4th annual Readers’ Choice Top Products Awards
4th annual Readers’ Choice Top Products Awards: the most significant product introductions over the past 15 months.
The 4th annual Printing News Readers’ Choice Top Products Awards competition was conducted in mid-2016. The goal was to gather opinions from print service providers about what they consider to be the most significant products introduced to the commercial printing industry over the last 15 months.
To be considered for these awards, a product had to be released, commercially available, and shipping between January 1, 2015 and March 31, 2016. Voting was open to all print service providers worldwide from June 20 through July 15, 2016.
Prepress & Premedia
i1iSis 2 Automated Chart Reader from X-rite/Pantone, Inc.
Color Management (Software & Hardware)
The new i1iSis 2 and i1iSis 2 XL use i1 spectral technology to accommodate M0, M1, and M2 measurement illumination conditions which help manage the complexities of measuring optically brightened substrates now commonly used in grand format, premedia, and digital press applications.
The i1iSis 2 and i1iSis 2 XL are XRGA compliant. The X-Rite Graphic Arts Standard (XRGA), an X-Rite calibration standard for graphic arts instruments, includes new advances in color technology and changes required to meet ISO-13655. As XRGA-compliant instruments, the i1iSis 2 and i1iSis 2 XL ensure high quality data exchange and workflows in environments where different instrumentation is used.
iQuote Monarch Integration from EFI
Estimating / MIS Software
The iQuote portion of the workflow utilizes smart algorithms to turn a simple specification into a detailed production plan – automating the selection of the best path based on an evaluation of all of a printing company’s equipment, processes and resources. When the job is won, the system’s integrated planning capability produces and sends the final production plan to EFI PrintFlow software for dynamic scheduling, EFI Auto-Count software for production management and data collection and the Monarch ERP for tracking and cost analysis.
GMC Inspire R10 from GMC Software Technology
Marketing & Marketing Automation Software
GMC Inspire R10 brings a solution to the market that has more than 500 new features, innovations, and improvements all designed to move interactive, batch, and mobile customer communications leap years forward. Additionally, Inspire R10 helps customers reduce errors, provide improved quality and significantly speed the compliance process with the ability to generate a single design proof for print, email, mobile and web. With a single point of control for remote authoring, Inspire R10 enables customers to engage more internal resources in the content creation process without increasing risk.
ArtiosCAD 14.1.1 from Esko, Packaging & Commercial Print
Package Design / 3D Rendering Software
Esko is rolling out its newest release of ArtiosCAD, an important release of one of its leading structural design editors for packaging and displays. The updated version showcases Canvas Design which, thanks to a series of new features, significantly improves the workflow for anyone designing and producing multi-component displays and packaging. The enhancements are the result of substantial customer input, eliminate the pain points customers were facing related to designing and producing multipart designs.
ILUMINA Heavyweight Champion with PlateMaker 7 Inside from Xante
Platemakers
The HWC Heavyweight Champion Digital Print System with PlateMaker 7 Inside is a brand new polyester CTP solution. Specifically designed for small commercial printers and print shops, this solution is low cost, high quality, and chemical free.
Image-FX from Color-Logic Inc.
Plug-Ins
Color-Logic has released Image-FX, a software plug-in that automatically creates a metallic ink separation for conventional printing or a white ink separation for use with metallic substrate. The Photoshop plug-in is available to Adobe Creative Cloud users and produces images particularly effectively in wide-format and UV printers.
PitStop 13 Update 1 from Enfocus Software Inc.
Preflight Software
New features in this release were developed to provide users in a wide range of markets—including sign & display, packaging & label, and digital & commercial printing—with new tools to address challenges in daily production.
New features in PitStop 13 update 1 include improved processing speed, support for adding grommets, preflight restrictions within a shape (such as a cutter guide), and a new preflight profile for fixing PDFs created from Microsoft Office documents. Together, these new features support PitStop as the leading PDF preflight and auto-correction solution.
PrintingNews.com/12131843
Fiery JobFlow v. 2.0 from EFI
Production Automation Software
EFI Fiery JobFlow makes it easy to automate the job preparation process to produce ready-to-print files with the fewest touch points. It is based on a hybrid platform that incorporates cloud-based services and local file processing.
