Business News
Sigraf increases the quality and productivity of newspapers and catalogues using two KODAK MAGNUS 800 QUANTUM Platesetters
Thursday 16. September 2010 - The KODAK MAGNUS 800 QUANTUM Platesetter controlled by the KODAK PRINERGY EVO Workflow System proves perfect for mixed applications
Italian print provider, Sigraf, has improved the quality of its output and boosted productivity by installing two KODAK Platesetters. The Bergamo-based company, which specialises in printing national and local newspapers, magazines, catalogues and books, is reporting an increase in output quality and speed after implementing the KODAK MAGNUS 800 QUANTUM Platesetters, controlled by the KODAK PRINERGY EVO Workflow Systems. Sigraf already uses the KODAK ELECTRA EXCEL HRL Thermal Plates.
Sigrafs operations include web and offset printing. The companys philosophy is to offer newspapers commercial print quality while meeting the stringent time and logistical requirements of newspaper publishers. In January 2010, Sigraf upgraded its pressroom by extending its web press, and overhauled the prepress department with the acquisition of two powerful automatic KODAK CTP product lines.
“We first encountered KODAK Products a long time ago, and for us the most important aspect has been the strong relationship we enjoy with the company,” says Goffredo Signorelli, Sigrafs owner. “Kodak staff are very knowledgeable – theyve helped us to resolve issues and grow our business. The decision to acquire two MAGNUS 800 QUANTUM Platesetters and two PRINERGY EVO Workflow Systems followed the extension to a web press installed in 2007, which at the time was a 32-page colour press. It has since become a full-colour, 64-page press, and we needed high-speed plate production systems that guarantee top quality.”
KODAK Technology, ideal for mixed productions
“The installation of KODAK Technology has had a big impact at Sigraf, and could become a model for newspaper publishers that want to enter the commercial market,” says Andrea Mannoni, Kodak Newspaper Segment Manager. “KODAK Solutions enable publishers and contract printers to get the most from their equipment, and expand and diversify their commercial activities. This is particularly useful in the newspaper market, which has been hit hard by the downturn. KODAK Solutions can really make a difference, as they offer excellent quality and process control.”
Signorelli adds: “After expanding the web press, we needed to double the number of plates. And given that we use both offset and web printing, we also needed a flexible machine. Its been six months since we implemented the KODAK Technology and our experience has been extremely positive. When we replaced the two old CTP devices with the two KODAK MAGNUS Platesetters, we saw a considerable drop in plate production time and print waste.
“And we no longer have an issue with dirt. The KODAK Systems work really well, and we can now close the pinholes later. This allows us to produce an even finer halftone screen, which helps us realize our primary objective – deliver outstanding quality.”
Even at the operating and management level, Sigraf has not encountered any problems – a crucial factor for a company that operates seven days a week to print daily newspapers and bi-weeklies.
The MAGNUS 800 QUANTUM Platesetter offers excellent quality thanks to the KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology and the KODAK STACCATO Screening Technology. The system can produce up to 40 plates an hour, and has an automatic loader with an individual cassette unit that contains up to 100 plates. “Since the installation, weve substantially reduced work delivery times. And weve cut costs because weve eliminated the need for overtime in the prepress department,” adds Signorelli.
The PRINERGY EVO System has proved very effective in PDF generation because it is equipped with advanced preflight, normalisation, colour management, trapping and optimisation features. The result is simplified processes and reduced production costs. Meanwhile KODAK COLORFLOW Software has simplified the colour setting process within the PRINERGY System.
The Ink Optimising option included in the KODAK COLORFLOW Software has delivered ink savings, while at the same time improved quality because of the greater print stability. It produces ICC DeviceLink profiles that re-separate images using GCR separation technology. This method helps to improve the trapping of the fresh ink. It also reduces the costs associated with the ink used in four-colour printing, because in shaded areas with half or quarter tones where overprinting of the three main colours (C, M, Y) is done, the grey components of these colours are reduced and replaced by black.
Investment during the downturn pays off
Sigrafs customers have responded very positively to the changes brought about by the companys new systems. “Our investment in state-of-the-art equipment reflects our commitment to continual improvement,” says Signorelli. “It has sent a strong message to our customers. It has let them know that we can now do whatever they need us to do, without any limits on creativity or diversification. Wherever they want to go, Sigraf can follow.”