Saturday, February 28, 2009

ArtPro : All Packed and Labeled to go.

ArtPro is one of the world’s most productive and effective editors for the pre-production of labels and packaging. This workstation software, running on Apple, includes dedicated functions and tools to prepare the graphics for a wide array of packaging production (litho printing, flexo printing, gravure, silk screen).

ArtColor’s functionality includes comprehensive image corrections and effects, sophisticated masking tools including soft edge masking, brushing capabilities, and support for "real" transparency, while keeping all objects at their respective resolutions. All image objects remain independent and editable at all times, and no compositing (or rendering to one layer) needs to take place at any stage in the assembly phase of the production.

ArtLink is the ArtPro module for database-driven layout or package assembly.
Based on one template file where graphic elements contain links to dbase fields, ArtLink can render the different flavors or versions of the series based on the records in the database file.
ArtLink increases productivity tremendously by automating the package assembly stage. The level of automation is even more elaborate when combining ArtLink with NexusProcessor.

ArtRender is the ArtPro module that allows you to create three-dimensional images or movies from your two-dimensional artwork.
3D animations can be rendered for boxes (e.g. folding cartons) as well as for conic shapes (e.g. cups).
The animations can be exported to QuickTime or QuickTime VR movies, which are ideal to send to the customer for approval or as visual check of the final package, even before the package is proofed or printed.
In production, ArtRender is also useful to verify the seamless joins on the cups or cartons, or to use TIFF images of the 3D objects on other packaging, e.g. to display the other flavors or versions from the same package.

PowerLayout™ is ArtPro’s Step & Repeat module offering a variety of ways to create repetitions or to assemble separations of one or different jobs for film or plate output.
Industry standard formats such as PostScript®, EPS, DCS, native ArtPro data, PDF, TIFF/IT and Scitex CT & LW files, can be repeated easily. The repetitions are based on a preview of the job. This not only makes step & repeat fast and interactive, it also means that when the original single job is modified, the Step & Repeat layout is updated automatically.
ArtPro can be configured with PowerLayout as a module, or PowerLayout can also be provided as a standalone program. PowerStepper as well as PowerOptimizer are optional modules for PowerLayout for dedicated step and repeat purposes. PowerStepper executes the repetition process based on CAD information, while PowerOptimizer calculates the optimal distribution of different labels on one sheet or plate.

PowerStepper is the ultimate Step & Repeat program for packaging.
As the system uses CAD information to define and position the repeat, it is the ideal solution for Step & Repeat for carton packaging. PowerStepper can import CAD files in CFF2 and DDES format.
PowerStepper is an optional module running on PowerLayout that can be used as a module inside the basic application ArtPro, or the combination of PowerLayout and PowerStepper can be purchased as a standalone software package.

PowerOptimizer is an add-on module to PowerLayout
PowerOptimizer™ calculates the most economic label imposition based on a set of rules and specifi cations from the user. The calculation part of PowerOptimizer can be used on a separate station in for example the estimating department.

PowerTrapper™ is a fully automatic trapping tool which allows the user to trap a complete job or any part of it, based on the selected objects.
This accommodates the need for specific trapping requirements for different parts of the job. Trap widths can be set separately for traps from color to color, to black, or to images. PowerTrapper’s default trapping color matrix, which contains the trapping parameters for the different objects in the file, is based on the luminance of the colors used, while taking opaque inks into account. This matrix, which is fully editable, defines trap directions, widths, and colors.

PowerWarp™ is an optional ArtPro module that allows powerful and technical deformations of line-art, text and images.
PowerWarp allows deformations of any kind as the system is based on warping a source grid onto a destination grid. Grids can be entered freely and therefore typical deformations to achieve drinking cups, metal cans, ceramic plates, rounded cardboard boxes, blister packs, bottles, etc. are easy to define.
To use the PowerWarp module to deform images or vignettes, the ArtColor module is also required.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Prinect Signa Packaging Pro 4.0

Prinect Signa Packaging Pro 4.0
Functions and features Prinect Signa Station:
• Job Assistant guides the user in a structured way through the imposition process.
• Prinect Signa Station uses resource data e.g. for customers, papers, presses, CTPs and much more. The information has to be entered only once and may be used many times.
• Folding sheet based process allows fast and easy changes between different presses.
• Multiple use of folding sheets, press sheets, jobs and job parts.
• Combination of different bindings in one job.
• Fast and secure production of jobs in multiple languages or different versions.
• Graphic view allows visual check of pages, page lists, folding schemes, print sheets, plate templates and content data.
• Clear display of job structure.
• 3D visualisation of reader's spread, collating marks and folding sheet.
• Marks editor allows the creation of individual marks and mark sets.
• Automatic generation of dynamic barcodes.
• Combi marks allow automatic adaption of color marks to the different colors in a job.
• Bottling (automatic tilting) compensates paper twisting when large sheets are folded.
• Imposition assistant allows the creation of complex schemes for web printing.
• JDF Connector allows link to a Management Information System (MIS).

Functions and Features Packaging Pro:
• Import and processing of all common CAD formats
• Generation of layouts based on CAD data
• Generation and processing of clipping paths
• Clipping path handling with enhanced functionality
• Generation of "CoverClippath" marks automatically derived from clip path
• Support of ink pick-up fields
• Generation of Station and “Waste” Numbers as text mark
• Automatic clipping of color control fields depending on clipping paths
• Step & Repeat functionality• Export of all common CAD formats