31.03.2008
 Reuter chooses Xerox
 Xerox provided Reuters with a full document management service. The deal also improves staff productivity in Reuter’s offices and guarantees Reuters a cost of ownership reduction savings with Xerox of more than 19% per annum. “Xerox is refreshing Reuters’ print infrastructure throughout the UK and consolidating 12 of its London offices into four main centres, including its new Head Office at Canary Wharf”, the agreement announces. Reuters introduced a Xerox-managed on-site help desk which will link directly to Reuters’ incumbent IT service provider. Xerox also created a print room and took over the management of third party equipment and suppliers. With the management service, Xerox is supporting Reuters to think about the work of more than 1,400 printers, multifunction devices, copiers and faxes and to replace it by an optimized fleet of machines.
28.03.2008
Paper covering emphasized at drupa
 Pemco and Kugler-Womako will introduce its new customer service program at drupa 2008. The companies of the Körber PaperLink Group worked with its partner program ExpertServe E.C.H. Will to create this program, to help clients “who are operating paper converting machines to benefit from under-utilized potential savings”. The companies want to avoid uncoordinated service activities, maintenance without using original service parts and inferior operator know-how, that may cause “avoidable downtime and produce higher costs than necessary”, as the companies announce.
27.03.2008
Goss shows sheetfed alternative at drupa
 Goss International will present its new sheeter at drupa 2008, a B1-format sheetfed product. The new printing technology will produce up to 30,000 sheets per hour and will allow web printing on coated stocks with standard sheetfed inks. The press, with M-600 printing units, includes a system of integrated and automated features of paper handling, presetting, plate changing and continuous sheet stacking. It works without a dryer and the M-600 units allows sheet format of up to 700 x 1020 mm (27.5 x 40 inches). “We analyzed sheetfed and web offset workflows and integrated advantages from both, from paper supply, impression mechanisms, automated functions and auxiliaries to the creation of precisely aligned stacks of perfected sheets”, says Jean-Claude Pautrat, product management director for Goss International.
26.03.2008
Alwan showcases at dip
 Alwan Color Expertise will present the latest innovations in their line of color management and a new series of ICC color management software will be unveiled at the drupa innovation park. Alwan will launch two new Adobe Photoshop plug-ins at drupa. Version v2.0 enables Adobe Photoshop CS3 users to apply ICC DeviceLink Profiles within Photoshop for print-oriented workflows. During drupa, the company will present its full range of CMYK Optimizer software. Product demonstrations will highlight technical strengths, such as preflight features, problem-free printing of documents and advertisements, dynamic analysis and calculation of optimal total area coverage (TAC) of ink, Dynamic DeviceLink profiles building and XML reporting.
25.03.2008
New Kongsberg XP series at drupa
 EskoArtwork will introduce the Kongsberg XP series of digital cutting tables. Positioned as production machines, the three models in the Kongsberg XP series are targeted at corrugated packing companies and manufacturers of POP and permanent in-store product displays that need a solution for short run production. The Kongsberg XP series digital cutting machines are the first to be specifically designed to operate continuously in a 24/7 production environment. “We have brought the new XP product line to market primarily for two reasons. With these new tables, production capacity can be increased up to twice as what is available on any machine currently on the market. Secondly, the Kongsberg XP is specially designed to handle the combination of corrugated board and other rigid materials used for packaging, POP products and product displays,” explains Tom Erik Naess, EskoArtwork CAM Product Manager.
24.03.2008
Agfa’s line-up for drupa
 Agfa announced its line-up of new products for drupa. Agfa's new range of products and solutions to be shown include: :Azura TS, Agfa's new ThermoFuse-based chem-free thermal digital plate featuring a substantial increase in throughput, an advanced clean-out system and improved contrast; :Azura V, the chemistry-free digital plate for violet platesetters; :Avalon N, a new thermal imaging CtP series available in 8-up and VLF formats which accommodate a variety of plate sizes and plate-per-hour capabilities; :Apogee Suite, Agfa's new workflow solution that integrates all content, project management, prepress and production functions. Agfa also noted the launch of :Apogee Media, an :Apogee Suite module that is a solution for content integration and management; :Anapurna XLS, a new addition to Agfa's wide-format family of UV printers that eliminates the need for users to have to compromise between speed and quality; SYNAPS, a new high quality synthetic paper; a CtP Plate Cleaner and ANTURAfount AFS1, two new advanced pressroom supplies. In addition to these products be shown for the first time, Agfa will also be demonstrating its single pass industrial inkjet solutions the :Dotrix Modular, for flexible packaging and folding carton applications.
21.03.2008
Atlantic Zeiser prepares for drupa
 The supplier of personalization and encoding systems for the label market Atlantic Zeiser will present its new Omega 36 HD and Omega 210 at drupa 2008. The company also announced the launch of the Smartcure Series, a new eco-friendly LED UV curing solution, and developments in its in-house ink, at the event. Atlantic Zeiser will offer variable data printing and late stage product customization on carton, labels and on flexible packaging materials, such as foils, PET or aluminium. At the stand C56, Hall 11, the company will demonstrate its newest system offerings to commercial and label printers, narrow web and security printers, industrial and package printers.
