Graph Expo A Pleasant Surprise

Higher-than-expected turnout made Graph Expo 2002 an exciting four days for both vendors and attendees.

Graph Expo was back in action last month in Chicago, and from the look of the 380,000-square-foot show floor, the printing industry may soon spring back, as well. Close to 38,000 people attended the show, including buyers representing over 9,600 companies.

After last year's big-ticket event, Print '01, was brought to a halt by the September 11 terrorist attacks, it was reassuring to see crowded exhibit areas and overflowing equipment demos this year.

David Poulos, director of communications for the event's organizer, the Graphic Arts Show Co., feels there was a lot to be thankful for this year.

"We were on a par with 2000," he says, explaining that the success of the show was due to more than just solid attendance. Poulos claims that, according to vendors, the quality of new sales leads was also much higher than expected.

While many vendors said they had seen bigger shows, the 2002 Graph Expo and Converting Expo was no small tea party. Every morning, hundreds of eager attendees lined the marble floors of Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center, waiting to get inside and take a peek at some of the latest advancements in graphic arts technology.

And the exhibitors were doing their best to get their attention.

Heidelberg had the largest space—38,000 square feet, including 14 running presses. Creo sent three spooky, blue-faced mimes out into the crowd (a knockoff of the Off-Broadway show "Blue Man Group"). Then there was Screen USA, with a stilt-walking spokesman and free mod folding chairs to take home. Vendors like MAN Roland, Komori and Heidelberg did their best to put visitors at ease with makeshift coffee shops in their booths.

Industry gossip was also in abundance, as several companies held press conferences announcing partnerships, mergers, and new product lines.

• At last year's show, Barco and Purup-Eskofot announced they would merge into a new entity called BPE. The merger happened, but the name did not. The vendor's official moniker is now Esko Graphics.

• For about two months now, Canon USA and Kodak Polychrome Graphics have been whispering about their budding romance, and at a press conference, KPG made it official. KPG's MatchPrint RIP is designed for use exclusively with Canon's CLC series of printers.

• Bell & Howell and Océ Printing Systems came out loud and proud with a relationship the two companies say offers their customers a single source of service for all equipment types on a print line.

• Electronics For Imaging and Xerox announced a new relationship, as well, which will bring them together to create new controllers.

Xerox also made big news elsewhere at Graph Expo. The company organized a "town hall" forum on the show's second morning, moderated by Lou Dobbs, anchor of CNN's Moneyline and featuring a panel of industry bigwigs. The McCormick's Grand Ballroom was packed to standing, and still people jammed the lobby outside to watch the action on monitors.

Still, the best part of the show was, of course, the gear. And there was a lot of it. Here's just a sample of what IPG editors saw in our three days at Graph Expo.

Bindery

The B-2000 Trimmer is designed to complement the B-2000 Stitch'n Fold BookletMaker says ISP Stitch and Bindery Products. The trimmer handles books with up to 50 sheets. Coupled with the trimmer, the Stitch 'n Fold BookletMaker can produce up to 65,000 booklets on one set of staples at a maximum speed of 2,300 booklets per hour.

Streamfeeder's latest offering in the friction feeder arena is the V-710DM, which can feed 10,000 pieces per hour on an inserter and up to 25,000 envelopes per hour on an addressing base.

The DigiVAC from Graphic Whizard is designed to provide non-stop collating. The device takes sheets from the bottom of the stack, allowing bins to be loaded on the run. It boasts eight or 12 bins, a programmable 20-degree offset jogging stacker and is compatible with the BookMaster range of staple-fold booklet makers and trimmers.

Spiel Associates showed its Sterling Universal Punchmaster, a heavy-duty floor model punch. It can accept any die from any heavy-duty automatic punch. It can punch sheets up to 30˝ wide.

James Burn International has designed the Beta-Doc to work alongside the Alpha-Doc and DocuPunch punching machines to provide finishing for a variety of documents with electronic keypad operation. The device is intended for small to mid-size shops. It can handle book thicknesses up to 11⁄16˝ and boasts a binding output of up to 750 books per hour.

