Oct. 1, 2007, with Rachel Frank—With 654 exhibitors filling 460,296 sq. ft. of booth space on the sold-out show floor, Graph Expo was the largest U.S. national graphic communications trade show since 2000, and the second biggest Graph Expo ever. Last week's issue brought you the big news you may have missed, as well as developments on the press side. Here is what the show had to offer in the way of prepress, postpress, and consumable releases. Take note: Next year's Graph Expo will be held Oct. 26–29 at McCormick Place. Exhibit space for the 2008 event is already 80 percent reserved.

To Start Off
Agfa Graphics (www.agfa.com) showcased a new version of its ApogeeX workflow solution. ApogeeX 4.0 has been updated to include Adobe's PDF Print Engine, enhanced automation through plate versioning support, a new Digital QuickStrip (DQS) that allows the rendering of pages separately, InkSaving to reduce the production costs on press, and a new Software Update Manager (SUM) for quick and easy automatic upgrades and troubleshooting.

The inclusion of Adobe's PDF Print Engine allows users to do scalable native PDF rendering, reduces the need for reworks, and enhances the performance. Through a new automation advance, the software has the ability to handle different versions or editions of the same job. This plate versioning support significantly reduces the complexity of versioned jobs. The new DQS gives users the flexibility to render pages separately, providing increased flexibility for all operators and an extended page delivery deadline. The optional InkSaving module automatically reduces the required amount of ink, while maintaining the printed output quality, and the new SUM provides easier automated installation of quick fixes and upgrades throughout the workflow system.

CGS Publishing Technologies International (www.cgsusa.com) launched ORIS Certified Suite. The suite, comprised of Certified Proof and Certified Monitor solutions, with the new Certified Press offering, is a color quality assurance control system. It provides simple trackable proof output measurement using pass-fail reports to meet SWOP, FOGRA, 3DAP, GRACoL, and other standards.

ORIS Certified Suite can be used for any hard copy or virtual proof or press sheet, regardless of the system or software used to create it.

Fujifilm (www.fujifilm.com) launched C-fit, an image and color optimization tool that enhances both the color and quality of digital images in large batches—newspaper, magazine, catalog, or yearbook photos, for example—making them more manageable and easier to print.

Image Intelligence technologies automate the process of improving RGB images; Software analyzes and optimizes images via face detection, skin smoothing, light source recognition, exposure correction and white balance adjustment, and sharpness enhancement; Intelligent Hot Folder Workflow allows images of various formats and color space to all be dropped into a single hot folder. The product retails for $8,000.

Heidelberg (www.us.heidelberg.com) unveiled its new Web-based Remote Service—eCall—at the show. Operators of presses equipped with this module can automatically send an error message generated by the press to Heidelberg's service organization at the touch of a button. If there is an impending service issue, the press notifies the operator with an eCall alert. The operator determines when, and if, to send the information to Heidelberg, and a preliminary diagnosis is produced electronically. Based on this, a team of experts comes up with a proposed solution, communicated to the user by phone.

Customers no longer need to phone the Heidelberg expert support team, give their contact details, and explain the problem. Compared to the conventional process, this can result in a time saving of up to 50 percent.

JUST Normlicht's (www.justnormlicht.com) new Virtual Proof Station for the pressroom features a computer-controlled proof light, a revolution in the environment of soft proofing.

The Virtual Proof Station is the first viewing and proofing station dedicated to—and designed specifically for—remote proofing applications. It is self-contained, and includes all of the necessities for creating an ISO 3664:2000-compliant soft-proofing area anywhere in a print facility. A luminance level control provides consistent light levels throughout the workday, as well as a glare- and reflection-free viewing environment.

Pantone (www.pantone.com) unveiled its Goe System, with more than 2,000 new Pantone colors. This system is the first new offering from Pantone in 45 years, however it is not intended to replace the internationally accepted Pantone color system.

After polling graphic arts professionals extensively, Pantone said it learned that designers wanted more color choices; more intuitive ways to select colors and create palettes; relevant colors that reflect the influences of today's global society; and confidence that their designs can be accurately reproduced anywhere.

Printers wanted to offer more color choices to customers; ink mixing bases that are readily available; and inks that are compatible with UV and aqueous coatings.