20.03.2008
Torraspapel cuts off fuel oil
 Torraspapel eliminated the use of fuel oil in its mills and replaced it with natural gas. The company is reducing 25-30% of CO2 emissions, having the lowest environmental impact of all fossil fuels used, in both the extraction, processing and transport stages and in its final usage. Torraspapel wants to expand its values of environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
According to Torraspapel, by 2006 the consumption of fuel oil “represented only 5% of Torraspapel’s fuel consumption and the complete elimination of this residual consumption was achieved during 2007”.
19.03.2008
DPLenticular changes image
 DPLenticular has a new name and brand identity, to express its role as sole European vendor of a range of lenticular products. DPLenticular’s product range includes Lenstar, a polymer technology for creative agencies and commercial offset and digital printers, and high resolution imaging process in order to create visual effects, such as 3D, multiple changing graphics or animation. “Behind the new branding is our core message that DPLenticular is the best provider of lenticular products to support our customers' creative work. Lenticular printing offers new business opportunities to printers and provides exciting applications to brand owners who have to make sure their products stand out from the large offering of consumer brands in the market today", says Daniel Pierret, Managing Director and founder of DPLenticular.
18.03.2008
Xaar at Fespa Digital
 Xaar decides do 'Unleash the power of inkjet' at Fespa Digital with technology demonstrations on stand D100. These include the performance and potential of its latest Xaar 760 and 1001 grayscale printheads and XaarDot (Drop optimisation technology). In action on the Xaar booth will also be the Teckwin TeckStorm UV flatbed wide format printer featuring Xaar 760 printheads and a single pass inkjet technology demonstration showing the 'industrial strength' Xaar 1001 producing high-speed single pass printing using the latest UV ink technology.
17.03.2008
Flint increases price for photopolymer plates
 Flint is increasing prices on it’s photopolymer range. The increase will range between 4-6% depending on product group, and will impact all nyloflex and nyloprint printing plates, and nylosolv processing solvents. Printing plates and solvents are highly dependent on oil based raw materials and energy which have increased significantly in price during the last period.
As a result of the experienced constant increases in cost of production, prices will be raised globally.
13.03.2008
MAN Roland goes for a green office
 With the ground-breaking ceremony, MAN Roland gave the official go-ahead for the construction work on the new MAN Roland office building in Augsburg. As of 2009, approximately 600 employees will move into their new workplace. The office concept is primarily based on communicative open-plan offices and versatile conference areas. In the future, a direct connection will exist from the add-on to the production halls and workshops. An energy-saving cooling system in the form of a cooling ceiling, as well as a ventilation system with cooled air-intake, will be installed on every storey to meet these standards. Water pipes integrated into the ceilings provide for comfortable temperatures both in summer and winter. The water necessary for the cooling will be drawn from the nearby brook (the Senkelbach) and returned after use. The sunscreens fixed to the exterior of the façade block the heat. “All windows and the complete façade, as well as the roof, fulfil the current heat insulation standards according to the latest energy-saving regulations,” emphasises Franz Gumpp. “An ‘energy pass’ will be issued for the new building complex.” According to MAN Roland, the construction costs will amount to a low eight-figure sum in euros.
12.03.2008
Omega and Smartcure: innovation for packaging
 Atlantic Zeiser will launch Omega 36 HD, a new high resolution inkjet printing system, and the Smartcure Series, an eco-friendly LED UV curing solution, at Interpack Process and Packaging 2008. The company will demonstrate “the precision and versatility of the Omega printer range”, at the event in Düsseldorf.
The Omega 36 HD has a resolution of 720 dpi, combined with Atlantic Zeiser’s proprietary inks, for a clear and crisp printing of extremely small characters and produces barcodes with readability and clarity. This printer works with many substrates, such as paper, carton, aluminum or polymer foils.
The Smartcure Series presents second generation of LED UV curing. It has low energy consumption, a ten time longer life-time, no ozone generation and lower cooling requirements. “As a full service system integrator, we are offering a customized combination of printers, inks, dryers, controllers, personalization software, transport systems, and camera-based monitoring systems that can be tailored to the customer’s individual requirements”, says Mehler, from Atlantic Zeiser.
11.03.2008
Océ opens tech centre in Singapore
 Océ has opened a new techology centre in Singapore. Océ Technologies Asia (OTA) will become the control hub for the company’s activities in Asia. It will incorporate research and development, product introductions, supply chain management and procurement. Anton Schaaf, Chief Technology and Operations Officer at Océ, said: “The foundation of Océ Technologies Asia fits within our strategy to achieve the lowest possible production costs. OTA will make a solid contribution to our operational excellence programme. Singapore is a good location for continuously improving our product range as well as steering our research, manufacturing and logistic activities in the region.” Dutch-based Océ employs 120 people in Singapore, where it has been active for more than 30 years. A partnership has also been established with the Singaporean Economic Development Board that will sharpen the skills and manufacturing technologies needed to develop hi-tech printers in the region.
