IPG PREPRESS GUIDE: Proofing Systems

Agfa Corp.

The Sherpa family of piezo ink-jet proofing systems combines a range of print engines with AgfaJet proofing base, dye- and pigment-based inks and a color management system.

Grand Sherpa 50 and 64 (50˝/64˝) are 8-color machines with a 1,440x1,440 dpi maximum resolution. The 7-color Sherpa 24m and 44m offer 720-dpi resolution. Sherpa 43i and 62i offer fast contract proofing at 720 dpi. SherpaMatic 43 and Grand SherpaMatic offer dual-sided proofing. Grand Sherpa M is a new 7-color proofer that uses dye-based inks.

The Grand SherpaMatic imposition ink-jet proofer has adjustable paper width up to 50˝, modes for single or double-sided printing, variable resolutions and controllable speeds.

Dalim Software

DALiM DiALOGUE, on Mac OSX, enables remote/collaborative viewing and soft proofing of high-resolution files (PDF, PostScript, CT/LW, TIFF, etc.) via the Internet. It utilizes data-streaming technology to standard Web browsers (no client software) for real-time viewing. Users can zoom, place virtual notes, take densitometer readings and “chat” in real time.

DuPont Color Communication

Cromanet CS Color Server provides an integrated and color-managed digital workflow from design, to proofing, to digital printing. Cromanet CS provides a seamless production workflow to the new DuPont Cromalin Largo systems as well as the Cromaprint 22UV digital printing system. New workflow tools are added for sign making and point-of-purchase applications to offer the ideal color workflow, the highest quality proofing and wide format graphics.

EFI

EFI Colorproof XF is a contone and half-tone, contract-quality, client/server-based proofing system. Featuring a modular structure, Colorproof XF turns ink-jet and laser printers into powerful proofing devices. Colorproof XF delivers sophisticated color management based on ICC profiles, a simple interface, and seamless integration with other illustration, photo and layout applications.

EFI Designer Edition and EFI Photo Edition are digital proofing and photo solutions for the creative, prepress and production stage. Delivering high-quality with minimal setup time, these solutions enable printing of accurate proofs and vivid, full-color photographs. Both are available in XXL versions to drive printers up to 60˝wide.

Kodak

The Kodak APPROVAL NX digital color imaging system can accurately simulate all production processes, generate millions of brilliant spot, specialty, corporate and brand colors including lustrous metallics. APPROVAL NX can control density, dot gain and print on actual printing stock and substrates. This allows APPROVAL proofers to render contract-quality proofs so precise that they match the press.

The Kodak VERIS digital proofer is based on Kodak-developed Multi Drop Array imaging technology, which precisely steers ink droplets for true 1,500x1,500 dpi addressability at production speeds. The resulting drop placement accuracy, superior four dimensional color calibration and consistent, quality controlled consumables are what allow the VERIS proofer to deliver excellent color consistency. Moreover, the VERIS proofer is ICC compliant.

The Kodak MATCHPRINT ink-jet proofing solution is the first DOD proofing solution to be based on powerful Kodak developed software including innovative screening and calibration technologies, and a new Certified Process for Color Confirmation. Using the same Kodak Proofing Software as the Kodak VERIS digital proofer, the MATCHPRINT ink-jet proofing solution is available in two-up, four-up and eight-up formats supporting a range of proofing applications, including high-quality color, content, imposition and two-sided proofing.

Kodak MATCHPRINT digital halftone proofing products for CTP workflows offer faithful screening and file reproduction. Certified for 25-micron media, new donors such as white deliver color images to dedicated Matchprint base or can transfer to customer’s print stock. Available in multiple color sets with custom color sheets to support Spectrum halftone proofers.

Kodak IRIS 62Wide proofer provides four-color, single-sided, very large-format imposition proofs.

Epson

The Epson Stylus Pro 4800 Professional Edition combines Epson Ultra­Chrome K3 Ink Technology, with a high-speed 10/100 BaseT internal Ethernet card along with a custom-designed PostScript Language Level 3 Compatible RIP from ColorBurst to produce color accurate prints.

The Epson Stylus Pro 7800 Professional Edition is a 24˝ printer. Epson’s new high-performance, 1˝ wide print head features 180 nozzles per channel and can achieve resolution levels up to 2,880x1,440 dpi with variable-sized ink droplets as small as 3.5 picoliters. Professional-quality 24x30˝ prints can be printed as quickly as 14 minutes.

The Epson Stylus Pro 9800 Professional Edition can handle proofing and commercial media up to 44˝ wide. It produces contract-quality prints.

Presstek

Open Proof generates progressive proofs using Epson ink-jet printers to improve the performance of the Digital PlateMaster (DPM) system. The same RIP drives the printer and platemaker.

Screen (U.S.A.)

LabProof is direct digital color proof software that generates accurate color proofs from Macs using an Epson Stylus Pro 7000/9000/10000 or HP 10500/5000 ink-jet printer. Paired with LabFit color management system, LabProof performs color matching based on ICC profiles, even for special double-tones or spot colors. Uses a simulated dot method, TIFF files and can import RIPed data directly.

SureProof color-accurate proofing software provides a RIP to drive a single proofing device. Supported color standards include SWOP, FOGRA, Euro­color and Matchprint. Ink-jet printers supported include Epson Stylus Pro 5000, 7000, 7500, 9000, 9500 and 10000 or HP 1050C, 1055CM, 2000CP and 2500CP.

ProofEye is a digital proof inspection system that automatically compares original and modified print-ready digital data to determine all the areas that have been changed.