Heidelberg

DIGITAL PROOFING -- Taking Measure of a Proof
August 1, 2003

BY MARK SMITH The only constant may be change, but things have gotten pretty quiet on most fronts of the digital revolution in printing. Even computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), arguably, is more about a workflow evolution than revolution. One area that remains unsettled is proofing. Decades after the first digital systems were introduced, the industry is still debating what's the "right" solution. It's probably not reasonable to think one solution could meet the needs of every print shop and application. Nonetheless, the proliferation of systems is leading print execs to ask, "Why do I have so many proofers in my shop?" A related question is

SUPPLIER news
August 1, 2003

WESTAMPTON, NJ—Muller Martini and MBO America recently held a joint bindery customer expo at MBO's headquarters. The event attracted more than 250 participants. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has issued the first international safety standard for printing press systems: ISO 12648:2003 Graphic technology—Safety requirements for printing press systems. The standard was developed by ISO Technical Committee 130 (TC 130) Working Group 5 (Safety and Ergonomics). The committee is administered by NPES The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies with NPES Vice President William K. "Kip" Smythe and Director of Standards Programs Mary Abbott serving as convener and secretary, respectively. Dauphin Graphic Machines

ACROSS the nation
August 1, 2003

Windy City Printer Upgrades Bindery CHICAGO—Schiele Graphics, a member of the Schiele Group, has purchased a Duplo System 4000 collator bookletmaker from Best Graphics. John Schiele, president, says that what got him excited about the machine was its ability to perform "intelligent collating," an add-on computer and software system that enables complex collating functions involving multiple components. alabama MONTGOMERY—Davis Printing has reportedly become the first printer in the state to employ FM screening. Creo's Prinergy workflow, two Intigris 800 proofers and a Trendsetter 800 Quantam are being used to produce 20 micron Staccato screening. The company plans to produce 90 percent of its

Paper Cutters — Slicing Time, Not Fingers
August 1, 2003

By Erik Cagle KISS is the word that best describes the modern day movement in regard to the manufacture of paper cutting systems: Keep It Simple and Safe. Safety may be to cutting what flour is to baking—an essential ingredient—but automation considerations cannot be ignored when weighing the purchase of a standalone cutter or complete system. In fact, with manufacturers adhering to U.S. and international safety guidelines, ease-of-use may spell the difference between products A, B and C. "Automating the backgauge movement on a cutter helps improve efficiency, makeready times, consistency and accuracy of the cut," points out Don Dubuque, marketing manager for Standard

Atlantic & Hastings Purchases Heidelberg Gear
July 1, 2003

SALISBURY MD—With the summer tourist season fast approaching, Atlantic & Hastings, an 83-year-old print shop located about 30 minutes outside of Ocean City, is eagerly looking to make use of its newly installed, six-color Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 74 press and Stahl USA B 26 folder. Atlantic & Hastings will use its new Heidelberg equipment to produce the wide range of work it does for the local travel and leisure industry. Whether it's 500 menus for local restaurants or 100,000 brochures for nearby hotels, the commercial printer is now equipped to handle it all. Owner and CEO Brian Twilley says that with the new folder

On Demand Shows Latest Digital Offerings
June 1, 2003

By Bob Neubauer and Mike Llewellyn NEW YORK—Approximately 27,200 attendees criss-crossed the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center recently to see the latest digital printing equipment at the 10th annual On Demand Digital Printing & Publishing Conference. The exhibit hall seemed much larger this year, due in part to On Demand's co-location with the AIIM Conference & Exposition. As a result, there were 438 exhibitors, compared with 150+ at last year's show. Two of the show's largest exhibitors, Xerox and Heidelberg, had adjoining booths, with the Xerox iGen3 sitting directly across the aisle from Heidelberg's NexPress 2100. Other large exhibit areas were hosted by Canon

PI's 45th ANNIVERSARY -- From Art To Science
June 1, 2003

BY MARK SMITH To those outside the graphic arts, the end product of printing probably hasn't seemed to change all that much since the days of Gutenberg. It's still text and images reproduced on paper. The industry generally hasn't been thought of as a hotbed of innovation, at least not until lately. From the mid 1980s and carrying into the '90s, digital technology was said to be revolutionizing printing. But as Printing Impressions magazine marks its 45th year of tracking the industry, a look back over the decades shows an industry in a constant state of change. Some big, some small. It also reveals

Lake County Press -- Armed to Compete
June 1, 2003

By Erik Cagle Ralph Johnson doesn't need to consult the Yellow Pages to realize that Lake County Press is up to its eyes in competition around the Chicago area. Thus, the CEO of the Waukegan, IL-based sheetfed printer considers the company's motto, "Whatever it Takes," essential to its success. "The service component is one aspect that makes us unique," notes Johnson. "Obviously the quality has to be there, and we don't take a back seat to anybody in that regard. So the defining characteristic is exceptional service, which has enabled us to do well in a down economy." Lake County Press' executive team

Graphic Arts Center -- The Quality Quotient
June 1, 2003

by Caroline Miller There is a simple, yet elegant, black brochure that greets every potential Graphic Arts Center (GAC) customer. On the cover it proudly proclaims, "Better Living Through Printing." It's a concept that packs a powerful punch for this $85 million company based in Portland, OR. GAC believes that it can improve the lives of its customers through a winning combination of superior equipment, employee know-how, cutting-edge technology, impressive service, delivery and value. It's proven to be the company's key to success. GAC plans to celebrate its centennial later this year. Over the past 100 years the firm's attention to detail has

Gannett Offset/Minneapolis -- A Winning Plan
June 1, 2003

By Caroline Miller When you first meet Doug Mann, the first thing you notice is his positive attitude. Mann, president of Gannett Offset/Minneapolis, just exudes enthusiasm. Frankly, he's got a lot to be happy about: In the past two years, Gannett Offset/Minneapolis has witnessed a dramatic turnaround. Since Mann took over, the company has gone from $34 million in sales to more than $60 million. It's the kind of story that few printing operations are able to tell these days. Aside from serving as a satellite printer for USA Today, the plant was recognized recently with the Gannett Offset Commercial Print Site of the