IPEX 2002 -- Products

Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. moved into violet imaging CTP technology by previewing three internal-drum systems that feature 30mW laser diodes for exposing photopolymer plates. The Saber Luxel Vx-6000 CTP handles a 29.5x26.4˝ maximum plate size and is offered in manual and semi-automatic configurations. The Saber Luxel V-9600 CTP and Vx-9600 CTP support a 45.7x37.8˝ maximum plate size and initially will be available in a fully automatic configuration. The Vx model supports a slightly larger imaging area and will be offered in manual and semi-automatic configurations in the future. Write in 382 on Reader Service Card

Delphax Technologies debuted the Imaggia II series of sheetfed digital printing systems. The monochrome, simplex machines use electron beam imaging (EBI) to print at 600x600 dpi. The model IM220 outputs 220 pages per minute, while the IM300 prints 300 pages per minute. With a maximum print width of 18.24˝, the units accept standard data formats, including PostScript3 and PDF. Write in 383 on Reader Service Card

Roll Systems rolled out the DocuSheeter DI, which enables up to 18 hours (60,000 sheets) of non-stop paper feeding to a Heidelberg Digi-master 9110, Canon imageRUNNER 110 or IBM Infoprint 2000 printing system. The paper-roll-to-sheet unit can switch between 8.5x11˝ and 11x17˝ applications without changing paper rolls and produces a range of sheet sizes from 8x10˝ to 14x18˝. Write in 384 on Reader Service Card

Printcafe's Prepress Connector version 1.0 links the company's print management systems to the Creo Prinergy workflow system and Synapse InSite Internet portal. By enabling data to flow between MIS and prepress, this JDF-based add-on module is said to automate the process of tracking and capturing the costs associated with a prepress workflow. The product is an outgrowth of Printcafe's partnership in the Networked Graphic Production (NGP) concept, which applies JDF standards to communicate job data during import or export. Write in 385 on Reader Service Card

Flint Ink debuted its Gemini hybrid UV ink system for sheetfed printing. The ink's cross-linked polymer finish is said to provide high surface integrity and resist heat, chemicals and abrasion. It reportedly enables printers to achieve sharp wet traps between printing stations, while utilizing minimal UV lights for curing. Process color and PANTONE ink sets are offered, and can be used on paper, label, foil, film, plastic and board substrates. Write in 386 on Reader Service Card

Gämmerler Corp. introduced the PowerLift semi-automated palletizing system, which enables operators to pick up multiple bundles at one time with minimal lifting force. The device is said to reduce worker requirements by 50 percent while costing considerably less than fully automated systems. It minimizes the strain of heavy lifting and the need for repetitive bending, thereby cutting down on worker injuries. The system also achieves tight pallet patterns for improved handling. Write in 387 on Reader Service Card

The Acoro A7 perfect binder from Muller Martini extends the capabilities of the product family. The 7,000 cph binder handles book thicknesses from 3-60mm, spine lengths from 140-430mm and widths from 100-320mm. Automatic signature thickness measurement (ASAC) is standard and ASIR (automatic signature control) is optional. Settings can be pre-programmed using the touchscreen or via the central data entry link to a PC. Available gluing stations include hot-melt, PUR and PVA systems. Write in 389 on Reader Service Card

Hard-copy originals now can be sent to Océ digital printing systems with the introduction of its Scanstation 650 unit and DocSetter application. The automated scanning system has a 600 dpi output resolution and maximum scan speed of 54 ipm in simplex mode and 41 ipm in duplex mode. After scanning into DocSetter, materials can be stored as a library of images to be included in applications, or submitted to a Prisma production server for printing. Write in 391 on Reader Service Card

ApogeeX from Agfa is the next generation of its PDF-based workflow solution. The product's scalable, modular design lets the user implement functions and performance as needed. Full JDF-compliancy integrates MIS/IT into the workflow for automatic job-ticket generation and end-to-end process integration. The system provides an intuitive overview of all jobs in the system through a single window. Users can set the level of process automation by identifying points at which the operator wants notification that a particular task is in process or completed. The first release of the product will be targeted to four-up computer-to-plate and -film workflows. It can run on a single platform or its tasks can be distributed over multiple servers, depending on the size and complexity of the prepress operation. Write in 393 on Reader Service Card

Kolbus America added a new lower-speed model to its family of Publica perfect binding lines. Like its big brother, the new 8,000 cycle/hour machine is said to feature the separating reliability of the company's ZU 840A gathering machine. According to the manufacturer, its unique gathering technology eliminates process bottlenecks. The binding line is designed to work in concert with the Kolbus Ratiobinder KM 472A and HD 151P three-knife trimmer. Its capabilities can be further enhanced by adding peripherals such as bundle feeders, destackers and stackers. Write in 395 on Reader Service Card

Designed for coldset printing operations, X-Rite Inc.'s ATD News 2 color measurement system automates the process of evaluating color. The system quickly measures and reports density levels from continuous-color rules as small as 2mm in height. Version 2 features faster operation, single-pass scanning of a broadsheet gray bar, a new "PrintScreen" function for documenting measurements, ability to select six to 16 ink zones per page, and independent settings for ink density tolerance and gray balance range. The unit is designed with a flat-panel LCD touchscreen. Write in 396 on Reader Service Card

Markzware Software previewed FlightCheck v5.0, which is scheduled for release this summer. The application is being upgraded to include support for custom scripting, desktop workflow automation and enhanced PDF capabilities. It also is said to feature a more intuitive user interface that can be customized by the user with application-specific screens. The interface is designed to provide a visual representation of the quality of an analyzed document. The application's PDF post-flight inspection capabilities report anything that will disrupt or cause poor quality print output. Write in 399 on Reader Service Card

