HOT PRODUCTS
E-ticketing with Hardcopy Jobs
Rochester Software Associates has introduced QDirect.SCAN Connector for eCopy ShareScan OP. QDirect.SCAN enables electronic job ticketing with hardcopy submission directly from multi-function printers (MFPs). Users log in for accounting purposes and specify options such as duplex, stapling and paper stock. Those choices, along with the scanned documents, are transmitted to QDirect, which generates a confirmation receipt that is printed at the requestor’s MFP. An electronic job ticket is automatically created from the user entry. The resulting print-ready file can be sent to any printer in the in-plant.
Software Delivers Jobs ‘To Spec’
Quickcut has introduced QuickPrint 5, the latest version of its workflow software for preparing and delivering job files “to spec” for predictable print production. QuickPrint 5 complies with existing print industry standards. Available on both Windows and Macintosh platforms, QuickPrint 5 works with Adobe InDesign Creative Suite 2 and QuarkXPress. It enables customers to quickly create, color manage, validate and deliver properly prepared files according to the individual specifications of the in-plant. Printers can use QuickPrint 5 to check and validate incoming PDF files created in any software application against their exact specifications.
Software For Mailing
Böwe Bell + Howell has released JETS Version 3.1 enterprise management software. New features include a 3D floor-modeling capability that allows users to look at a visual model of the production floor. Also included are upgrades to job request management and the JETS alerting functionality, and the combination of the full suite of JETS software into one version.
Produce PDFs from XML
Apago’s new PDF Constructor is a document creation solution that allows users to create high-quality PDF files from XML. It was designed for companies and organizations that need to produce dynamic personalized documents for Web or print, including letters, forms, brochures, catalogs and business cards. PDF Constructor allows users to combine text, vector art, images and PDF pages into a single PDF document.
Controller Uses JDF
Creo Print On-Demand Solutions (PODS) Group, an independent unit of Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group, has introduced the IC-304 Print Controller for the Konica Minolta Bizhub Pro C6500 color production print system. This controller is ideal for printers who want a user-friendly controller that features the wealth of graphic arts knowledge of the Creo PODS group. The IC-304 controller uses JDF for seamless connectivity between offset and digital printing. It features extensive document printing capabilities, comprehensive workflow and color management tools.
Web Access on Printer
The new imageRUNNER 5070 digital multifunction imaging system from Canon U.S.A. has a rapid output speed, robust document handling and finishing functionality and highly advanced communication capabilities. It uses Canon’s MEAP (Multifunctional Embedded Application Platform) and boasts a Web-access option, which lets the device double as a data-access terminal. The imageRUNNER 5070 features Canon’s third generation imagePlatform architecture.
New to the iGen3 Family
Xerox has expanded the iGen3 family with a 90-page-per-minute model geared toward print providers with lower print volumes. The Xerox iGen3 90 Digital Production Press has the same image quality, application flexibility and reliability as the industry-leading Xerox iGen3 110. The 90-ppm model makes it easier for print providers who have lower print volumes to enter the high-end digital printing market with a lower capital investment.
More Functionality
Ricoh’s new AC205 Digital Imaging System has advanced copier and network printer functionality, full-color and black-and-white scanning and an all-in-one toner cartridge. It prints 22 ppm. Paper saving features include the ability to print both sides of a document onto a single side of paper. In addition to a maximum paper capacity of 550 sheets, the AC205’s 50-sheet bypass tray enables users to print or copy directly onto transparencies, labels, card stock and envelopes.
Faster and Quieter
RISO’s new RZ990 has print speeds of 180 pages per minute, which translates to 10,800 pages per hour. It offers traditional 600-dpi scanning and printing, a new graphic interface and enhanced paper handling features, which enable high-quality images with superior solids, even at the maximum print speed. The RZ990 also offers running costs as low as 1⁄3 of a cent per page. It is engineered with a new soundproof system and comes with a built-in RISO Editor that allows an operator to scan an original and make color separations and changes directly from the touch screen.
Change Media, Ink While Printing
Océ has introduced the Océ TCS500 large-format integrated print/copy/scan system for color CAD and GIS users in the government, utilities and manufacturing industries. Its new Dynamic Switching Technology automatically optimizes print speed and print quality when printing lines, text and images in the same document. The TCS500 harnesses the power of concurrent processing, printing, copying and scanning. It can deliver an E-size color CAD line drawing in just 60 seconds. Operators can change media and ink cartridges while the system is printing.