The Buhrs Group introduced BuhrsWrap poly wrapping. It packs media products tightly in poly without flaps at the top and bottom. Without flaps, less poly is used. This protects materials from damage and prevents them from sliding out. The poly is stretched over the product without the use of heat.

Platemakers

Douthitt showed its twin-drawer, semi-automated GEMINI platemaker. Its vacuum system provides fast vacuum contact. Plus, says the company, it has easy-to use controls and an adjustable lamp height. The GEMINI reportedly can be manufactured in any size.

Paper

Mohawk Paper Mills launched what it called the industry's heaviest paper by basis weight, new Navajo 180 double-thick cover. Also, Mohawk made Superfine available in 160 double-thick cover. Both papers are compatible with standard full-size presses.

Job Management

Electronics for Imaging (EFI) launched Velocity OneFlow, a PDF-based workflow system for small and mid-size shops. OneFlow uses a Fiery interface and provides Colorwise Pantone matching, as well as trapping tools, soft and ink-jet proofing, RIP once/output many architecture and AM screening.

EFI also launched its Fiery Q4000 server, its most powerful server to date, for processing complex documents quickly.

Boasting two new in-plant installations, Printable Technologies showed off Printable 5.5, the first major upgrade to its platform. It implements 30 new features. They include: distinct profiles for PrintOne users and user groups; inventory management, including adjustment tracking and multiple priority pricing; PrintFusion 2, for variable printing with multiple lines (incorporating text wrap) and variable images; and an enhanced RFQ system, including custom RFQ forms.

Kodak Polychrome Graphics showed its Matchprint Professional Server Version 3.0. It has an enhanced user interface and can prioritize and manage jobs in the queue, change file parameters at the RIP for reprint, apply predefined hot folders/spooler settings to new jobs and reprocess files from the job log. For proofing applications, Version 3.0 boasts job accounting features that allow chargeback, proof tracking and expanded color-set simulations.

Heidelberg showed its JDF-based preprint workflow Prinect Printready System. It maps, optimizes and automates all prepress tasks in a freely configurable, digital workflow, ensuring transparent data transfer to press and bindery.

For in-plants inundated with Microsoft Publisher documents, Markzware demonstrated an update of FlightCheck, version 4.5 for Windows. It has expanded support for Publisher 2002, as well as QuarkXPress v5.0, Adobe InDesign v2.0 and Illustrator 10. Markzware also showed off Tsunami, a virtual prepress, workflow and digital asset management solution aimed at reducing or eliminating dependency on conventional prepress.

Proofing

Kodak Polychrome Graphics unleashed the KPG Matchprint Virtual Proofing System. It allows the user to view a CMYK proof on-screen in RGB. The system uses a rigorous color calibration process, employing an automated, numerical color instrument and ongoing color control method to achieve and maintain optimum color renditions.

Creo showcased its Veris proofing system, which uses Multi-Drop Array ink-jet imaging head technology for high image quality and consistency and true symmetrical resolution of 1,500x1,500 dpi. The Veris proofer produces quality proofs with a controlled stream of dots that are precisely formed and placed. The proofer features the Certified Proofing Process that ensures it has been calibrated recently, that the correct ICC profile has been selected, and that certified ink and media are used. The Veris proofer runs up to 40 proofs with unattended operation.

Platesetters

Graph Expo abounded with CTP systems, for both large and small jobs. On the smaller end, a company called Kimoto was showing its Kimosetter 340 at the Hamada booth. Using a thermal transfer ribbon cassette, the Kimosetter 340 outputs polyester plates at 1,200 dpi.

A.B.Dick had a larger platesetter on display. Having recently celebrated the sale of its 1,000th Digital PlateMaster 2340 CTP model, the company was keen to show off two new "direct-to-silver" platesetters, the DPM2404 and the DPM2508. The DPM2404 handles plates up to 15.9x20.8˝, while the DPM2508 has a maximum plate size of 20x23˝.

