Mid-State Printing's
pre-press department is a state of the art computer to plate system installed
in September 2008. After much deliberation we chose the RIP software and
CTP made by alfaQuest and plate processor made by Glunz & Jensen.
PrintExpress/CPM is a digital workflow system that comprises of a number
of software modules that are used to create a link between page make-up
applications and the printing press. PrintExpress handles the stages of
receiving single pages in PostScript or PDF form through RIPing, pagepairing,
spooling, proofing, tracking and remote transmission to multiple print sites.
The whole workflow can be monitored and controlled from any location on
the system. The modules which form PrintExpress are all designed to interlock
with each other and to perform specific functions. The whole system can
be as small as a single site outputting to a single CTP machine or imagesetter,
or as large as many newspaper publishing sites all using many common printing
sites. PrintExpress can often be configured to provide a solution to special
and unique user requirements. TIFF import and export together with other
interfacing methods and Laserbus means that PrintExpress can be integrated
in a wide and varied way with other systems and output devices.
PrintExpress utilises either Sun hardware and the Solaris operating system
or PC hardware with the Windows 2000 Server operating system. PrintExpress
modules can run on as many or as few platforms as are required to provide
the necessary performance and redundancy at each site. Automatic failover
functions are available to ensure the system keeps working even if a platform
does fail. The set of modules which form PrintExpress are:
PostScript / PDF spooler
This module receives PostScript or PDF files from other system such as the
page make-up machines on PC or Mac or from an OPI server .It uses standard
input protocols such as PAP (Apple), TCP/IP, drop file, or from the MGS3
OPI server. Here the input files are spooled for transfer to a RIP process
or can be sent on to other PostScript spoolers which could be at other sites.
PostScript files can be converted here to PDF format using the Normaliser
option before being passed on either to other spoolers or to the PDF Export
function to be saved as a file for archiving purposes or for use by other
systems.
PrintExpress RIP
The PrintExpress RIP module uses the Adobe PostScrpt3 CPSI to create bitmap
files from the postscript or PDF files. As with all PrintExpress modules,
multiple instances of the RIP module can run on a single platform. Color
calibration and other modifiers are applied at this stage. The load across
several RIP processes can be leveled by the PostScript / PDF spoolers.
NewsXpress & NewsMATE
VIOLET COMPUTER TO PLATE SYSTEM
Are you ready to step into the world of Computer To Plate? Are you ready
to produce first generation pristine printing plates at speeds which will
eliminate the panic at deadline? Are you ready to partner with us and take
this extraordinary journey together?
All this is possible with the NewsXpress Computer To Plate imager from alfaQuest.
NewsXpress will take your print quality to a new level at a speed and price
you could previously only dream of. NewsXpress sets the standard for all
others to follow. Combined with either the Panther or PrintExpress workflow,
the NewsXpress Violet CTP meets production deadlines in today's most demanding
environments
Wide Array of Imaging Options
NewsXpress is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology and uses
a highly reliable opto-mechanical system which guarantees precision plate
alignment and positioning, ensuring accurate repeatability for color registration
of ±25 microns (±0.001 inches).
NewsXpress will image 100 broadsheet plates per hour, either manually fed
or with the optional NewsMATE Autoloader. This positions the NewsXpress
as one of the fastest, smallest and most economical CTP devices on the market
today. With seven resolutions to choose from, the NewsXpress Violet CTP
meets the most demanding production requirements at a price that is affordable.
NewsXpress' optional NewsMATE autoloader cassette holds up to 100 .012"
plates and removes slip sheets with no degradation in throughput. Slip sheets
are deposited in a bin that can be emptied without exposing the unused plate
supply. If your plates do not require slip sheets, the NewsMATE has advanced
optical sensors which will switch automatically to run without slipsheet
removal.
Multiple RIP & Workflow Choices
NewsXpress can receive bitmap data from either the Windows or OS-X based
Panther™ RIP, utilizing Adobe™ PostScript 3™ software or the alfaQuest PrintExpress
Consolidated Production Management System on Sun/Unix or Windows workstations.
The interface between the RIP and the NewsXpress imager is either SCSI or
LaserBus 2, permitting interconnection of multiple RIPs and recorders without
an external multiplexer.
With alfaQuest's wide array of CTP workflow software you are able to configure
a system specifically for your exact application, based on either the Panther
or alfaQuest PrintExpress Consolidated Production Management System. Together
we can make the dream come true.
Raptor 68/85P
The advanced hot-air concept ensures an accurate and very uniform distribution
of heat to the plate. No temperature ajustment for different plate gauges.
The processor also includes an easy removable anti-oxidation cover reduces
evaporation from developer section, minimizes the use of chemicals and provides
easy access to rollers and brushes.
Compact, high-quality processing of polymer plates
Raptor 68/85P incorporates leading-edge product design and styling, innovative
full featured processing in a compact, space saving "small footprint"
application. The processor has been developed in close cooperation with
the world's leading photo polymer plate and equipment suppliers.
Available in two formats, 68 cm (26.8") version covering formats 2-up
and 4-up (portrait) and 85 cm (33.5") covering 4-up and 8-up (portrait).
As a stand alone unit, or configured for on-line operation with the market's
leading platesetters, this small and highly efficient processor has more
than enough capacity to support the most challenging medium sized clients.
The pricing of this CtP processor also makes it affordable to a substantially
broader market segment. State-of-the-art processing, flexibility, an excellent
value for investment and Glunz & Jensens' proven reliability, give the
Raptor 68/85P "Quality by instinct". |