Automating the Human Equation
The following is a selection of prepress workflow solutions for packaging, including some enhancements recently introduced at Graph Expo 2007.
Agfa
Graph Expo 2007 saw the launch of Agfa’s :Apogee X 4.0 workflow, featuring the Adobe PDF print engine and enhanced automation of pages and plates. The company also introduced :Delano 3.0, featuring easier uploading of content and automatic conversion of spot colors to CMYK. Packaging-specific features of the new version include :Apogee X PackEssential, which serves as the interface between design software and various output engines or integrates existing packaging workflows with Agfa platesetters, imagesetters, proofing solutions, and screening software. Using Step-and-Repeat Connect, :Apogee PackEssential performs rendering, step-and-repeat, and nesting instructions it receives from EskoArtwork’s Plato layout software. PackControl for the offset folding carton and label converting industries is a packaging pre-production solution for large printers/converters for integrated proofing, automation, and high-end workflow management tasks. Finally, the company’s :Alterno PDF-based color conversion for packaging substitutes many colors that are often used in package printing with fewer customer definable colors and CMYK.
