Mid-State Printing - Pre-Press
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.

RIP Software

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.

CTP

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.

Plate Processor

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".


     
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