by Michael Paeth, President, FlexoGrafix The one thing consistent in the world of prepress is change ... daily! If keeping up with new software, proofing, screening technology, plate exposure technology, direct-to-plate, and the myriad of other ever-changing facets of prepress isn't for you, you are not alone. But before you put your work into the hands of a trade shop, you should evaluate your needs, and then evaluate the trade shop that will be getting your work. Here are the "Top 10" criteria (in ascending order) to keep in mind when deciding on a trade shop to handle your work. Since everyone's needs
Consumables-General - Plates
Packaging's path to PDF has most commonly involved software add-ons. Will new all-in-one workflows change that? by Jessica Millward, Associate Editor THOUGH COMMERCIAL printers have jumped wholeheartedly on the PDF bandwagon, their packaging brethren have been less enthusiastic. Concerns regarding PDF's suitability for packaging prepress have thus far encouraged hopefuls to add on PDF elements, rather than invest in "one-stop shopping" products. Packaging-specific capabilities bundled within new all-in-one systems, however, should enlist a legion of PDF converts. "When it comes to software solutions, the packaging market has been the orphan of the printing industry," laments Bert van Hoof, VP/engineering, ScenicSoft. Unfortunately, the
Improved spot color capabilities render digital halftone proofing a viable choice for package printers. by Jessica Millward, Associate Editor The brand-heralding nature of today's packaging mandates the use of signature colors and spot-color savvy in its proofers. Historically, this has been the rub in digital halftone technology's relationship with package printing. But with a new supplier commitment to R&D for the packaging market, halftone proofing's presence is definitely on the rise. In with insiders Suppliers in general report a greater percentage of sales to tradeshops than printers. CreoScitex Marketing Director, Digital Proofing Mark Vanover notes his company's sales split "[is] somewhat dominated by sales
While some suppliers continue to pursue digital platemaking, others remain focused on conventional exposure and processing. by Kate Tomlinson, Assistant Editor THE WORLD IS digital. Digital phones, digital cable, and DVDs (digital video discs) are today's reality—will digital plates make way into every pressroom next? More and more suppliers are working to make digital plates commonplace. But how long will it be before every printer has adopted this approach? The future of digital plates "Without a doubt, once digital platemaking systems come full circle, they will be able to offer printers something they can always use more of—time," says Paul Zeinert, manager of
Today's improved ink jet technology offers an impressive mix of color accuracy, media versatility, and affordability. by Jessica Millward, Associate Editor ALL PROOFS ARE not created equal. Nor should they be. The range of proof requisites varies from printer to printer, and from production stage to production stage. While newly developed digital halftone systems get closer to ultimate color matching (see next month's PrePress article for more details), ink jet-based digital proofing comprises the all-round best solution for many prepress programs. Suppliers' keen interest in developing both drop-on-demand and continuous ink jet devices testifies to contone's strong foothold within the packaging market. On the
Advanced Prepress Graphics Flexo prepress tradeshop producing Cyrel high-definition flexo plates and film. Announcing two new formats: 42 in. x 80 in. plates and 36 in. x 44 in. film output. E-mail flexoplates@aol.com. Visit www.flexoprepress.com Agfa Lithostar Ultra plates are high-resolution aluminum plates that can be handled in yellow safelight conditions. The Thermostar P970 is the ideal choice for VLF applications, while the Thermostar P971 thermal imaging plate is optimized for internal drum infrared systems. For high-quality, fine screen work, Agfa offers the Howson Primera. Robust coating and substrate structure make the Howson Super Marathon perfect for long runs. Visit www.agfa.com
Flexo plate sleeves are rounding out the process for higher quality, faster turnaround packaging. by Terri McConnell, PrePress Editor IN A MARKETING study recently conducted by the High Definition Flexo Consortium, end users across several consumer product industries were asked to identify the most important printing technology advancements over the past three to five years. The respondents were senior packaging engineers, packaging procurement managers, and senior designers from the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical, and health and beauty segments. These professionals, key to influencing and specifying packaging print methods, overwhelmingly agreed computer-to-plate imaging has made a substantial positive impact on print quality. They also consistently
Preparation and experience determine which printers and trade shops most readily reap Digital Asset Management's benefits. by Terri McConnell, PrePress Editor Digital Asset Management (DAM) has been described as an emerging billion-dollar industry. Estimates from the California-based market research firm GISTICS suggest revenues from DAM software development could reach $3.2 billion by the end of 2001. That's an enticement certain to create frenzy within today's opportunistic investment community. But, in this case, the buzz surrounding DAM is both legitimate and well deserved. It really is an important issue for every business to address, and what both large corporations and small businesses alike will find
The color management process hinges on consistency and the interoperability of print job components. By Jessica Millward, Associate Editor Call it the ultimate communicator. Your typical color management system (CMS) is charged with translating the appearance of color from origination source to monitor to proof. And this is no rough translation. Nuance means everything in the realm of color—the difference between sun-ripened yellow and burnt orange. The ongoing evolution of printing from art to science has initiated the systemization of color management. The challenge for CMS originators now is to keep the lines of communication open between themselves, their customers, and even their competitors.
Stephen Miller, CreoScitex package printing applications specialist, reveals how 2001 may be a banner prepress year. by Terri McConnell, Prepress Editor This month CreoScitex is set to launch one of the most ambitious packaging prepress systems based on the PDF file format. On the eve of lift-off, we asked Stephen Miller, one of Prinergy Powerpack's senior astronauts, to give us his perspective on where this new technology will take us. pP: You've been in the industry during our most important technological growth period. What events have had the greatest impact on packaging productivity? SM: Well, it all began with inexpensive desktop systems. The price