Screen (USA) debuted two new thermal CTP recorders, the PlateRite 4100 and the PlateRite 8100. These entry-level platesetters offer daylight operation and optional single-cassette autoloaders. The 4100 is suited for presses ranging from two- to four-page formats and can operate with plates from 12.8x14.5˝ up to 32.7x26˝. The 8100 handles plates from 17.7x14.5˝ up to 45.6x37˝.

On the wide side, Agfa introduced its new Xcalibur 45 high-speed thermal platesetter, which handles a maximum plate size of 45.66x32.29˝. Xcalibur 45 includes new HD-CTP, which provides ultra-high image quality. With an external drum design, Xcalibur 45 produces 20 plates an hour at 2,400 dpi. The optical system features the Grating Light Valve, which enables precision control of laser energy.

Newly-formed Esko-Graphics unveiled its new PlateDriver with FreeBeam, an optical system designed to image violet silver or violet polymer plates. Violet polymer plates can reportedly produce 300,000 impressions without baking and over 1 million impressions with baking. The processing chemistry for violet polymer plates lasts up to 32,000 square feet without refilling.

xpedx showcased the Cobalt 4 CTP system from Escher-Grad Technologies. The low-cost device is capable of imaging plate sizes from A4 to B2. The violet-laser diode platesetter handles silver-based and photopolymer plates between six and 20 mils.

Plates

Chemistry-free CTP was a rallying cry at this year's Expo, and Presstek ran to the call with its Anthem line of thermal plates. The company calls Anthem a "drop-in product" with excellent ink/water latitude. It can handle run lengths up to 100,000 impressions. The company also announced the arrival of Applause, its newest line of plates, requiring no treatment after imaging.

Not all plates were designed for platesetters. Kodak Polychrome Graphics announced a new line of thermal waterless printing plates, the Scorpion X54 and X54 Plus. Waterless printing, KPG stressed, provides more consistent color, low dot gain, less waste and faster makeready. Made of an aluminum substrate with a thermally sensitive resin layer capped by silicone, Scorpion plates are rated at 100,000 to 200,000 impressions.

Offset Printing

Of course, some in-plants want to skip plates entirely and go right to press. Heidelberg aimed to please by showing its Quickmaster DI Pro, with two enhancements. It can now handle up to 16-point stock, reportedly a thicker stock than any other direct imaging press can handle. A new Smart Spooling Mechanism automatically detects how much plate material has been used and then only spools ahead the used plate material, allowing users to almost double the amount of jobs they can get from a roll of plate material.

Heidelberg's gigantic booth was also host to the debut of the 23-1⁄2x29-1⁄8˝ Speedmaster CD 74 with UV integration, reportedly the first press specifically designed for UV printing and coating.

At its booth, MAN Roland gave U.S. printers their first look at the Roland 500, initially shown at Drupa. The 3/4 format, 23x29˝ press runs 18,000 sheets per hour. It can handle substrates from one to 40 pt. thick. That equips the Roland 500 for carton and label production. It can be controlled from the central control console and integrated into the PECOM network. It features auto plate loading, auto format change, auto washing and auto stock thickness adjustment.

Another North American debut came at the Komori America exhibit. The new 40˝ Lithrone S40 press has been redesigned to maximize production, quality and pressroom integration. Among the enhancements are advanced automated makeready functions, which help eliminate down time between jobs, and skeleton-type transfer cylinders. It boasts console driven makeready, the KHS inking system and double diameter cylinders.

For small-format printers, A.B.Dick introduced the four-color 4995A-ICS press. With an ink-control system that delivers consistent ink balance and color repeatability, the 4995A-ICS features the benefits of a four-tower portrait press. Digitally compatible with A.B.Dick's DPM CTP systems, it accommodates poly or metal plates. A vacuum conveyer holds down sheets and a vacuum pull guide pulls them for accurate registration, even with lighter stocks at high speeds.

Sakurai was in top form as it introduced the 26˝ 466SIP press. It's an automatic, four-color convertible perfector that runs at a speed of 15,000 impressions per hour. The press also comes with touch-screen controls and CIP4 integration, not to mention automatic roller washers and plate changers.