As a result, 2,058 new solid Pantone colors complement the current matching system; software is interactive and includes modern tools; and colors are arranged in a chromatic and more intuitive manner. The fan guide format is still available, as is a two-volume set of adhesive-backed color chips—six chips per color. The books feature seven colors per page, each identified by a unique number, which includes ink-mixing formulas and RGB values.

The Goe System focuses on three key color areas: more neutrals and naturals; more blues for corporate identities; and more greens to address the ever-increasing need for environmental branding.

Though it might take a while for printers and designers to get in sync with the new Pantone system—designers undoubtedly will jump on board first—it does provide another value-added service for printers, who can inform clients of all the color they can print.

X-Rite Inc. (www.xrite.com) introduced the i1iSis Power Bundle, which includes complete hardware and software for users in prepress, digital printing, and wide-format printing. i1iSis provides high-speed, easy-to-use chart reading for printer profiling, while the i1Pro allows users to profile scanners, cameras, and displays, measure ambient light, and take spot color measurements. A choice of either ProfileMaker 5 Publish Plus or MonacoProfiler Platinum provides software for creating profiles, customizing profile charts, editing profiles, and managing color measurements.

The company also announced vipPAQ version 2.0, the upgraded inline, multi-channel densitometric color measuring system for flexography and gravure printing. Version 2.0 is a modular solution that consists of up to four nine-channel densitometers with handheld-compatible optics, a controller, and system software. It can be installed on press and is able to control the density of any spot color.

Xpedx (www.xpedx.com) introduced Opticular for digital special effects, a production package for lenticular printing that gives print and creative professionals an easy and inexpensive way to produce special effects such as zoom, flip, 3D imaging, motion, and morph. Opticular is a turnkey package distributed exclusively by Xpedx that is about one-tenth the cost of other lenticular printing systems.

The package contains a specially engineered toner-based OkiData print engine, a custom version of special effects software, a laminator, cutter and the specially designed substrate.

On an End Note
Colter & Peterson (www.colterpeterson.com) centered its display at the show around the high-powered Prism paper cutter. The machine featured a full touch screen control, including the Microsystems GATF InterTech award-winning software MICROCIP, for automatic conversion of CIP3/4 JDF data.

In addition to its automatic programming features, the machine was equipped with a Baumann paper handling system. The system included a lifting device, automatic jogger with a counting scale, and an automatic unloader. It can increase productivity from 30 to 60 percent over a stand-alone machine, and with the addition of a helper can double productivity.

Another main highlight at the booth was the Wohlenberg City E perfect binder. The full-feature automatic binder, capable of running up to 6,000 books an hour, was shown with inline gathering and trimming. The firm highlighted Wohlenberg's patented VSS integrated face trimmer, which allows for the production of high-quality, gatefold-covered books, as the face is trimmed prior to applying the cover.

Duplo (www.duplousa.com) had three significant new debuts at the show. The firm previewed the DSF-5000, its new modular high-speed sheet feeder and finishing solution. A next-level option to the DSF-2000, the DSF-5000 is a higher-speed, production-level feeder designed with a new belt suction feeder and enhanced sheet separation facilities.

Depending on the paper size, the DSF-5000 can feed up to 400 sheets per minute. In addition, a new advanced ultrasonic double detector improves accuracy and reduces waste by preventing the processing of incorrect booklets and a new pallet style paper tray, capable of holding up to 24" of paper. It will be available in January 2008.

Duplo also introduced the DC-615. Developed specifically to meet the increasing demands of shorter run digital color print, the DC-615 slits, cuts, and creases digitally printed sheets in one pass, with minimum operator intervention.

Replacing the DC-545HCEX, the DC-615 is being offered at a lower base-model price, and can be customized to owner's individual needs, to include optional modules never before offered for the previous DC-545HCEX such as ultra-sonic double detection, job creator software, and a business card stacker. It is capable of handling heavier substrates up to 300 gsm and a wide variety of sheet sizes. Six slitting tools, one knife, and one creaser are also joined in this model by a new air-knife designed to overcome static, improve feeding, and reduce image marking on delicate stock.

Duplo also debuted the automatic DC-445 Creaser, a fully automatic solution, which can process up to 15 creases in one pass at speeds of up to 50 sheets per minute. The unit also has a feed capacity of up to 100 mm and can handle a wide variety of substrates, including UV coated paper, and paper weights of 24-lb. bond to 130-lb. cover. Standard features on the DC-445 Creaser include a three-step adjustable creasing depth, which can be optimized according to paper type and weight, and extended feed and receiving trays. Optional features that can be added to the Creaser include an air knife, and an ultrasonic double detection sensor, as well as center slitters and perforator wheels.

