Pre-Drupa Event Focuses on Innovation

Published: May 01, 2008, By By Claudia Hine, Managing Editor

GENT, BELGIUM

Duomedia's Drupa Discovery Tour, a gathering of 83 journalists from 26 countries, took place March 20-24. More than 100 publications were represented, including PFFC. In the city EskoArtwork's CEO Carsten Knudsen calls “the cradle of packaging software,” several companies previewed the hardware and software products they'll introduce at the upcoming print show in Düsseldorf, Germany, May 29-June 11.

Participating suppliers included EskoArtwork, which will show new software, plug-ins, platesetters, and digital cutting tables. CEO Knudsen also announced the acquisition of Gradual Software, whose staff and technology will be merged with EskoArtwork's Enfocus operations.

Agfa Graphics will introduce a chemistry-free, thermal digital plate; a series of thermal imaging CtP platesetters; workflow solutions; large-format printers; and a polyester-based synthetic paper. Pressroom chemistries include an eco-friendly plate cleaner.

Punch Graphix Intl. presented a new generation of platesetters for UV plate exposure from basysPrint. The company's Xeikon business will debut a toner-based digital color press.

Atlantic Zeiser will introduce two high-resolution inkjet printers. The company's second generation LED UV curing technology also will be displayed.

HP will show three new digital presses, its first-ever workflow portfolio, and an inkjet web press for high-speed color printing. New water-based latex inks are said to produce high quality, dry, odorless prints.

Alwan Color Expertise will demonstrate new software for color management. PerfectProof will demonstrate proofing, large-format production, and packaging prototypes.

Canon will show new color and B&W digital presses, including a device with clear toner to enhance print, as well as a process control system and production workflow. A large-format printer with an 80 GB hard drive also will be shown.

A roundtable moderated by Laurel Brunner of UK-based Spindrift and Andy Tribute, Attributes Assoc., Cornwall, UK, tackled the hot topics of sustainability, automation, and emerging applications. The panel also debated inkjet versus toner and digital versus conventional print.

Look for more details on these and other product launches in our Drupa New Product Digest on p44 and in upcoming issues of PFFC. For more information on the Drupa Discovery tour, visit our website at www.pffc-online.com.

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