DIGITAL bytes
WESTMONT, IL—After successfully demonstrating the productivity of an open architecture, JDF-based workflow at Graph Expo, Printcafe Software and MAN Roland are planning to take it into the field. The first beta testing with printers is scheduled for the beginning of this year. The interface shown at Graph Expo was a bi-directional link, providing a two-way conduit for data flow. JDF files from the Printcafe system were transferred to a Roland 500 press, supplying job parameters and presetting color. At the same time, the press' PECOM system reported on its progress to Printcafe, via JMF (Job Messaging Format) files. (www.manroland.com/www.printcafe.com)
BEDFORD, MA—Creo Inc. reports that Seiple Lithograph, in North Canton, OH, installed the 1,000th Lotem 800 CTP system worldwide. "We were one of the first Lotem platesetter beta testers, and the knowledge we gained helped move us well ahead of our competition," says Paul Taylor, Seiple's director of R&D. This installation coincides with Creo's announcement of a new platform for the eight-page platesetter line. The manufacturer says it has improved the functionality of the Lotem product family, including offering a thermal halftone proofing option, and made it easier for users to upgrade their CTP capabilities. (www.seiple.com/www.creo.com)
HANOVER PARK, IL—Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. continues to log product placements with printers making the transition to CTP production. Rink Printing in South Bend, IN, has installed a Fujifilm FinalProof digital color proofer in preparation for a transition to CTP-based production. Metuchen, NJ-based Service Press became the first commercial printer on the East Coast to use Fujifilm's new violet CTP technology with its installation of a Saber Luxel Vx-9600. Miami-based Solo Printing acquired a Fujifilm Saber Luxel P-9600 platesetter, C-550 flatbed scanner and PictroProof digital color proofer. (www.fujifilm.com)
KENNESAW, GA—Heidelberg announced it has begun offering the Quickmaster DI Classic digital color press through its remarketed equipment program. The refurbished QMDI features new RIP hardware and software, and a one-year warranty. (www.heidelbergusa.com)
KANSAS CITY, MO—Prepress company Krug Litho Art reportedly has experienced a 300 percent increase in network performance since implementing SAN (storage area network) technology. The system supports some 20 workstations and is based on SANsymphony software from DataCore Software in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Krug Litho specializes in serving local and national customers in the catalog and fashion industries. (www.datacore.com)
PHOENIX—Vision Graphics has staked a claim to being the first printer in Arizona to offer stochastic/FM screening capabilities. The shop uses what it says is a "proprietary" process, called Visiccato, but it is based on Creo's SquareSpot imaging technology. "We've revolutionized our four-color printing capabilities by adding the Visiccato printing process to our services," asserts Linda Enright, company president and CEO. (www.visiongraphicsinc.com)
YORK, PA—Sheetfed printer York Graphic Services has upgraded its digital prepress department by introducing a Creo Trendsetter 3244 CTP system, Kodak Polychrome Graphics' Sword thermal plates and a Kodak Approval XP digital proofing system. (www.ygsi.com)
LAS VEGAS—It took eight months of exhaustive research by numerous company officials and manufacturing staff before Gill's Printing & Color Graphics was ready to commit to a CTP solution, management reports. The actual transition in production was done in about a week, however, once the new PlateRite 4000II four-up thermal platesetter from Screen (USA) hit the floor, says Victor Gill, president and CEO. (www.gillsprinting.com/ www.screenusa.com)
ROLLING MEADOWS, IL—Screen (USA) has initiated an e-learning resource to facilitate skills advancement among new and current operators of its Trueflow PDF workflow solution. The self-loading program runs on PC and Macintosh platforms, which don't need to be connected to the Trueflow server. Information is presented in the same order as a typical Trueflow job by default, but users also have the option of selecting specific topics from the index. (www.screenusa.com)
CLEVELAND—Watt Printers has implemented an e-procurement system to provide customers online access to its services, from sales through distribution. (www.wattprinter.com)
MIAMI—Colonial Press International is known for being one of the largest minority-owned commercial printers in the U.S. It marked its 50th year in business by making several major acquisitions, including an eight-page PlateRite 8600 thermal platesetter from Screen (USA). (www.screenusa.com)
