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Smaller formats, chemistry-free alternatives and a variety of imaging technologies are motivating in-plants to successfully—and profitably—bring computer-to-plate imaging in-house. By Vincent De Franco Doug Fenske is one of the growing number of in-plant managers who have realized the benefits and profitability of converting to a computer-to-plate (CTP) workflow. "It's just awesome," he enthuses, referring to the productivity gains he's enjoyed since leading the transformation of the Minnesota State University at Mankato Print Center to CTP. According to Fenske, the range of new opportunities and benefits includes perfect registration, faster imaging speeds and significant process improvements. "It's just so cool," he says.

More than 38,000 people attended this year's expo. Here's a glimpse of what they saw. By Bob Neubauer Integration was the big theme of this year's Graph Expo and Converting Expo. Individual manufacturers like Heidelberg and MAN Roland showcased computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) technologies connecting prepress, press and finishing. And vendor partnerships, both small and multi-faceted, foreshadowed future integration between multiple vendors' systems. Notably, at a large press conference touting the Networked Graphic Production initiative, 27 companies proclaimed their commitment to defining, developing, testing and delivering JDF-based integration between their systems. They plan to define a standardized set of interfaces to create plug-and-play solutions

Many in-plant managers are finding that computer-to-plate isn't the wave of the future—they need it right now. By Mike Llewellyn IT ISN'T easy to convince management to invest in large equipment, particularly not when it transforms an in-plant's workflow. But it was just that vigilant attention to the bottom line that led Ken Volz to prepare his in-plant's offset operation for a digital workflow. "We were still doing small-format film and we wanted to get a large-format platesetter," says Volz, director of Printing Services at the University of Cincinnati. So just over a year ago, the Ohio in-plant brought in an Agfa Apogee prepress

Both imagesetters and platesetters have advantages, but many vendors feel CTP is the way to go. By Mike Llewellyn IMAGESETTERS STILL have a home in the in-plant world, but among manufacturers these days, they just aren't that popular. With their ears to the ground, most major manufacturers of imagesetters expect interest in the technology is about to run its course, particularly with advent of violet laser computer-to-plate (CTP) technology. The equipment is still selling, they point out—albeit slowly. But overall, according to Ken Hanulec, director of marketing for Creo Americas, most in-plant managers would be better off investing in computer-to-plate systems rather than

CTP can substantially slash the amount of time, labor and money needed to complete an offset job. by Mike Llewellyn Michael George is a very busy man. Whether he's meeting with customers, flying to trade shows or solving any number of daily crises in the in-plant, he's always looking for a way to get a little more time. George is director of Villanova University Graphics, a 13-employee shop tucked away on the second floor of Galberry Hall in a far corner of campus. Operating in what was once a house, the in-plant is its own storm of activity, and it's in a constant race

In-Plant Graphics hosted the second annual Top 50 roundtable in Chicago recently, bringing together managers from around the country for some intensive discussions. By MIKE LLEWELLYN For the second year in a row, In-Plant Graphics hosted a roundtable luncheon for the Top 50 in-plants. Managers from some of the largest in-plants in the country met in Chicago during Graph Expo to discuss the challenges they share, and to learn from each other's experiences. For some it was a reunion. For others there were a lot of new names and faces to remember. But for everyone it was a welcome break from the crowds

Not long ago I made my first trip to Oklahoma City. I was invited to attend the International Publishing Management Association's second annual regional conference and to give a presentation on the state of the in-plant market. (That's me giving my talk. I thought you'd appreciate a new photo for a change.) While I was in town, I spent a day visiting in-plants in the area, such as those at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Gas & Electric, Oklahoma Central Services and Hobby Lobby. This last in-plant piqued my interest. Three years ago when Hobby Lobby wanted to bring its offset printing in-house—that's

Higher-than-expected turnout made Graph Expo 2002 an exciting four days for both vendors and attendees. By Mike Llewellyn &012;and Bob Neubauer Graph Expo was back in action last month in Chicago, and from the look of the 380,000-square-foot show floor, the printing industry may soon spring back, as well. Close to 38,000 people attended the show, including buyers representing over 9,600 companies. After last year's big-ticket event, Print '01, was brought to a halt by the September 11 terrorist attacks, it was reassuring to see crowded exhibit areas and overflowing equipment demos this year. David Poulos, director of communications for the event's organizer,

With digital cameras rising in popularity, and drum scanner lines being pulled from the market, is there a future for scanners? by MARK SMITH When Heidelberg announced it was discontinuing "all scanner development and production operations," it sent a few shock waves through the industry. After all, high-end scanning used to be all but synonymous with Hell drum machines, a tradition Heidelberg inherited when it acquired Linotype-Hell. According to Heidelberg, the market for scanners has experienced a downturn in recent years, with declines as great as 20 percent in 2001 alone, depending on market and product. "This move is a timely

Excellent crossovers and great color consistency vaulted Phillips Petroleum to its third Best of Show victory in nine years. by Bob Neubauer Investors are rather important to Phillips Petroleum Co. The Bartlesville, Okla.-based firm knows, however, that before investors put their money anywhere, they often rely on the opinions of industry analysts. To impress those analysts with its accomplishments and future plans, Phillips Petroleum puts a lot of effort into designing an impressive, colorful Fact Book each year. And because it needs that piece to be printed perfectly, the company goes to the best printer it can find—its in-plant. It has never