Prepress

EQUIOS Series Workflow Brings End-to-End Automation for Label and Packaging Printing

Tuesday 09. October 2012 - EQUIOS Flexo Series features workflow management, PDF automatic and selective trapping, and connectivity to JDF-enabled management information systems (MIS). EQUIOS Flexo Series eliminates the need for multiple, device-dependent workflow products to drive Screen and third-party inkjet, toner-based and digital imaging devices. This single workflow with a single user interface automates all stages of production from the time a job is captured or created through delivery of the finished project.

EQUIOS Flexo Series capitalizes on the strengths of PDF for content definition and the JDF standard for job ticketing and process control, improving production reliability and profitability. The native PDF-rendering technology of the Adobe PDF Print Engine 2 core enables more consistency and flexibility. It provides print-targeted previews and proofs and achieves the designers’ intended results.
Autoflow functionality
Autoflow, a central feature of EQUIOS Flexo Series, improves prepress and press processes with smart functions for efficient handling of highly specialized tasks and a reduction in the number of steps. Users define print workflows according to the product type selected. With customer-defined automation, the customer can automate the entire printing process — from color conversion and screening to printing and postpress processing — with simple mouse clicking. Name-defined automation realizes total production automation based on systematically generated file name operations. Data-defined automation prevents possible errors and mistakes with automatic checking and automatic processing dependent upon input data conditions. EQUIOS Flexo Series automatically issues error notices or executes a preset process in accordance with the preflight results. Action Plan, a set of tickets that defines input/output instructions and JDF information for postpress devices, enables nonstop automatic processing.
Autoflow functions can be integrated into any web-to-print interface. Web ordering automatically generates a print queue and associated finishing instructions.
Color management
EQUIOS Flexo Series manages color profiles to deliver superior quality regardless of the printing system or paper. When the operator selects a printer, paper type and screening method, optimal color conversion settings are automatically chosen from a media database. Specialized tools adjust CMYK colors as close as possible to spot colors — particularly useful in digital printing where matches to PMS and custom spot colors are required from CMYK.
Open standard interface
Job data is transmitted via Job Messaging Format to any third-party MIS. Wherever JDF is deployed in a printing environment, EQUIOS Flexo Series integrates seamlessly all the way to the bindery, thanks to the EQUIOSNET Partnership Program. Screen has established an open standard interface so partner members — currently more than 30 companies — can devise a solution at both hardware and software levels that is best for the customer.
Growing and adapting to printers’ needs
Offered in Full Automation and Advancedworkflow packages, EQUIOS Flexo Series is designed to grow and adapt to printers’ needs.
EQUIOS Flexo-Full Automation takes advantage of Screen’s industry-leading 4,800 dpi resolution Flexo Dot Hybrid Screening technology. Flexo Dot Hybrid Screening supports the maximum 4,800 dpi resolution of Screen PlateRite FX Series flexo/letterpress digital imaging recorders, producing more consistent relief patterns and natural-looking gradations in highlight areas. The Multi-Screening module makes it possible to mix different types of screening methods on a single page.
EQUIOS Flexo-Full Automation also includes EQUIOS Online. Screen’s web-enabled file management module allows users to remotely proof and approve print jobs.
PDF TrapEditor, a plug-in for Adobe Acrobat Professional, enables users to control detailed trap settings and provide screening instructions for each object after auto-trapping in EQUIOS Flexo-Full Automation.
EQUIOS Flexo-Advanced automates all the essential tasks required for plate output on PlateRite FX Series devices, such as preflight, OPI, automated trapping and RGB-to-CMYK conversion. EQUIOS Flexo-Advanced also allows soft-proofing and output to digital imagers. It comes standard with Flexo Dot Hybrid Screening. EQUIOS Flexo-Advanced can be upgraded with many of the features included in EQUIOS Flexo-Full Automation for greater functionality.
PageFit Flexo-Advanced features connectivity via 1-bit TIFF files created by any workflow system, as well as the ability to support Screen’s 4,800 dpi resolution and screening. Additional image adjustments can be made easily by cropping or manual image placement for plate fitting. Once the layout is confirmed, PageFit Flexo-Advanced transmits files directly to PlateRite FX Series devices for plate output.