|
As previously mentioned in PrintAction magazine, the new version 4.0 of Jaws PDF Server provides better security and integration with Microsoft Office for Windows, as well as more colour handling and the ability to produce files compliant with the PDF 1.5 specification. The company also unveiled new solutions based on the Genesis release of the Harlequin RIP with imposition for 2-up conventional printing and digital print; support for PDF/X-1a:2003 and PDF/X-3:2003 and the JDF 1.2 specification; and improved colour management.
GMC Software
GMG announced it will collaborate with Xerox to offer PrintNet variable data document composition, process automation, and web services software solutions as components of Xerox's FreeFlow Digital Workflow Collection.
Group Logic
Group Logic released version 4.1 of its ExtremeZ-IP software designed for dual-platform organizations operating in Windows-based file and printer server architecture for OS X, as well as Mac OS 9. According to Group Logic, ExtremeZ-IP makes the product’s file name search functionality up to 150 times faster than services for Macintosh (SFM) and up to 600 times faster than the Mac OS X SMB Client.
As previously mentioned in PrintAction magazine, Heidelberg showcased the newest member of its Speedmaster family of sheetfed offset presses: the Speedmaster XL 105. Other new technology included: Prinect Prinance 4.5 for estimating and order management; Prinect Printready 2.1 with MetaDimension using a new JDF Autogate; Prinect Signa Station 1.5 for imposition and sheet assembly.
The company also introduced the new Prinect Printready P package for entry-level users performing everyday routine processes: normalization, preflighting, colour space transformations, spot-colour handling and optional trapping – to optimize Postscript or PDF data for printing. Heidelberg also introduced Plate-On-Demand for Prinect CP 2000 Center, which allows press operators to remake or replace damaged or defective plates directly from the Prinect CP 2000 Center press console in the pressroom. New Minispot Color Workflow is closed-loop colour for proof and printing plate control.
New press configurations at Print 05 included the Printmaster PM 52-5-P, Speedmaster CD 74-8-P+L, Speedmaster SM 52-8-P, Speedmaster SM 74-6-P+LX and Speedmaster SM 52-5+LD. In fall 2005, Heidelberg will launch a new Stahlfolder TA 52 buckle plate folder aimed at small- and mid-size printers. The Stahlfolder TA 52 has a 52-centimeter working width and can fold full-size formats ranging from 10 x 12 centimeters to 52 x 85 centimeters. Also, the Saphira Chemfree thermal plate, based on Agfa’s thermolite technology, made its international debut and is produced to work with Heidelberg's latest computer-to-plate thermal platesetter, the Suprasetter.
In addition to its inkjet-based acquisition of Seiko, HP is pursuing OEM integration for its Indigo digital press frontends with Agfa ApogeeX, Heidelberg Prinect and Creo Brisque, Prinergy and Synapse. The company also introduced a beta version of the HP Indigo w3250 press that will print 136 pages per minute in four colours (up to 272 pages per minute when printing two colours).
The company also previewed an enhanced version of the HP Indigo 5000 press included better monochrome printing (up to 16,000 A4 pages per hour). HP also improved customized Pantone look-up tables and unveiled a new HP 4000M Imager to be used by OEMs for direct-mail, variable-data printing. HP introduced new software tools for HP Indigo digital presses, such as the 3D Lenticular application, Pageflex Storefront (for web-to-print), and Impostrip + HP Edition (for client-server imposition automation).
IBM announced its the next generation of the IBM Infoprint 4100 family of high-speed, high-volume continuous forms printers, which will be driven by the new IBM Infoprint POWER Controller. Using Advanced Function Common Control Unit architecture, the new 64-bit, multi-processing controller enables the latest IBM Infoprint 4100 models to run at IBM’s highest-rated speed – an 18 percent increase from the prior generation.
Jetrion released what it claims to be the industry's first low-VOC solvent inks for continuous inkjet printers, which the company also claims to be positioned at a price point that is typically lower than printer OEMs. The company also released a new set of wide-format solvent inks (series 6500) for Xaar-based printers, available in 4-color, 6-color and Hexachrome. The new solvent inks are formulated with automotive-grade pigments.
As previously mentioned in PrintAction magazine, Kodak’s new Thermal Direct process-less plates are now available worldwide. Kodak claims Thermal Direct to be the industry’s only non process plate featuring a traditional grained and anodized aluminum substrate, creating a true "drop in" plate product with the familiar look and feel of a pre-sensitized aluminum plate.
The company also introduced its Enterprise Management Solution (EMS), a print management information systems, as well as a new family of Kodak NexPress 2100 Plus and the NexPress 2500 digital colour presses. The 2500, which will be available in the first half of 2006, will add increased production speed to the new capabilities of the 2100 plus.
Now commercially available, the VX5000e printing system is said to have a resolution that is twice that of the previous generations of continuous inkjet printheads. The company also introduced a new inkjet proofing system, called MATCHP, as well as several Prinergy upgrades. Kodak also released SYNAPSE EyeMedia for storing and managing digital assets, while SYNAPSE TeamWorks allows for collaboration during the job creation process.
Konica Minolta introduced the bizhub PRO 920, a 92 page-per-minute printer/copier/scanner. Functional highlights include: User Box functionality, 6,650-sheet maximum paper capacity, the ability to handle 110-pound index stock from all paper trays,
Simitri Polymerized Toner, user authentication and network management tools through the PageScope software suite.
MAN Roland introduced printnet Commercial for workflow automation through several interconnecting modules from scheduling to completion and analysis. For example, jobstart creates optimized JDF job tickets automatically from data imported from a MIS or entered directly into the module. jobplan planning module incorporates all of a facility’s production resources in a central database. The JDF production plan created by jobstart and jobplan is carried out automatically by jobperform. The system also includes jobtrack, and jobreport. | 