Xerox Corp. announced a common platform for operating digital color and black-and-white production printers. The new Xerox DocuSP 2000XC controller increases compatibility between the company's DocuTech, DocuPrint and DocuColor printing lines. It enables operators to run jobs on multiple printers with common software and maximum productivity. Adding the optional DigiPath production software extends the DocuSP workflow to include job scanning, makeready, digital storage, as well as Web viewing and submission. Write in 401 on Reader Service Card

QTI's RGS Vector register control system is said to feature the fastest register camera technology currently available. The camera is designed to scan the entire cylinder circumference at a rate of up to 30 captures per second. This enables the system to find register marks more quickly, thereby speeding up makeready and eliminating the need for set up of the circumferential register mark position. The system utilizes the manufacturer's proprietary diamond shaped mark, sized at 0.007˝. It can be integrated with QTI's new ICON network-based press control platform. Write in 402 on Reader Service Card

Creo Inc. introduced the iQsmart line of flatbed scanners, including the iQ-smart2 (4,300x8,200 dpi optical resolution) and iQsmart3 (5,500x10,000 dpi). Both models feature the manufacturer's XY Stitch technology, which moves the scanning assembly along the X and Y axes of the scanning bed to enable capturing of originals at the maximum resolution, regardless of their size or placement on the platen. Their design features an inverted CCD to minimize dust spots and improve image quality. Also debuting was the Veris digital color proofer, a continuous-flow ink-jet system that produces four-up proofs. It uses a new Multi-Drop Array technology that enables it to output a true 1,500x1,500 dpi resolution by generating a greater number of smaller ink droplets. The proofer also introduces the Certified Proofing Process, which starts by verifying the device has been calibrated recently and that the correct calibration setup has been used. Write in 381 on Reader Service Card

MAN Roland unveiled a set of enhancements to its 40˝ Roland 700 sheetfed press, including a boost in running speed to 16,000 sph. The press now can be configured with the combination of the new InlineSorter, which diverts waste sheets before they reach the delivery pile, and an automated, non-stop delivery system to facilitate pile changing. Other new options include a perfecting system for carton stock up to 0.6mm thick and an in-line system for perforating, diecutting and scoring. Write in 388 on Reader Service Card

Duplo U.S.A. has developed the Docucutter DC-545HC for automatic slitting, cutting and creasing of color documents in a single pass. A barcode reader enables the system to recall pre-programmed jobs to provide automatic operation, as well as read a registration mark to ensure output precision. LCD control panel guides users through the setup of the slit, cut and crease positions, and offers 80 memory settings. The finishing unit handles paper sizes from 8.5x11˝ to 12.6x18˝ and produces a minimum finished piece size of 2x3.5˝. Write in 390 on Reader Service Card

MBO America displayed its Navigator-controlled Perfection folding system, enhanced with the Datamanager remote access and control system. The Navigator boasts a 15˝ color touchscreen that allows simple set up of complex folds. It allows an operator to go from a simple fold to a six-panel accordion in less than two minutes. Jobs can be created in various ways, including from the MBO digital folding imposition catalog and from digital workflow CIP3/4. Write in 392 on Reader Service Card

The 40˝ Lithrone S sheetfed press from Komori America is said to come "network ready" and feature data-driven makeready. Automated makeready is standard, enabled by the Komori CIP4 data converter, KHS one-shot color matching and register adjustment, and a new cassette-less automatic plate changing system. Automatic cleaning also is standard, including a new automatic blanket washing system. An enhanced Komori Management System (KMS) features improved ergonomics and integration into the single press control console. Write in 394 on Reader Service Card

Heidelberg USA has extend its CANopen technology to enable virtually all Star components for Speedmaster 74 and 102 presses to be controlled and monitored using the touchscreen of the CP2000 Center press control system. CAN stands for "Controller Area Network" and is a globally standardized data bus system. The press operations that now can be accessed directly on the CP2000 include output and balance of the dryers (DryStar), dampening solution temperature and IPA concentration (HydroStar and CombiStar), inking unit temperature (CombiStar) and the start of powder spraying (PowderStar). In the finishing arena, the Stitchexpert saddlestitcher produces 4,200 stitched documents per hour and is designed for short-run applications. The unit consists of collating towers with 10 compartments each, a stitching and folding unit with integrated front trim, and a pile delivery unit for collated documents. It can stitch a maximum thickness of 22 sheets (88 pages) and staple up to 55 sheets. Write in 398 on Reader Service Card

The Genius 52 sheetfed press from KBA North America prints a B3 (14.2x20.5˝) format at a maximum 8,000 sph. The waterless, keyless offset press features an ultra-compact design with printing units arranged as V-shaped assemblies around a central impression cylinder. It initially will be available in four- or five-color versions, with an aqueous coater to be offered in 2003 as an alternative to the fifth unit. Write in 400 on Reader Service Card

Scitex Digital Printing formally introduced its VersaMark Vantage digital color ink-jet printing system. The press can be configured with as many as five, 9˝ printheads for printing at up to 325 fpm in roll-to-roll, roll-to-sheet or roll-to-fanfold configurations. It can output 100 percent variable data in black, spot or process color and handles web widths from 8˝ to 20˝. The press prints at a choice of 300x300 or 300x600 dpi resolutions. Write in 397 on Reader Service Card