At the Halm booth, the two-color Super Jet envelope press made for an interesting display, with liquid flowing continuously through transparent tubes on the side of the press. The Super Jet can print both sides simultaneously up to a 9x12˝ envelope. It handles 30,000 envelopes per hour printing both sides, or 60,000 an hour printing one side.

On the web press side, Didde showed its D-900, a 20-1⁄2˝ wide, variable hard cylinder press. The D-900 can print up to eight colors in any front/back combination and is available with a selection of ending configurations. Additionally, the D-900 CMC console control increases productivity levels for the operator through ease of operation.

Digital Printing

Offset presses weren't the only printing devices at Graph Expo. Digital printers abounded. Heidelberg continued its attack on the Xerox DocuTech market by releasing its new Digimaster 9150i Network Imaging System. It prints 150 black-and-white pages per minute, maintaining that speed even when used with accessories and finishing equipment. At its exhibit, Heidelberg showed the 9150i outputting several jobs, including books, which were finished on a Bindexpert.

Across the aisle at the Xerox exhibit, the company proudly showed off three of its DocuColor iGen3 Digital Production Presses, and announced initial shipments, as well. The iGen3s were shown handling three applications: personalized printing, on-demand publishing and functioning as a digital print shop.

Another color printer, the DocuColor 6060, was also drawing a lot of attention. Some of the key differences between the 6060 and the 2060 are the 6060's ability to handle heavier paper and run it at faster speeds, a new fuser belt (an additional external heat roller adds more heat to rapidly fuse images) and an extra decurler to prevent curling of heavier stocks. The 6060 also allows toner to be loaded while it's running.

Also in the digital color category, Océ Printing Systems USA showed its CPS700 Color Production System. Designed for in-plants that produce 30,000 to 100,000 color prints monthly, the CPS700 prints 25 impressions per minute (8-1⁄2x11˝) on a range of media, including textured 11x17˝ and 110 lb. index stock, all at rated speed. Users can even cluster two or more units for higher volumes.

In addition, Océ showed the DemandStream 8090cx digital printing system. It was seen producing books, using the Bell & Howell DemandWorks perfect binding system.

Arguably, the biggest news at Print '01, before it was overshadowed by the terrorist attacks, was the merger of Hewlett-Packard and Indigo. This year, at a typically well-attended HP Indigo press conference, the company showcased the HP Indigo Press w3200, along with HP Production Flow, a new RIP and workflow management system. The web-fed, seven-color w3200 delivers 8,000 full-color 8-1⁄2x11˝ images per hour. Its web-handling system allows perfecting on a range of substrates, including light-weight papers.

Back from the brink of bankruptcy thanks to its purchase by Punch International, Xeikon demonstrated the DCP 500SP, its 24-foot-per-minute packaging press, and launched a new front end, IntelliStream version 3.5. New features include real-time print queue management, run time gradation—a color management feature to perform dot gain compensation and adjustment during the print run—and integrated support for PPML 2.1, an open variable data printing standard.

IBM Printing Systems demonstrated its latest copier/printer, the Infoprint 2105. The new printer offers cut sheet printing and boasts a powerful IBM controller. The device can output up to 105 ppm at 600x600 dpi. Additionally, the 2105 has an integrated scanner that can handle up to 72 images per minute.

Wide-format Printing

Canon USA showed its imagePROGRAF W2200 Color Graphics printer along with its imagePROGRAF W7200 and 7250 large-format printers. They all feature a 1˝+ BubbleJet six-chip print head, which boasts a density of 7,680 nozzles—1,280 for each of six colors. The new imagePROGRAF products utilize a tubing mechanism to deliver uniform dot placement at high speeds. The W2200 proofing printer is for 13x19˝ paper. The W7200 and 7250 produce 36˝ and 24˝ wide prints.

At the Encad booth, the NovaJet 850 was on display, featuring eight-color ink sets outputting 600 dpi. The wide-format ink-jet printer also offers a "Dynamic Thermal Drying System," which provides fast, uniform ink drying. The NovaJet 850 allows users to keep two ink sets installed at once and switch between them instantly.

