CTP, iGen3 Come to University of Washington

With $14.65 million in annual revenue, University of Washington Publications Services is the largest university in-plant, according to sales. But until August, it was one of the few big in-plants that had neither a digital color press nor computer-to-plate equipment.

That just changed.

The Seattle-based operation recently added both a Xerox iGen3 and an Agfa :Avalon chemistry-free CTP system.

“Now it’s an all-digital workflow,” proclaims Frank Davis, associate director. “Whether it goes to the pressroom or it goes on the iGen, it’s all digital now.”

So far the speed and quality improvements are making a huge difference.

“Our designers and customer service reps were very impressed,” Davis says.

Not only has CTP improved the quality of jobs run on the in-plant’s two-color 29˝ and 41˝ presses, Davis says, “It’s more environmentally friendly because we’re not using all those chemicals.”

This not only looks good, it helps save money.

“We estimate the savings to be $100,000 a year, based on the labor and the film and chemical savings,” he says.

Along with the CTP came a new Agfa Sherpa proofer.

“Before, if the client had changes, then we’d have to output more film and make another blueline,” Davis says. “Now we just change the file and then print another digital proof.” And the colors on that proof match press colors pretty closely, he adds.

The iGen3, installed in August, has brought a lot of previously outsourced work into the in-plant. To manage this influx of new work, the in-plant created the position of digital production coordinator.

“The iGen has exceeded our expectations for quality,” Davis remarks. Though he and his staff also liked the quality produced by other vendors’ digital presses, they felt the iGen3 reproduced solids and blacks better. Their decision was further influenced when Xerox threw an inline C.P. Bourg booklet maker into the deal, at no extra cost.

“That was what kind of sealed the deal,” Davis reveals.

Along with the iGen3, Publications Services added XMPie variable data software. Departments like Athletics, Admissions and Development are very interested in the personalization possibilities this will open up.

“That will be the next phase of the iGen,” Davis says.

Photos: Andrea Moncada shows off a print produced by the University of Washington’s new iGen3; Middle: Lance Gooden retrieves a plate from the Agfa :Avalon digital platesetter; Right: Joanne Hegge pulls a proof out of the new Agfa Sherpa proofer.