Screen Demos Wide Range of Technology Offerings

ROLLING MEADOWS, IL—Screen (USA) has hosted open houses for customers before, but a daylong gathering on June 25 marked the industry supplier's first technology event held specifically for the trade press. Approximately 40 visitors turned out for Media Day 2012 at Screen's corporate headquarters located here.

A highlight of the “Take a Closer Look” event was a series of brief testimonial presentations by current users of Screen equipment. Executives representing several printing companies, from different markets and geographic regions, discussed their experiences with Screen Truepress inkjet printing systems and PlateRite computer-to-plate (CTP) units.

With facilities in Bedford Park, IL, and Cleveland, Sebis Direct President Wes Sanders discussed how his Truepress Jet520 Series color inkjet web press is printing transactional and transpromotional docuuments and bills primarily for health care and insurance customers. The digital press allows Sebis to print variable data and static text and graphics directly onto blank rolls instead of onto preprinted shells. Two São Paulo, Brazil-based Screen customers related similar experiences.

Russ Brock, president of Specialized Output Printing in Waukesha, WI, described how his trade shop is operating a Truepress Jet2500UV grand-format inkjet printer. He said he's impressed with its multilayer printing (seven layers, including white) and specialty substrate capabilities, such as glass and acrylics. Another Truepress Jet2500UV user—Emily Williamson, president of Franklin Imaging in Columbus, OH—discussed her ability to quickly produce point-of-purchase, signage, double-sided window clings, banners and other products for her firm's architectural, engineering, construction and manufacturing clientele.

Michael Simon, executive vice president of sales at Publishers Press in Shepherdsville, KY, recounted the publication printer's long-term success using PlateRite thermal platesetters. Aside from a PlateRite HD 8900ZX, Screen's fastest automated offset CTP recorder, Publishers Press also installed a PlateRite FX870II flexo imaging system as part of its new Label-Pak division for narrow-web label and packaging production.

Screen (USA) President Mike Fox kicked off the event by summarizing Screen's technological milestones in digital prepress and printing systems. He noted that 2012 marks Screen (USA)'s 45th anniversary and described the various markets that his subsidiary's $2.5 billion, nearly 5,000-employee parent operation serves.

Aside from a number one worldwide market share in CTP systems, and digital printing and workflow offerings for the graphic arts industry, Kyoto, Japan-based Dainippon Screen Mfg. also provides equipment for the semiconductor, flat panel display and printed circuit board markets.

The program ended with printing demonstrations conducted in Screen (USA)'s 12,000-square-foot demo center.Attendees saw live jobs printed on the Truepress Jet520 and Truepress Jet2500UV, as well as on the two newest models, the Truepress Jet W1632UV flatbed inkjet printer and Truepress JetSX sheetfed inkjet press.

The Truepress Jet W1632UV achieves print speeds up to 1,011.8 sq. ft./hr. It prints detailed images with a maximum apparent resolution of 1,200 dpi for signage that is intended to be viewed close up. The Truepress JetSX features complete variable data and duplex printing on coated and uncoated cut sheets up to 20.8x29.1˝. It handles thicker paper package materials, coated board and cardboard up to 23.6-mil thick.

—Mark Michelson