EFI DirectSmile Cross Media version 7 from EFI
VDP Software
Version 7 of the software provides the convenience of marketing portals, making multi-channel campaigns easily accessible by allowing users to adapt, localize, and personalize campaigns. The Portals support the upload of data, launch and tracking, reducing campaign costs while increasing marketing productivity and profitability.
The software also has optional modules for cookie tracking and lead scoring of campaign website visitors, and customer relationship management (CRM) system integration.
Digital StoreFront Entity Model from EFI
Web-to-Print Software & Storefront
Digital StoreFront (DSF) is EFI’s web-to-print and eCommerce solution. The new entity model introduces support for complex hierarchies within a single DSF instance. Each entity is essentially a building block for defining organizational structure. The entity model allows for an extension of this hierarchy, building a branching tree. Each sub-entity can be granted unique permissions (by the parent) to control its level. Each entity can have a unique construct and/or DSF constructs – including products/media/print services, storefronts, pricing, tax rules – that can be made available downstream to sub-entity levels.
iQueue 10.2.5 from Xante
Workflow Software
iQueue automates and simplifies numerous prepress tasks through a user-friendly interface. It features easy to use editing tools including spot color matching, independent CMYK density adjustment, imposition/tiling, sequential numbering, and variable data with Intelligent Mail barcodes.
Consumables
DigiPRO Topcoat from FLEXcon
Coatings
FLEXcon has announced a new DigiPRO topcoat created specifically for use with its 2.4 mil vinyl specialty films for HP Indigo printing. Now with the capability to DigiPRO topcoat specialty films, the sparkle, shine, and glow will not be lost when printing digital. In addition, converters and print service providers can eliminate a step in their printing process and realize significant cost savings.
13 mil Fusion Polyester Cover from Fusion Digital Paper
Digital Print Media
Fusion Digital Paper introduces 13 mil Fusion Polyester Cover, a digital solution for durable menu and outdoor signage applications. Made in the USA with a proprietary manufacturing process, 13 mil Fusion Polyester Cover runs static free on high heat toner production digital equipment. This feature avoids the usual static electricity problems common with top coated digital polyester films. This product truly prints like paper, yet has the durability of a synthetic product.
PrintingNews.com/12078820
AveryPRO line of pressure-sensitive label stock from Avery Products Corporation
Label Stock
The AveryPRO line features professional-grade, full-sheet and pre die-cut label stock in 12x18-inch sheets for both dry toner and HP Indigo presses; free Press-Align design templates for accurate prepress alignment; and sales and marketing tools that help printers generate incremental revenue.
The AveryPRO line of pressure-sensitive label stock is engineered for high-speed and mid-range laser printers and copiers, and is ideal for short-run, print-on-demand requirements. Our pre die-cut and full-sheet label stock yields premium print quality and ink adhesion, as well as long-lasting adhesives and proprietary features. A wide range of substrates lets you offer diverse, high-value applications, and the sheets can be cut down to 8.5x11 inches for more print jobs and easy delivery.
PremoCup from Flint Group
Packaging Inks
PremoCup packaging inks for paper cup applications deliver wet and dry rub resistance without affecting print quality, utilizes Flint Group’s building block formulating technology, and comes with a wide operating window that substantially reduces the variation in print quality caused by inconsistent coating weights commonly observed with long standing technology.
Heavyweight LusterCote from Sappi Fine Paper North America
Packaging Substrates
Sappi North America expanded its LusterCote packaging line. The new heavyweight LusterCote product is available in 70, 80, and 95 pounds. Each offers superior performance for offset, flexographic, and gravure printing, including wide-format, multi-color sheetfed presses. It also delivers excellent ink holdout with both conventional and UV curable inks as well as a wide variety of aqueous coatings.
Kodak Electra Max Thermal Plates from Eastman Kodak Company
Plates
Kodak Electra Max Thermal Plates from Eastman Kodak satisfy the requirements of commercial and packaging printers needing a high-performance plate, including strong on-press robustness and solvent resistance for harsh environments such as UV, 10-micron FM screening capability, long unbaked run lengths, fast imaging and processing speeds, and low chemistry usage.
