Eastman Kodak

Printing Research Inc. (PRI) and its owner, Howard DeMoore, announced the successful conclusion of a patent infringement suit against a European company. The suit, filed in Germany against Green & Snob Grafik, showed that Green & Snob's product was a direct infringement against PRI's Super Blue 2 StripeNet anti-marking, anti-static nets. John Laabs has been appointed director of marketing for Fox River Paper. For the past six years, Laabs has worked in various sales and marketing capacities for both the Fox River and Gilbert brands of paper. KBA North America has named Steve Korn its new district sales manager to cover the states of Illinois and

BY MARK SMITH Technology Editor At the risk of having this sound like yet another Drupa story, the quadrennial international exhibition traditionally has served as a status check for industry innovations. Developments in printing technology often are marked in "Drupa time"—such as the Digital Printing Drupa, CTP Drupa and, for this year's show, the JDF Drupa. The concentration of international vendors and worldwide attention given the event put pressure on exhibitors to show that they are keeping pace with each other. While not as broad-based of a trend, 2004 also heralded the Processless Plate Drupa. This technology has been talked about for years,

Folder Operators Go Back to School WESTAMPTON, NJ—Twelve folding machine operators representing seven different companies came to MBO America headquarters recently to participate in 2.5 days of in-depth, hands-on training at the MBO Fold School. Trainees were able to observe or operate three different folding machines, including the automated Perfection. Directed by Dave Trutzenbach, an authority on binding operations and equipment, the MBO Folding School provides the opportunity for operators to improve their knowledge and proficiency regardless of their skill level. NAK Marketing & Communications, an agency that has served many of the leading brands in the graphic arts industry for over 14 years,

More Than 700 Get Connected At EFI Event LAS VEGAS—The plush MGM Grand Hotel and Casino was the mecca for approximately 700 worldwide customers as EFI/Connect 2004, Printcafe's fifth annual user's conference, paid a visit to Sin City June 27-30. The conference resembled a mini Graph Expo, with 22 exhibitors showcasing complementary equipment, and 162 educational seminars for users of EFI workflow solutions. The conference opened with a state-of-the-industry report by Andrew Paparozzi, the NAPL's chief economist, titled, "Success Factors of the Profit Leaders." Paparozzi pointed out that the recession has been much more severe for the industry than it has for the rest

Pittsburgh, PA--July 23, 2004--PIA/ GATF is pleased to announce 13 recipients of the 2004 GATF InterTech Technology Awards. A panel of independent judges chose this year's recipients from a roster of 33 submissions. Once again, GATF 's InterTech Technology Award recipients reflect a unique cross-section of industry innovations, from consumables like blankets, paper and plates to a classification system for folding and software that enhances the design process while reducing file size. "The 2004 awards show that even small companies can develop a highly innovative technology deserving of an InterTech Award," says PIA/GATF Research Director John Lind. Although the digitization of

FORT LEE, NJ--June 16, 2004--Sun Chemical Corp., a leading manufacturer of printing inks and pigments, announced it has acquired 100 percent of the shares of Rycoline Inc. The acquisition is a further step in Sun Chemical's strategy to provide "total solutions" for the printing industry, according to Wes Lucas, chairman, president and CEO, Sun Chemical. "The addition of Rycoline's product lines enhances our position as an industry leader, bringing the best technology to our customers around the world," Lucas says. "This acquisition also demonstrates Sun Chemical's strategic direction in creating a printer supply business and commitment to creating value for the customer by

By Erik Cagle Senior Editor In America's heartland, where people traditionally possess conservative values, a solid work ethic is everything in business, particularly in the manufacturing sector. This is especially true at Kingery Printing, the pride of Effingham, IL, where ethics, strong values and pride in craftsmanship reign supreme. "I was talking to another printer who's located in Chicago one time," begins John Kingery, president and founder of the southern Illinois-based sheetfed and web printing company. "I was complaining that about three out of four people hired turn out to be good employees. His response was, 'You're lucky; here in Chicago, there's only one

BY MARK SMITH Technology Editor The front end of the printing process, or what happens "pre" the press, used to be a fairly contained, well-defined set of steps. Then the digital age dawned and, ever since, the changes have kept on coming. Another whole step, premedia, has even been added to the process. At Drupa 2004, computer-to-plate (CTP) production, digital proofing (remote and hardcopy), screening alternatives and, of course, the all-encompassing workflow and CIM concepts were the primary areas of focus in new product development. JDF support was pervasive, but came across more like a background buzz than a force destined to reshape

Growth Seen in Color Digital Printing Output NEW YORK CITY—Acceptance and use of any new technology is usually a direct function of a decline in cost and an increase in quality or functionality. Digital color printing is following this pattern. According to a new report released recently by TrendWatch Graphic Arts (TWGA), prices for digital presses and related consumables costs have declined significantly. This, in conjunction with technological advancements that have enhanced output quality, has led to a steady increase in investment in digital color equipment, which reportedly is up five percentage points in the last 12 months. In addition, demand for digital

BY MARK SMITH Technology Editor Proofing has been one of the most contentious aspects of the printing process, especially in the digital era. The expectations of print buyers, of course, have been a big contributing factor. Debates have raged within the industry as well, typically with the issue boiling down to whether a given proofing solution is "good enough." Ironically, the question beginning to be asked now is whether a proof is needed at all. The current state of proofing was nicely laid out during two sessions at the recent VUE/Point 2004 conference. One session was set up to focus just on remote