at the company's booth, showing off 90 and 105 ppm respectively. Each machine turns out copy one in just over three seconds and offers multiple scan-to-e-mail and digital distribution options.

Sharp introduced the brand new AR-C270 color copier-printer. The device turns out 27 ppm in color, a speed the company says makes the AR-C270 nearly twice as fast as similarly priced devices. Offering a 600x600-dpi resolution, the AR-C270 produces its first copy in 9.6 seconds. It has a 5,100-sheet paper capacity and is rated for 50,000 impressions a month.

A Wider Outlook

On the wide-format front, Hewlett-Packard introduced a six-color printing system for designers, the HP Designjet 120. It boasts a standard media tray and a 24˝ paper path. Its automatic, closed-loop color calibration system ensures consistent 2,400-dpi color, and it uses HP's color layering technology. High-quality dye inks ensure higher contrast, a wider color gamut, better color uniformity and better surface gloss consistency.

Agfa also showed a new wide-format ink-jet printer, the Grand Sherpa poster printing system. Boasting a built-in hard drive, it prints up to 40 square meters per hour at 360x360 dpi or 12 square meters per hour at 720x720 dpi. Available with a 50˝, 64˝ or 87˝ printer, the Grand Sherpa uses a special Agfa edition Onyx RIP and new AgfaJet ink-jet media. It has eight cassettes holding 220 ml of dye- and pigment-based inks.

For engineering documents, Xerox introduced the wide-format Synergix Print System 721p. It outputs 22x34˝ documents at a rate of 22 per minute, scans 7.3˝ per second and uses almost 100 percent of its toner thanks to an internal recycling system.

Finishing The Job

Standard Finishing Systems boasted the largest amount of brand-new finishing equipment at the show, including the EF-35 suction feed folder capable of processing up to 30,000 sheets per hour. Also introduced was the Standard-Morgana AutoCreaser channel scoring machine. The AutoCreaser's channel scoring method allows printed stock to be creased without damaging or cracking the image. It can score at up to 2,700 single creases per hour.

At the Baum booth, representatives demonstrated the new QuickAir air/vacuum collating system, which allows the user to feed coated stock at a reportedly lower-than-average cost. The company recommends the addition of the B2000 bookletmaker and the T2000 face trimmer to make the system more affordable in the long run by allowing for the production of up to 65,000 books without changing the stitching wire.

MBM was proud to show off its recently released 206M manual folder. Designed for offices and small shops, the 206M can fold up to 10,500 sheets per hour and handle stock ranging from 3x5˝ to 12x17-1⁄2˝. Additionally, the company had its Bookletmaker 82 and Trimmer 83 on display. The two machines work together to jog, staple and fold booklets up to 80 pages thick inline.

MBO America showed its B21 buckle folding machine. The standard pile feeder provides accurate height monitoring with micro-switches at the rear edge of the pile. The micro-processor control MS reduces setup times by measuring the sheet, then determining and adjusting the suction length and sheet gap.

Over at Powis Parker's booth, company reps were showing off the new Fastback Hardcover Binding System. It allows users to produce professional quality, hardcover books at a very low cost, on-demand. Designed to work with the Fastback model 15xs thermal binder, the Hardcover product line offers four cover materials: composition, suede, library cloth and art cloth. Covers come in many sizes, from 5-7⁄16x5-1⁄8˝ (CD size) to 8-1⁄2x11˝.

Spiel Associates displayed its Sterling Minibinder, a perfect binding device capable of handling documents ranging from 4x2˝ to 11x17˝ up to 2˝ thick.

Heidelberg introduced the Probinder double-loop wire comb binder and showed it working with a Digimaster 9150I imaging system. From a single wire, the Probinder produced the right wire comb for each individual book, eliminating the need for an inventory of different diameters and lengths of wire combs. The Probinder handles between two and 200 pages of 80-gsm stock, with a maximum book thickness of two centimeters.

