Monday, October 1, 2007

Graph Expo gives attendees better taste of digital future

By Mary L. Van Meter
Publisher


CHICAGO — Last month’s Graph Expo hinted at some intriguing technologies to come for newspapers, including so-called “lights-out” digital production and variable printing options for both press and mailrooms.

Among developments (in alphabetical order):

Agfa: Upgraded apps

Agfa introduced ApogeeX 4.0, an upgrade of its PDF- and JDF-enabled digital workflow software. Among new features is support for Adobe Systems Inc.’s PDF Print Engine, enhanced automation, a digital QuickStrip for page rendering and ink-savings capabilities. Additionally, Agfa rolled out a new version of its OptiInk ink optimization app that it contends can reduce ink costs by as much as 30 percent. Finally, Agfa showcased a high-throughput violet computer-to-plate engine for its Avalon LF XT+ platesetter. Look for Agfa to unveil a UV digital printer for newspapers at drupa 2008.

Cold Jet: Press cleaning service

Cold Jet demonstrated its system for cleaning pressrooms with dry ice blasting equipment. The system uses an air blasting technique to clean surfaces by embrittling the dirt particles to be removed.

Denex: Double-copy detection

Denex premiered its Pro double-copy-detection system. The device, outfitted with application software and mounted on the conveyor, is aimed at eliminating inserter jams caused by double copies in the gripper conveyor. It also detects single copies that can cause miscounts in bundles where there should be two copies per gripper.

Carl Carroll, Denex’ sales manager, displays the company’s laser copy sensor with Pro double-copy detection.

Dynaric: Cross-strapper

Dynaric displayed its latest automatic cross-strapping machine, the NP5000X. The equipment uses AC servo drive technology and can produce up to 20 cross-strapped bundles per minute. Touchscreen controls streamline management, Dynaric said.

Dynaric demonstrated its high-speed NP5000X cross-strapper at the show.

GMG: New color management

GMG trotted out new versions of its color management apps, GMG ColorProof, GMG ColorServer and GMG InkOptimizer. Version 4.5 of the apps feature new profile and driver updates as well as stronger image sharpening and broader inkjet printer support, among other capabilities. More than 100 U.S. newspapers use the supplier’s software for color management, including The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer.

GMI: Press monitoring app

Graphics Microsystems Inc. unveiled Spectral Press Expert, a closed-loop press performance and diagnostic app that provides trend analysis and event triggers that can alert operators in the event of press problems. GMI said it engineered the software with more than 180 levels of diagnostics. It uses colorimetric measurements to assess paper, ink and the colors produced for solids, traps and grays and then compares the press’ performance against known data in an effort to match standard targets. The browser-based SPX lets users monitor press performance remotely and easily send operational data to other users, GMI said.

Nela: Slip Sheeter

Nela introduced Slip Sheeter, a device that automatically places slipsheets between plates that have been punched and bent.

Plates are then transported via conveyor to a barcode reader to determine if the plate needs to be stacked or transported into the distribution unit. If a plate is marked as “store with slipsheets,” a flip arm transports the plate in the stacker. The slipsheets rest between each plate. The unit holds approximately 30 slipsheets (depending on thickness), Nela said.

Nipson: Spot color add-on

Nipson, which counts some European newspapers among its customers, introduced spot color add-on capabilities to its line of VaryPress digital presses. The SCS Spot Color System lets users add between one and four spot colors to their production, the company said. VaryPress digital presses can support production speeds of up to 500 feet per minute on a printable web of 18.5 inches (web width of 20.5 inches) with 600 dot-per-inch quality. The press can be equipped with the Hunkeler finishing system.

Rima-System: Stackers

Rima-System exhibited its RS 51 and RS 36 high-speed stackers as well as its horizontal log stackers. The RS 51 is a non-compensating vertical lift stacker while the RS 36 is an indexing compensating stacker. It’s aimed at shingled streams. Meantime, Rima said Belarusian newspaper printer BPH installed three RS 3217 stackers behind its MAN Roland Uniset press.

Dutch newspaper printer Janssen Pers purchased an RS 830 trimming line while Italian printer Sarnub installed a system consisting of an 830 trimmer in conjunction with a 36 high-speed stacker, the firm said.