Domino Printing Sciences (www.domino-printing.com) launched the L-Series inkjet solution and mailing base package, as well as the BaseLine mail table, designed for inkjet applications.

The Domino L400 addresses direct mail, catalogs, and magazines, including support for printing the new USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode. The system delivers a 600x300 dpi print, operating at 375 fpm. The heart of the L400 system is an imaging module that creates a 2" print swath. Up to four of these can be stitched together to create an 8" swath, or alternatively, up to four independent 2" print swaths can be imaged independently via the FlexMail software.

The BaseLine mail table includes a high-performance vacuum-based transport drive system to ensure precision printing. A ceramic plate has been included on the dryer belt of the mail base to ensure even the most demanding infrared or ultra violet dryer technology does not impact longer term operations.

GBC (www.gbc.com) introduced 8500HS Cyclone Series laminators. Capable of speeds up to 400 feet per minute, it is the most productive laminator available for the commercial market today. Models in the new line include 8556HS, 8544HS, and 8531HS, with maximum sheet lengths of 56", 44", and 31" respectively. Maximum sheet width on each model is 44". Running a variety of commercial high-speed thermal films, including PET, OPP, and Nylon, GBC 8500HS Cyclone is well-suited to laminate book covers, dust jackets, packaging, and a variety of other commercial applications.

Glunz & Jensen K&F Inc. (www.glunz-jensen.com) introduced the Precision Edge Punch Bender for offset web newspapers and commercial printers. It can be ordered as a free-standing machine or as an inline solution for automated production. As a free-standing punch bender, plates are fed in by hand to a belt conveyor. It then performs the registration, punching, and bending, then feeds the plate back out to the operator. As an inline system, it is capable of turning any plate production room into a lights out operation.

Capable of producing 290 plates per hour, the Precision Edge can handle multiple CTP engines. Plates are registered on three sides, and use electrical edge contacts to initiate the punch and bend operations. Plates are punched and then bent by using a rotary bend leaf design. The Precision Edge incorporates the AutoLube Punch System, which automatically lubes the punches to reduce galling and extend the life of the punches.

Muller Martini (www.mullermartini.com) demonstrated the BravoPlus saddle stitcher, now equipped with enhanced feeder technology. The feeders have been re-engineered to enable efficient advance and retard timing of each individual feeder to the chain. Complementing this is variable feeding capability with a choice of feeder options—flat pile feeder, vertical pile feeder, stream feeder, card and cover folder feeder, and merchandise and card gluers.

At Muller Martini's press conference, President Werner Naegeli noted that in late January, the firm will start live production in its Florida facility. Additionally, when asked about new releases at Drupa, to be held in Dusseldörf, Germany, May 2008, Mr. Naegeli conceded, "It will be a big surprise and a major event for us." Muller Martini promised both new technologies and the evolution of existing lines at Drupa.

Neopost (www.neopost.com) launched the DS-86 folder inserter, for mail centers maintaining a speed of 4,300 filled envelopes per hour. Offering the highest level of security available, the dual track, optimal mark recognition virtually eliminates any possible misread caused by external factors. Thickness is automatically detected as documents are fed into the machine and inserted into envelopes, providing accurate separation and combination. Any document size or paper type can be handled. Document feeders hold up to 325 sheets, for a maximum of 3,050 sheets, and an integrated envelope hopper holds 500 envelopes.

Pitney Bowes Inc. (www.pb.com) introduced new ways to power up print and mail operations by driving new levels of operational performance, increased revenues, and improved profitability.

For transactional mailers, the APS Edge made its debut, running a pinless 14" TransPromo application. The high-speed inserter runs up to 22,000 cycles per hour, and has an expanded feature set that includes a new user interface that increases set-ups and reduces training. New for direct mailers was the FlowMaster RS Flex inserting system, running at speeds up to 16,000 mail pieces per hour. With its high-speed cut sheet input, mailers can process more jobs per day across an expanded range of applications. The AT2 features a FeedMax in-feed conveyer with an integrated Nordstrom glue system, a servo card feeder, a PLC interface, and a four-foot vacuum transport.