Heidelberg also introduced the Duplo System 2100, which takes collated output from a NexPress 2100 and folds, stitches and trims it into a finished booklet.

Another wire binding system was offered by James Burn International, which showed the PB3300 tabletop Wire-O finisher. It finishes documents from two to 210 sheets on a bound edge up to 13˝. The electric punch handles up to 25 sheets per lift. The PB3300 operates hands-free via a foot pedal.

GBC released its new Talon series of laminators at the show. The line includes three machines able to handle 44˝-, 60˝- and 80˝-wide substrates. The laminators sport a "master dial" which allows the operator to set speed, pressure and heat easily.

Internet Job Delivery

Markzware demonstrated an Internet job delivery solution called Job2Print.com. It allows designers to easily collect their print job along with all images and fonts, then send the complete job via FTP to the in-plant. This part of the service is free to both parties. During the first 25 uses, the sender will receive a free preflight examination and error report. Both the sender and receiver have administrative privileges, including a detailed report of the files they have sent and/or received.

Avanti showed its Print Management System, geared toward the in-plant market. It features automated estimating, integrated chargeback capabilities, improved scheduling, real time job tracking and job status, and Internet order entry and query.

Barr Systems reps in football jerseys showed off the company's Barr Enterprise Print Server, a Windows-based input/output print and document management solution. It is designed to retrieve data from multiple sources, such as mainframes, AS/400, TCP/IP hosts and network users, and output it to multiple destinations.

Electronics for Imaging had its Fiery Q4000 production-class color server on display. It offers high-speed variable data printing, color management and job processing. Additionally, the company's Velocity OneFlow package was showcased, with company reps highlighting its PDF-based pre-print workflow system that can provide custom automation for both offset and digital printing.

Paper Products

Mohawk Paper Mills announced additions to its Digital Papers line. The line now includes new pre-treated papers for HP Indigo presses, a variety of Xeikon papers and new items and shades in Mohawk 50/10plus. Mohawk also offered book printers new sizes of its Superfine paper: 12x19˝ and 14x19˝ in soft white, 24-lb., smooth finish. A new Digital Papers swatchbook is now available.

Also showing papers for HP Indigo presses was Domtar Papers. Its Microprint Coated Laser paper is guaranteed for performance on high-speed digital presses, such as the HP Indigo 3000. Microprint Coated Laser is available in 8-1⁄2x11˝, 17x11˝ and 18x12˝ cut sizes.

Hammermill, a division of International Paper, was on hand to show its line of of Tidal MP Copy Paper, which the company claims is "99.99 percent jam-free guaranteed." It is designed to resist moisture and curling. The company also showed it's new 17x11˝ grain-short Color Copy Paper designed for folding and scoring applications. Also new was Hammermill Hi-Bright, featuring a high 92-brightness level, for use with offset, copiers, laser printers or ink-jet printers.

Stora Enso continued to promote its 4CC line of digital printing papers, the flagship of its digital stock. Along with the Hi-Res line, the company says the high brightness of the various paper weights make them ideal for jobs ranging from business cards to magazines.

Weyerhaeuser displayed its Cougar Opaque line of printing papers. The company says the 94 brightness allows for good contrast and the high opacity provides for minimal show-through in a variety of weights.

Paper Handling & Mailing

The folks at Roll Systems were excited over the news that equipment distributor Ikon would be taking on the company's DocuSheeter LS. The DocuSheeter LS is designed to feed more than 60,000 sheets per roll into the Canon imageRUNNER Pro 150+ and 110. The company says users can switch between 8-1⁄2x11˝ and 11x17˝ applications without changing a roll.

Pitney Bowes was happy to share some ideas about how to implement the recently-released SmartMailer 7.0 software into an in-plant's mail room. The software allows users to receive the USPS National Database six times a year and hosts a "mailing wizard" program to guide novice users through the package. Additionally, an enhancement allows users to select from a variety of presort methods to ensure customers are saving money.

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On Demand 2004 will take place March 8-10. Learn more at www.ondemandexpo.com.