10.03.2008
Goss: highlights for drupa
 Goss will demonstrate its new press system and additional printing units, such as Magnum 4, Uniliner, FPS and Sunday 4000 models at Drupa. In hall 17, Goss will also present the world’s first Sunday 5000 web press and its latest Magnapak and Pacesetter finishing systems. For shorter run lengths and higher pagination, Goss will show installations with its exclusive Automatic Transfer Sunday presses for continuous printing. It will also exhibit key technologies of the new 96-page Sunday 5000 press and present Goss Web Center workflow system for commercial and newspaper applications, including new automation and waste reduction features.
06.03.2008
New eco-friendly overlamination and film finishing solutions
 GBC is unveiling its newest eco-friendly overlaminating and film finishing solutions at Digital FESPA 08, stand L80. The company will also demonstrate its product range of laminators for short-term indoor and long-term outdoor applications as well as its new cold lamination films. As a world first, GBC will reveal the first prototype of its green film for overlamination applications. “In the past, lamination was traditionally used to protect outdoor prints against moisture and to offer UV-protection but nowadays, the inks have taken on this role,” says Giel Klinkers. But as lamination continues to enhance the print value by adding a glossier or matter, non-reflective finish to the product as well as offering a higher level of protection, GBC expects solid growth potential in this market segment. With its forever good positioning in the indoor lamination market, the company intends to strengthen its place even further by constantly broadening its range of thermal and cold lamination products”.
05.03.2008
Autobond’s 30th year with new launches
 UK manufacturer Autobond celebrates its 30th anniversary this February by announcing several product launches, including the world’s first laminator/encapsulator combination and the first laminator/UV roller coating machine. Autobond’s new Mini 76 TPE-H (Thermal, Perfector, Encapsulator, Heidelberg feeder) can be used
for single/double sided laminating or encapsulation, the new machine offers a range of optional features that enable it to be used in the production of floor graphics, pressure sensitive adhesive and fridge magnet lamination. “The Mini 76 TPE-H can be built to suit customers’ specification,” says John Gilmore. “For example, if there is a need to handle stock down to A5 (8 1/2˝ x 5 1/2˝), we can fit a Heidelberg Speedmaster 52 feed head, which goes down to this size. However, if A4 (8 1/2˝ x 11˝) is the minimum sheet, we would fit a Speedmaster 74 feed head.”
The machine’s angled feed table has micro-adjustable side lays to ensure accurate side positioning of the sheets - essential during encapsulation. New electronic front lays operate as a servo-driven sheet correctional device. When laminating thin film, the grip edge of the sheet is under-lapped and the ultrasonic detector is used, which ensures an accurately controlled under-lap of sheets.
The Mini 76 TPE-H can encapsulate with 42 micron (1.5 mil), 75 micron (3 mil), 125 micron (5 mil) or 250 micron (10 mil) PET polyester. In laminating mode it can apply 25 micron (1 mil) matt or gloss OPP, one or two sides in one pass. The maximum running speed is 60 metres per minute (200 feet per minute) when laminating or encapsulating. The stock weights that can be handled during either process are between 60 gsm (40 lb) – 650 gsm (24 pt).
Autobond is also shipping this month its first ever thermal laminator/UV varnish coating machine. The 102 x 102 cm laminator, which is one its way to South Africa, can apply thermal film to one or both sides of the sheet in one pass and be changed over in less than five minutes to apply a UV varnish on one side.
04.03.2008
Responsive Solutions creates Layout2+
 Responsive Solutions announced the Dynamic Layout2+ module. This technology produces yearbooks, magazines, catalogs, newsletters, brochures and documents with an easy-to-use browser-based publishing tool. Dynamic Layout2+ is useful for multiple people or organizations in different geographic locations. The module is based on an cross-platform development framework called Flex 2, to create Internet applications. The Dynamic Layout 2+ can be helpful as a guide or idea generator for end users, because it displays an unlimited number of templates. It also includes elite layering, template management, drag and drop text and images, a library of fonts and font sizes, a built-in spell checker, transparencies or drop shadows.
03.03.2008
HP goes for the pharmaceutical industry
 HP’s Specialty Printing Systems (SPS) division will present its range of solutions for the pharmaceutical and packaging industries at Interpack 2008, 24 – 30 April, in Düsseldorf, Germany. HP SPS is extending its offering to the pharmaceutical market with the addition of the new HP Pharma Black CB935A Inkjet Print Cartridge which is being exhibited in Europe for the first time. It was developed from safe ingredients specifically for oral dosage printing (tablets and capsules). HP Pharma Black can be used for branding, dosage, security or other purposes by enabling individual capsules and tablets to be marked. The precision of 600dpi barcode symbologies can help pharmaceutical companies track products securely, fight counterfeiting and increase dosage accuracy. In healthcare environments, the use of 1-D and 2-D barcodes on tables and capsules can provide an additional level of product security and customer safety when used in an overall programme of dosage monitoring and verification.
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