Mohawk Synthetic Performance Polyester from Mohawk
Specialty Papers & Substrates
Mohawk Synthetic Performance Polyester is a new digital synthetic film designed for a variety of everyday durable applications. The product line includes 5, 8, 10, and 14 mil caliper options, in a 93 bright white shade for printing on dry toner presses.
Mohawk Synthetic products are ideal for applications that require a high level of durability, such as menus, manuals, maps, ID cards/badges parking passes, road race bibs, outdoor tags/signage, all weather manuals, luggage tags, POP displays, table tents, and more.
Canon imagePRESS C10000VP from Canon USA, Production Printing
Digital Devices (non-inkjet)
Canon USA Inc. launched the imagePRESS C10000VP Series, addressing the demand for the flexibility of digital output that meets offset print quality and color consistency requirements. Engineered to run a wide range of media types and weights without sacrificing overall productivity, the imagePRESS C10000VP Series supports a monthly duty cycle of up to 1.5 million letter images.
The new imagePRESS Series features robust print speeds of up to 100 letter images per minute with the imagePRESS C10000VP and 80 letter images per minute with the imagePRESS C8000VP, on all supported media weights up to 350 gsm. Delivering vibrant, stable output, high productivity and reliability, the Series is designed for demanding production environments at commercial printers, in-plants, transaction, and direct mail service providers alike.
Gallus DCS 340 Digital Label Press from Heidelberg USA
Label Printers/Presses (Tie)
With the official sales launch of the new Gallus DCS 340 digital press for the growth market of label printing, Heidelberg is opening up new business models and applications in printing for its customers. The press is supplied with the Prinect Digital Frontend developed by Heidelberg. Users can therefore integrate the systems into their existing workflow environment. The comprehensive software expertise offers Heidelberg easier access to new and attractive market sectors such as digital label printing.
Truepress Jet L350UV inkjet label press from Screen Americas
Label Printers/Presses (Tie)
The Truepress Jet L350UV delivers the smoothest gradations and sharpest detail with the thinnest ink lay down compared to other inkjet label devices. The press produces photo-realistic quality of fast-turnaround projects at a top speed of 173.2 square feet per minute. It accommodates web widths up to 13.7 inches and has a maximum imaging area of 12.6 inches. Single-pass grayscale piezo printheads emit Screen’s vibrant, high-definition CMYK+white UV inks with a minimum droplet size of three picoliters. This tiny droplet size combines with printing resolutions of 600 x 600 dpi to create sharp, well-defined images and text.
Océ ColorStream 3000 Z Series from Canon USA, Production Printing
Production Inkjet
The Océ ColorStream 3000 Z series aims to provide equal quality, speed, and reliability with an improved design, more suitable for smaller business spaces. Intended to be a slim high volume full color continuous feed inkjet on the market, the Océ ColorStream 3000 Z series uses approximately 30 percent less floor space than its predecessor.
Comparable to the Océ ColorStream 3000 range, the ColorStream 3000 Z comprises four systems, ranging from 157 to 417 feet-per-minute, for an equivalent productivity of 344 to 1818 pages-per-minute. The 3000 Z series also offers high-speed monochrome imprinting and a built-in Simplex Z-fold stacking functionality to support stacks of up to 300mm.
imagePROGRAF PRO-6000S from Canon USA, Professional & Large Format Printing
Wide-Format Roll-to-Roll Inkjet Printers (24-inches +)
Canon USA Inc. unveiled the eight-color 60-inch imagePROGRAF PRO-6000S, an affordably priced model to economically create eye-catching posters and vivid displays for the production signage industry. For increased versatility, a Multifunction Roll System comes standard in the 60-inch eight-color model. When used as a dual roll, the Multifunction Roll System will enable users to load glossy media in one roll and matte media in the other to seamlessly print to both rolls without needing to switch media or black inks. The Multifunction Roll unit will intelligently send the job to the correct media, automating the process and providing increased ease of use. The roll can also act as a take-up unit with bi-directional rewind, ideal for long, uninterrupted print runs.
