PITTSBURGH, Pa.—Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) has announced the 2008 PIA/GATF InterTech™ Technology Award recipients. Twenty-eight nominations were submitted from 21 domestic and international companies, and 10 innovative technologies were selected to receive the award. The independent panel of InterTech judges deliberated over a unique cross-section of technologies, from consumables to MIS systems to large-format printing. Innovative advancements in technology were demonstrated in the form of digital press design, prepress content and color control, flexographic printing material, and value-added print processes. Process efficiency was a prevalent characteristic among many entries; submissions contained solutions to automate production steps, provide in-line process
Artwork Systems
CLEMSON, N.C.—Newly updated for 2008, The FFTA/Clemson Seminar: Optimizing the Digital Plate for Flexography will be held August 7-8. In a series of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on sessions, attendees will learn to uncomplicate digital plate prepress and production in order to achieve optimal results from their investments. The updates bring the total number of breakout sessions to six over the 1-1/2 day seminar. Led by industry leaders in digital plate technology the program features best workflow practices and valuable networking opportunities with both the panel of experts, as well as fellow practitioners. The topics discussed are recommended for: • Those wishing to maximize their
By now, job definition format (JDF) is part of the lexicon of commercial printing, and with good reason. The addition of JDF production language to PDF-based print workflows has been shown to dramatically reduce production time and costs while ensuring consistent, reliable output, even when last-minute changes are required. However, despite these benefits, JDF has not enjoyed the same level of adoption by package printers for a variety of reasons. Its use in the commercial realm has proven that using JDF streamlines production by enabling RIPs, imagesetters, presses, finishing, and other equipment and software to speak a common language and combine JDF-enabled products from
GENT, Belgium—At the closing of drupa 2008, EskoArtwork signed Letter of Intent regarding the acquisition of Mikkelsen Graphic Engineering, Inc. (MGE), an industry leader of vision-controlled finishing solutions for cutting tables in the sign-making, screen-printing and digital printing marketplaces. The transaction, for which no financial details will be disclosed, is expected to close by end of July 2008. MGE is the developer of the patented i-cut® vision system. Its i-script™ workflow has become a de-facto international standard through its integration into the RIPs of all major digital flatbed presses. MGE has also been EskoArtwork’s distributor for the Kongsberg i-XL and i-XE digital converting tables
DUSSELDORF, Germany—At drupa, Sun Chemical and EskoArtwork unveiled details of a new strategic partnership in color and workflow to bring further benefits to new and existing customers. The SmartColour group at Sun Chemical and EskoArtwork have already been working together for several months, integrating their solutions with each other and testing the value proposition with selected mutual customers. The partnership will involve producing color-accurate proofs by integrating access to the Sun Chemical SmartColour database of ink readings inside the EskoArtwork Kaleidoscope color management software. Sun Chemical has expertise in applied color management for brand packaging, and EskoArtwork has expertise in color managed packaging
What does the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 have to do with getting packaging graphics from a computer screen onto a folding carton or label? Until I read Thomas L. Friedman’s 2007 book, “The World Is Flat,” I would have said the two were not at all related. However, having read the book, I can see a direct correlation—and so might you. Wikipedia describes the book as an international bestseller “analyzing the progress of globalization with an emphasis on the early 21st century. The title is a metaphor for viewing the world as flat or level in terms of commerce and competition,
Digital imaging of flexographic plates has brought about many improvements when compared to conventional platemaking methods. Sleeve technology offers further refinements to the process. Advances in flexo sleeve technology are yielding opportunities in markets traditionally dominated by offset and gravure—markets such as folding cartons and shrink sleeves. Lightweight, durable, easy-to-handle flexo sleeves not only work well with less expensive substrates such as tissue, napkins, and paper towels, but also provide excellent laydown of solid and metallic inks in packaging applications. Flexo sleeves are being used in two ways: as carrier rolls for flat, imaged plates mounted on the surface or with the image
CLEMSON, S.C.—Last year the Clemson Department of Graphic Communications formed a committee of industry leaders to produce a new event in its Seminar Series, “Digital Proofing for Flexography.” The program was so popular that the program is scheduled to return this May 13-16 in twin sessions. The two sessions ensure that the numbers stay small, below 30, to ensure hands-on experience. The seminar is co-sponsored for the second year by the Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FFTA). Presenting Experts Some of those committee members that helped shape this program, recognized experts in the field of proofing, have stayed on as key presenters for the
GENT (Belgium)—EskoArtwork will present a fully integrated end-to-end JDF workflow solution for packaging production at drupa 2008. The company will be cooperating with Dr. Lauterbach & Partner (SAP Business Partner), MAN Roland and Bobst S.A. as well as Limmatdruck Zeiler AG and Migros to implement an innovative solution for process automation and control. The new solution incorporates all steps in folding carton production, from idea through to delivery. The JDF workflow and its fully digital data transfer enable streamlined and efficient communication of production-critical data across the supply chain. Previously manual processes and data transfers are now made redundant through the integration of all
TOKYO— EskoArtwork has announced the relocation of its Tokyo office to a new and more spacious location. Serving as the central base for all Japanese operations, the move is a logical next step to support anticipated growth and better serve EskoArtwork’s expanding customer base across the region. Based in the Shinjuku I-Land Tower in Tokyo, the new EskoArtwork office provides a strategic location for its sales, marketing, customer support and logistics activities. Equipped with a state-of-the-art demonstration facility and technical assistance center, it offers extensive support to customers, distribution channels and partners in Japan. Complementing this new office is the existing EskoArtwork office in
