Microchips multiply in printing equipment at drupa
Among the many technological advances recognized by Terry Gallagher, managing director of Quote & Print Solutions (pictured), during his visit to drupa, few made a more profound impression than the continuing integration of microprocessors into all areas of print engineering. At the same time he became more convinced that technology itself will never provide a complete answer.
It is clear to me that in order to gain the efficiencies of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) now being made available by the integration of microprocessors into an ever widening array of graphic arts equipment, good processes and systems are an essential requirement.
By using microprocessors to control and monitor presses and finishing equipment, the industry has gained a quantum leap in performance in such areas as: - higher press speeds
- better register control
- smart adjustments for different thickness materials
- perfecting presses with closer registration results
- automated ink adjustment to a target image
- electronic detection of when “good” copies start
- automated control of press speed ramp-up and ramp-down
- reduced waste copies
- fast, automated wash-up
- automated plate loading for the next job (with the option of imaging plates in the press unit).
Of course the digital printing world has always been fully dependent on microprocessors and the progress is continuing in speed and quality control. Fast digital engines outputting 'almost' offset quality continue to move up the food chain.
At this drupa we also saw an increase in microprocessing ‘smarts’ being added to the postpress finishing world, bringing closer to reality the CIP4 ambitions of end-to-end automation of the production process. New finishing equipment with more microchips embedded than ever before were on display in Düsseldorf. Many of these are said to have the speed and reliability to keep up and run inline with the new high-speed presses.
New high-speed presses are not cheap
Of course these smarter printing engines require a substantial investment. So the big issue for all printers looking to invest in more efficient manufacturing is how to ‘feed the beast’ – how to keep and hold the flow of work required in order to satisfy the hungry printing engine and the accountant.
At a business level there can be several possible parts to that strategy. These include a renewed focus on sales efforts, additional services such as finished goods logistics management, and internet business-to-business facilities. Sometimes it may involve a partnership with someone who was previously a competitor.
But perhaps the most essential requirement to keep feeding the beast is having sound workflow processes and information systems in place. There has to be a rapid flow of accurate information through a Management Information System (MIS), such as Quote & Print, to prepress and then onto the production floor.
The role of the acronyms
This is where new standards such as JDF (Job Definition Format) and JMF (Job Messaging Format) have a role. At drupa we saw productive demonstrations of JDF as supplier companies work through the practicalities of exchanging information between multiple vendors. Of course, Quote & Print is part of this process.
JDF provides specifications for the transfer of job information such as from a Q&P system to a prepress workflow then onto presses and postpress equipment that is integrated into the system. This is the strategy of the CIP4 initiative and is a signpost towards the future of a large part of the industry.
The newer JMF will mainly be for the downstream systems and smart equipment on the shop floor to send status reports back to the Management Information System (MIS).
JDF and JMF are not a cure-all, but for printers who have good processes and systems in place they will be beneficial. What is certain is that printing will continue to move towards being a computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) process. But only those companies that ensure their MIS is integrated into a ‘smart’ production workflow will be able to take advantage of the technology gains delivered by the microprocessor enhanced equipment we saw at this drupa.
Printing is still all about putting marks on paper and the SAPPI paper girls turned up every day of drupa in new and exotic creations – made from paper. Photo by Terry Gallagher
Among the many technological advances recognized by Terry Gallagher, managing director of Quote & Print Solutions (pictured), during his visit to drupa, few made a more profound impression than the continuing integration of microprocessors into all areas of print engineering. At the same time he became more convinced that technology itself will never provide a complete answer.