SCREENING SYSTEMS -- Spotting an Opportunity

Creative Press runs three six-color, 40˝ sheetfed presses that are basically identical. A common printing platform and running with 10 micron screening almost exclusively have helped the shop get its processes under control and keep them that way, McHugh adds.

Kirkwood Printing, in Wilmington, MA, opted to replace its CTP system—platesetter and front end—in large part to get a better screening technology. The commercial printer initially switched to running ABS (Agfa Balanced Screening) on two Agfa Xcalibur 45 platesetters before transitioning to the manufacturer's Sublima hybrid screening. Sublima is said to offer the benefits of high line screens without requiring changes in the printing process.