Spiel Associates Inc. (www.spielassociates.com) demonstrated its Rilecart B-599, "the fastest wire binder in the world," according to David Spiel. This "Ferrari of wire binders" will automatically bind books at the speed of 4,000 books per hour. It automatically binds double loop wire books with wire diameters from 5/16" to 1". Twin spools allow for quick changeover.

The firm also displayed its new Rilecart TP-340, a small-footprint double loop wire binder. The semi-automatic binding machine can process any kind of product—books, catalogs, pads and so on—is all electro mechanical, and does not require air compression. It produces 1,000 copies per hour.

The new Videojet 4320 inkjet addressing and imaging system from Videojet Technologies Inc. (www.videojet.com) provides print resolutions up to 600 dpi. With its expandable printhead configurations from 2–8", the Videojet 4320 can print promotional messages, coupons, graphics, and spot color, as well as basic eight-line addresses. A unique bulk ink delivery system can reduce running costs by more than 50 percent compared with similar printers.

To ensure compatibility with a wide variety of list preparation for mailing lists, the Videojet 4320 uses Microsoft Office Access, and is LAN-ready. The Videojet 4320 also can be configured to print directly on webs or add variable data in combination with continuous-form laser printers. Snap-in heads simplify use and maintenance.

Vijuk (www.vijukequip.com) was showing options for the 321-T saddle stitcher, including the Domino JetArray, which personalizes, addresses, dates, numbers, barcodes, and prints variable graphics inline at the stitcher's max speed. It will print on a variety of surfaces, including coated stocks, plastics, and packaging film. It can print up to eight lines per pass.

A Cornucopia of Consumables
GPA (www.labelexperts.com) rolled out two Ultra Digital products for HP Indigo digital presses: the Pre-Converted Self-Mailer and Pre-Converted #10-Ready Envelope. The Ultra Digital Pre-Converted self-mailer is produced on an 80-lb. white matte text 12x18" sheet. It uses cohesive glue, pre-applied during manufacturing. Once printed, it gets trimmed, folded, and pressure sealed to create a self-mailer. The envelope is constructed on an 80-lb. white matte text 12x18" sheet with two envelopes per sheet.

The company also introduced an eco-friendly substrate, Ultra Green—which is manufactured without the use of trees, water or toxic agents including beaching chemicals—as well as laser imaging labels—Ultra Laser.

Strathmore from Mohawk Fine Papers (www.mohawkpaper.com) offers a complete range of matching papers, envelopes, and labels. With the recent announcement that Strathmore writing and script are made carbon neutral and manufactured with electricity offset by wind power, Strathmore is quickly gaining traction as the premium environmental brand for corporate identity. Mohawk introduced a collection of Strathmore promotions which focuses on corporate identity, consisting of new sales tools, a new specification Web site, and a new envelope sampling initiative.

The company also introduced two new guides to help educate printers about paper. Paper Basics was first introduced in 1990, and has become the source of basic paper information for printers, merchants, designers, and educators. It was updated with a fresh design and the most current industry information. It includes information such as how paper is made and the difference between paper types, explanations of paper qualities like formation and brightness, an at-a-glance envelope reference guide, and a "cheat sheet" of common paper jargon.

The Digital Guide, launched at Graph Expo, enables printers to see the full range of Mohawk's 300+ papers optimized to provide offset-quality across all printing platforms. It highlights papers recommended for optimal digital color on the most popular digital presses from HP, Xerox, Canon, Kodak, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, and Xeikon.

Sun Chemical (www.sunchemical.com) had solutions for digital printing and products to help printers address sustainability at Graph Expo.

The company's show portfolio included new pressroom chemistry that meets more stringent emissions requirements in Southern California. The Rycoline green pressroom supplies and specialty chemicals are designed to reduce VOCs in the commercial printing process. Evergreen Press Wash is designed to address the emissions requirements of the Jan. 1, 2008 South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) initiative in Southern California.

Rycoline's Green Diamond Universal Fountain Solutions eliminate the need for a 100-percent VOC alcohol replacement, reducing VOCs by about three tons annually in an average sheetfed pressroom. Rycoline blanket and roller wash products come in reusable containers, eliminating the need to dispose of metal drums, and their cleaning properties reduce VOCs by as much as six tons annually.