Mimaki JFX200 UV-LED flatbed printer from Mimaki USA
Wide-Format Flatbed Inkjet Printers (24-inches +) (Tie)
The JFX200 UV-LED flatbed printer, featuring a 4x8-foot, landscape-oriented format is small enough to fit into most sign and graphic print shops. Its vacuum table includes two areas that can be activated to securely hold a board over the entire area, or separately for accurate positioning of smaller media. It can print onto a wide range of media up to 1.9 inches thick. White and clear (varnish) inks are available
Océ Arizona 1280 XT UV Flatbed Printer from Canon Solutions America Inc., Large Format Printing Systems
Wide-Format Flatbed Inkjet Printers (24-inches +) (Tie)
Océ Arizona 1200 Series printers combine Océ VariaDot grayscale piezoelectric printing technology with a true flatbed architecture, for high print quality across a broad range of applications. In response to customer needs, the new printers are offered in 3 different configurations and two different size formats. From digital print service providers and sign makers to photo labs and reprographers, mid-volume printers can benefit from these sustainable and efficient mixed media printing solutions. These new solutions will also help enable specialty and industrial print producers currently using analog technology, to make the transition to digital printing helping with improved production flexibility and enhanced profitability.
Finishing & Mailing
Vareo Perfect Binder from Muller Martini Corp.
Binders, Book Finishing Systems & Bookletmakers
As print runs become smaller and smaller, the Vareo from Muller Martini is a groundbreaking solution to today’s evolving production demands. With speeds up to 1,350 cycles per hour and with a short set-up times, the Vareo cost-effectively produces a full range of products, including photo books, personalized catalogs, high-quality brochures, etc., with the very first book being sellable.
CAMM-1 GS-24 Desktop Cutter from Roland DGA Corp.
Cutters, Trimmers, & Routers
The CAMM-1 GS-24’s robust build quality, redesigned cutting carriage and blade holder, 10x overlap cutting capability, and 350g of downforce (a 40 percent increase from its predecessor) allow users to cut a variety of materials from two to 27.5 inches wide – including thick, dense substrates – with ease and accuracy. Equipped with a powerful, durable digital servomotor, the GS-24 is built for optimum efficiency, versatility and productivity. It’s capable of cutting vinyl, paint mask, twill, heat transfers – even magnetic materials and card stock – at speeds of up to 20 inches per second.
RDC Flex Rotary Die Cutter from Therm-O-Type Corp.
Diecutters
Using the RDC Flex Rotary Die Cutter, customers can quickly and accurately die cut odd shaped products. It comes standard with a waste stripping station and delivery conveyor. Registration pins are used to accurately positioned dies on the magnetic cylinder. Vertical and horizontal registration are controlled using a touch screen computer and set up information can be stored and retrieved. Pre-set waste stripper assemblies can be attached or removed without tools, eliminating the need to reposition individual stripper fingers when changing formats.
Epic Inserting System from Pitney Bowes
Inserters
The Pitney Bowes Epic Inserting system is a high speed, multi-format solution that cost effectively processes complex transaction mail with demonstrated integrity and high yield to simplify capacity planning, increase operational productivity, lower total cost of ownership and improve return on investment. Featuring the ability to process letter mail at speeds up to 21,000 pieces per hour and flats up to 14,000 pieces per hour, the Epic helps providers move swiftly and easily from job to job and from letters to flats in a single operator workcell delivering high productivity results.
AccuZIP 7 from AccuZIP
Mailing Software & Hardware
The new AccuZIP 7 is the culmination of years of experience and customer input. The new AccuZIP 7 will set a new precedence for desktop database management, data quality and postal software applications for the forcible future. By ensuring that each good standing customer receive a PLG (Price Lock Guarantee), closely integrating external services and processes, and creating an intuitive comprehensive feature set that allows our customer to generate more revenue and reduced labor and data processing costs.
Impressia Digital Multi-Media Press and Enterprise SL Feed System from Xante
Other Postpress Equipment
The Impressia with the Enterprise SL Feeder features rapid print speeds (up to 78 full color envelopes per minute) and crisp color quality (up to 2400 dpi). This multi-media press prints on a variety of stocks including coated, uncoated, NCR, textured stocks, labels and more. With the Enterprise SL Feeder, users can maximize their space by placing the Impressia Digital Print System with the shortened Enterprise SL Feeder on any open table top or desk space.