Proofer Checks Ink Profiles
Launched at IPEX, the Kodak Veris digital proofer includes an inline spectrophotometer, an improved gamut ink set and new high performance proofing media. The new Certified Process for Color Confirmation checks that the proof was generated according to in-house or industry color standards. It also confirms that the correct profile, ink and media were used. The proofer uses Kodak Multi Drop Array imaging.
CTP for Smaller In-plants
Xanté has launched the PlateMaker5, designed to produce polyester plates, film and paper proofs for small print shops in need of a low cost, chemical-free CTP system. Its breakthrough Z-Dot technology brings improved halftones and tighter registration to the two-up portrait marketplace. Z-Dot technology allows for more control over dot gain while also enabling photographs and screens to be imaged smoothly with 256 shades of gray (150 lpi). Z-7 technology provides the tools to ensure clean plates, sharp images, high line screens, accurate registration and exact halftones. It also allows for halftone screens to be easily controlled and for tints and graduations to have smoother, more consistent output.
Cartridge and Ink System
General Technology Co., a partner of Hewlett-Packard Specialty Printing Systems (HP-SPS), has introduced a solvent-based cartridge and bulk ink system for HP thermal ink-jet printing technology on glossy paper and other print substrates. The new products, IQ2392A (cartridge) and IQ7467/78 (bulk system) are available for use in industrial packaging, mail and variable data printing. The new solvent-based ink is designed to print on aqueous acrylic overcoated substrates, PVC and other glossy substrates at 300x600 dpi at 45 inches per second.
Three New Inks
Sun Chemical has introduced three new inks: Relay, Endurance and Marathon. Relay inks offer excellent batch-to-batch consistency, exceptional press stability and a stable ink/water balance. Endurance is a medium-to-low tack series of process inks that print on coated and uncoated papers without excessive blanket buildup or piling. The inks remain duct fresh overnight yet dry to a hard and rub-resistant film. Marathon is a stable, stay-open ink set designed to minimize daily cleaning and maintenance. It offers exceptional long-run capabilities without the need for frequent blanket washes.
High-end Contract Proofs
DuPont has introduced the Cromalin blue series of ink-jet proofing systems. Driven by Cromanet color management software, the Cromalin proofing system produces premium contract-quality proofs using DuPont eight-color ink and speciality proofing media. Designed to address the needs of the high-end proofing market, the Cromalin blue system features new high-resolution print head technology and a new double speed print mode. The system includes an embedded spectrophotometer for automatic spectral calibration and color proof verification.
Binder Uses PUR and Hot-melt
Muller Martini has unveiled the Pantera perfect binder, which runs at up to 4,000 cycles per hour. In addition to conventional hot-melt binding, Pantera can also process PUR Adhesive (polyurethane reactive). The use of PUR is becoming an increasingly popular method of perfect binding, due to high pull-resistance values and exceptional layflat characteristics. Pantera, which features a compact design, can handle an array of different size jobs and can be configured with up to 28 feeder stations. Pantera is designed for fast and convenient setup via its interactive Set-up Assistant Companion.
Certified Addressing Solution
Neopost has introduced a complete address printing solution. Its addressing software is both CASS and PAVE certified. It immediately updates any inaccurate mailing addresses by checking for USPS change of address updates, adding carrier route codes and delivery point numbers, as well as correcting any invalid address, city, state, or zip code information. Additionally, Neopost’s address printing software presorts mailing lists according to USPS regulations, which allows users to be eligible for postal discounts. The software boasts a user-friendly interface and lets customers set, save, recall and modify jobs. Neopost’s address printers operate at up to 30,000 envelopes per hour, and provide users with 600-dpi image quality.
Get the Best Color Results
X-Rite’s new OPTIX XR2 display calibration and profiling solution combines a state-of-the-art colorimeter with enriched software. The OPTIX XR2 automatically recognizes and takes control of your color display with Automatic Display Control, which will optimize your display’s color temperature, contrast and brightness settings to ensure you build the highest quality ICC profile and obtain the best color results from your monitor.
Monitor Calibration
GretagMacbeth has introduced huey, an easy-to-use, low-cost device for monitor calibration. It is based on GretagMacbeth’s technology for professional-level products. About the size of a small marker, huey delivers excellent results on LCD, laptop and CRT displays without requiring users to have any knowledge of color management. In addition, huey is the first monitor calibration device to continually adjust the monitor as room lighting changes.