Laminating

GBC Films Group introduced three new laminators at the show. The Aquila is an entry-level thermal laminator featuring a one-touch keypad control with preset temperature and speed settings, an LCD display with continuous status updates, and a Teflon-coated heat roller providing even heat distribution. The new Mercury tabletop laminating system, for mid-volume finishing, has a semi-automatic feeder and automatic separator. Also featuring a keypad control and Teflon roller, it laminates up to nine feet per minute, finishing sheets from 5-1⁄2˝ to 18˝ wide. The Polaris high-speed automatic feeder has an 18˝ paper pile height for large capacity long runs.

Folding

Baum rolled out its latest floor-model folder, the 15GSL. It boasts automatic fold roller tensioning and an HDN gear drive which, the company says, provide for greater durability. The folder can handle sheet sizes from 81⁄2x11˝ to 14x20˝ at a rate of 8,200 inches per minute.

The 325SA Automatic air suction folder with register system was the latest offering from MBM Corp. The new product features a straight feed and double sheet detection, plus a preprogrammed set of five standard folds, and a "no-fold" setting for perforating, scoring or slitting. The 325SA's memory can hold 10 folds, and the machine can fold up to 35,000 letter-size sheets per hour.

GBR Systems, a subsidiary of Matthias Bäuerle, showcased the multimaster CAS 38 and CAS 52. Both machines offer computer-controlled folding with pre-programmed standard folds and programmable custom folds. The CAS 52 offers automatic setting of fold rollers, alignment rails, delivery rollers and data for previously-saved jobs.

MBO America showed its line of Herzog & Hayman folding and mailing equipment. The H&H mailing equipment can be integrated into existing folders for such applications as remoistenable glue applications, time-perforating for tear-out coupons and time-slitting for window applications.

Binding

Standard Finishing Systems had a variety of products on display, but the Standard Horizon ColorWorks 2000 stood out. It's what the company is calling an "all-in-one" document finisher designed to work in-line with the Xerox DocuColor 2000. The machine handles full-page bleeds, rotary head and poster trimming, brochures, booklets and in-line scoring. An icon-based touchscreen allows quick, easy, accurate setups.

Speaking of Xerox, the company announced its 100th finishing solution at Graph Expo, the new SquareFold Booklet Maker. It employs inline stapling, folding and trimming to turn cut sheets into finished, square-edged booklets that look and feel perfect bound. Booklets even lay flat.

Baum introduced its BaumBinder 300, designed for small-run jobs. The automatic perfect binder features a self-centering cover station and an electronically controlled paper chip and dust removal system. The BaumBinder 300 also boasts a continuously adjustable glue metering system and can handle book thicknesses up to 40 mm.

The big news from Bell & Howell was its plan to expand its service offerings and begin providing service and parts for competitors' inserting systems. At its booth, the company showed off its DemandWorks Perfect Binding Systems, built to handle short, personalized on-demand jobs. The systems measure a book's thickness and automatically trim, adjust score lines and press to create a quality book without the need for three-knife trimming. A patented cover trimming and scoring mechanism allows the system to handle books with varying page counts within the same job.

Müller Martini launched its AmigoDigital perfect binder, designed for finishing high-volume digitally printed products. The control system and the automated operations allow automatic transfer of product size and production data from preceding digital printing systems. Machine settings can be fine-adjusted while the machine is running. The AmigoDigital can be operated by one person due to its menu-guided touch screen controls. The hot-melt spine gluing station is equipped with two applicator rollers rotating in opposite directions, guaranteeing precise, even glue application.

The highlight at Powis Parker's booth was the Fastback Model 15xs, a desktop binding machine that can handle up to 350 sheets at a time. The Fastback uses what Powis Parker calls "Smart Strip technology" to hold the sheets in place. Pages can withstand up to 50 lbs. of pull.

The Rosback 4x4 Strike Perforating System is the company's latest offering. The strike heads are individually controlled and the device boasts strike patterns with surface speeds up to 24,000 feet per hour. It can run one to four lines of perf, slits or scores, and programmed strike patterns can be stored for future jobs.

Watch for part II of our Graph Expo coverage next month.