Printing Industry News Digest No.85, January 28, 2012

Welcome to Printing Industry News Digest (PIND) issue 85, providing a summary of major news items from the printing, publishing, packaging, digital, and communications technology sectors. PIND incorporates brief summaries and links to the week’s key news stories so that you can look up that all important detail, digging deeper behind the headline. Do also take a look at our automated Twitter-based GenesisNews Print Daily publication; why not take out a free subscription for a daily digital delivery!

Following last week’s excessive excitement regarding Manroland, Kodak, and Heidelberg, a calmer week offer us just one major update on those three. Only the Kodak story has developed appreciably, with an announcement regarding print and packaging being singled out as having potential for valuable growth. It is currently aiming to secure £610 million to provide liquidity.

On the topic of finance, we have seen some activity this week from used press specialist DPM. Check out the company’s latest used machine offerings via video: they include a Manroland 505+LV B2-format machine; a Heidelberg Speedmaster CD102 six unit; and a Komori Lithorone L540.

With video’s to the fore, the software team at StudioRIP have been busy getting their web site up to date, and this also includes a neat video presentation on the many features of the software RIP product. The company has also started work on its Twitter site.

Elsewhere in the pre-press arena Apex Digital Graphics have been keen to mention their latest Screen CtP installation, with a PlateRite 2055Vi machine being installed at Basingstoke’s Fineprint.

In post-press, Morgana Systems have come to an agreement with Swiss equipment manufacturer Multigraf AG regarding a number of patents. The two companies have issued a joint statement stressing their commitment to stop the influx of unlicensed post-press product entering the EU from the far-east.

In the world of high tech, Apple have been posting even more staggering numbers than expected, and the Guardian asks if it can become the world’s first trillion dollar company.

However, debate still continues about the benefits of a low-cost iPad in the market. Wired tells us that it won’t threaten the march of the Kindle Fire.

The world of QR codes is somewhere that we haven’t visited for a while: we should be looking at QR in packaging; and QR codes in direct mail.

Also in the tech world, the ultrabook is now the weapon of choice for laptop manufacturers. Lifehacker asks what is an ultrabook and do I need one? Are we seeing ultrabook overload? Check out the latest specs.

Finally, do keep checking back to see what will be featured in our next edition, PIND 86. For an RSS feed of PIND, copy this link into your feed reader; and click here for the GenesisNews Print Daily – you can even take out a free subscription for this daily news update on print, publishing, packaging and associated technology!

PIND085

Missed Issue 84, including Manroland break-up; Kodak Chapter 11? Then simply click here!

Issue 83: tech snippets and software

Issue 82: Kodak news and publishing topics

Issue 81: Manroland, newspapers and cloud

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Fineprint, Basingstoke, Invests in Platesetter

Fineprint, Basingstoke, has detailed its latest investment in platesetter technology with the installation of a Screen PlateRite 2055Vi computer-to-plate solution. The CtP product was purchased from Apex Digital Graphics, Hemel Hempstead, Screen metal plate system and Ryobi press distributor.

The new platemaking solution has replaced a DPX System, also provided by Apex, and is feeding two Heidelberg Speedmaster 52 presses, one two-colour and one four-colour. “The DPX was a tremendous servant for us, producing over 100,000 plates during its seven years of production,” said Fineprint owner Mike Woolhouse. “However, it is probably reaching its end of life now, and the pricing equation with regard to metal plates has changed quite a bit in those seven years. Metal plates are now significantly more competitive on price – probably down to the level that polyester plates were back when we first purchased the DPX.”

The Screen 2055 at Fineprint is imaging Fuji Pro V low-chemistry plates. The PlateRite 2055Vi incorporates fully automated inline punching and is able to output up to twenty B2 plates per hour. The PlateRite 2055Vi supports plate sizes ranging from 450 x 280 mm to 754 x 635 mm, and can image at an impressive 2400dpi.

“As far as day-to-day operation is concerned, the front-end for plate production remains largely the same. Our press operators handle this final element of plate production, creating the final plates when they need them,” added Mike Woolhouse.

Commenting on the installation, Bob Usher, Managing Director of Apex Digital Graphics, said: “We are of course delighted to be able to take Fineprint up to the next level of plate production equipment. The Screen imaging hardware in conjunction with Fuji’s Pro V plate technology is an ideal combination for today’s busy B2 print business.”

About Fineprint

Fineprint is an established commercial printer and digital print company based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK. The company has been successful in delivering quality print services to companies in the North Hampshire area and beyond since 1994.

Managing the whole process from design to delivery, Fineprint produce a wide range of printed materials from business cards through to brochures. Customers include a typical broad spectrum of commercial businesses, as well as nearby military facilities, and local authorities.

The company also utilises a Xerox DP700 digital printing system.

For further information on Fineprint take a look at the www.fineprintbasingstoke.co.uk web site or call 01256 814 144.

About Apex Digital Graphics

Apex Digital Graphics Limited is a specialist in the supply and service of pre-press and press equipment. Apex is the official UK distributor for the Ryobi range of printing presses and ECRM polyester platesetters. Apex also distribute the Screen range of thermal and violet platesetters. The company offer national service coverage, and a one-stop shop for print consumables featuring next day delivery. Apex Digital Graphics can be contacted on 01442 235 236 or via the www.apexdigital.co.uk web site.

ENDS

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Morgana and Multigraf Announce Agreement

Morgana Systems Ltd, Milton Keynes, the UK’s leading manufacturer of equipment for digital finishing, is delighted to announce that it has withdrawn its patent infringement claims in Germany, and has licenced Multigraf AG, the Swiss based manufacturer of print finishing products, to use its patented technology.

Under the license agreement Multigraf will be able to use Morgana’s technology in its new creasing and folding products.

Morgana’s Managing Director, Quen Baum, and Robert Barrer, the Managing Director of Multigraf, jointly said that it was important for European manufacturers to share technologies in order to reduce the time and cost of bringing new products to the market.

They went on to say that it was also essential that European manufacturers focussed their efforts in stopping the influx of the low-quality unlicensed products which were beginning to be seen from China and other emerging markets.

Both companies stressed that they are committed to stop their technologies, patents and IP being blatantly copied by unscrupulous manufacturers and importers.

About Morgana Systems Limited

Beginning with the launch of the revolutionary AutoCreaser in 2000 Morgana Systems has led the way in developing new and innovative solutions to cope with the special requirements of the digital printer. UK-manufactured Morgana products that have achieved worldwide success during this time include the AutoCreaser, the DigiFold combination creaser and folder, the DocuMaster total finishing system, and several specialist folders, such as the DocuFold and Morgana Major, which offer new levels of automation and ease of use.

Morgana provides an unrivalled range of digital finishing products from the simplest, entry level creasing units up to highly sophisticated multi-functional systems offering a range of finishing capabilities in a single unit. Latest products from Morgana also incorporate JDF readiness and the ability to handle variable data input.

Morgana’s purpose built factory in Milton Keynes produces more than 4,000 finishing products each year, with over 85% of these destined for the company’s rapidly growing export markets.

For further information on Morgana see http://www.morgana.co.uk

ENDS

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