Flexible, Scalable, Integrated Solutions
Open-systems workflow solutions are redefining prepress operations for today's package printers.
by: Marie Alonso, Prepress editor
PACKAGING SERVES THE dual purpose of holding and protecting a product, while effectively presenting and selling the brand. Accordingly, the expectations placed on package printers are very high. Putting today's creative design ideas into practice calls for innovative, flexible solutions. As Heidelberg phrases it, the production process is characterized by seamless workflows, automated handling systems, in-line and off-line coating and finishing, and flexible formats.
As workflow solutions move beyond commercial printing into the packaging environment, many companies are jumping on the JDF bandwagon with their automated, integrated solutions.
Automating workflow
Heidelberg's Packaging Solutions are cost-effective workflows targeted to converters producing folding cartons. One product specifically of interest when looking at Heidelberg's approach to automated prepress workflows is Prinect Data Control, an automated control system for networked production. It links together the Prinect CP2000 Center (or CPTronic/CPC 1), Plate Image Reader, and Prinect Prepress Interface, plus connects them with other print shop operations such as prepress, the pressroom, and production planning.
Other presses and finishing machines can also be connected online via an open interface. The Prinect Data Control host interface permits direct exchange of job and production data for follow-up costing. In addition, an AJAVA application also facilitates manual entry of production data to extend the scope of the networked control system. Depending on the customer's needs, the number of users working with this software can vary, and optional "Smart" and "Plus" versions are also available.
Opening Pandora
Trade shops and converters serving the packaging industry need powerful tools to meet increasing customer expectations. And several companies are offering the workflow solutions to fill these needs.
Creo provides digital solutions for offset, flexo, and gravure printing in streamlined, accelerated workflows for a various industries. These solutions also connect with third-party equipment and file types to include the Internet and business management systems in packaging operations.
One such workflow is Pandora, a step-and-repeat tool for folding carton and label manufacturers. Built on open-industry standards such as PDF and JDF for seamless integration with other workflow systems, Pandora's advanced step-and-repeat functionality enables commercial printers to diversify into the packaging market without the high cost of a proprietary workflow solution. Additional features, such as SmartMarks® and ShopMap, help reduce the time needed to create step-and-repeat layouts as well.
The power of "X"
Agfa's open-systems approach provides converters with flexible, scalable packaging solutions—including computer-to-film and computer-to-plate workflows for both offset and flexo printing—that integrate with other third-party products.
Agfa's :ApogeeX, a PDF-based workflow solution that uses JDF, provides package printers with improved automation and efficiency. It supports step-and-repeat and nesting applications, post-rendering step-and-repeat raster assembly, integrated proofing, and more. :ApogeeX also imports packaging JDF files, including artwork, color strips, markers, customer information, and step-and-repeat positioning parameters, and then processes these jobs according to the embedded JDF specification. Its post-render step-and-repeat component helps ensure that each step or nested artwork is identical.
Among other companies offering workflows, Markzware is a well-established supplier of preflighting technologies for today's package-printing community. Markzware's approach is to look beyond the tasks and functionality of preflighting to meet the needs of converters' future requirements.
Esko-Graphics offers package printers step-and-repeat, trapping, and related graphic workflow tools such as its structural design software package, ArtiosCAD. It also provides workflows, such as its PackEdge packaging prepress software, that allow package printers to benefit from the use of existing structural designs. At Drupa 2004, Esko-Graphics will feature its ArtiosCAD 6.0 and DeskPack software. DeskPack offers high-end packaging design and trapping tools for the desktop environment.
While there is not enough room to fully delve into every product available today for package printers, each company has a variety of workflow solutions to offer. With high expectations resting on the shoulders of package printers, open workflows are helping ease the load.
Resources
Agfa www.agfa.com
Creo www.creo.com
DuPont www.dupont.com
Electronics for Imaging www.efi.com
Enfocus Software www.enfocus.com
Esko-Graphics www.esko-graphics.com
Heidelberg www.heidelberg.com
Kodak Polychrome Graphics kpgraphics.com
Markzware www.markzware.com
Screen USA www.screenusa.com
Marie Alonso has been covering the printing industry since 1994 and is the editorial director of PrintWriter.com. She welcomes responses at 856-216-9956 or marie@printwriter.com.
