PixelBlaster, originally launched at Fespa Digital 2012, is a “print-to-finish” print production software developed for wide-format printers by SAi, the US-based software developer for signmaking, screen and digital printing. It was designed to ensure that printers using a range of devices and substrates can maintain consistent quality and colour output irrespective of the hardware and inks being used, thereby streamlining workflows and eliminating the need for more than one software programme. The new PixelBlaster Dip-Tech Edition (DXP XL) has been developed with Israeli-headquartered manufacturer Dip-Tech Digital Printing Technologies for use with its flagship Dip-Tech AR series of digital in-glass printers. The two companies, which have worked in partnership since 2006, decided to develop the Dip-Tech edition of PixelBlaster, including a PixelBlaster RIP, colour management and workflow support, to meet the requirements of Dip-Tech technology. Dip-Tech’s director of application Aliza Edry said that although the firm’s printers looked and operated like conventional wide-format inkjet printers, there were a number of major differences. “Consequently, we needed a solution that could combine a RIP, color management and flexible workflow that could accommodate those differences,” he added. Edry explained that Dip-Tech printers did not use a standard CMYK colour set but rather orange, red, blue, green, black and white, as well as any required special spot color. He added: “Dip-Tech AR in-glass printers use opaque ceramic inks. “Printing on transparent glass and applying colors with varying levels of opacity required a special level of control. Having worked for seven years with SAi, we were confident that they would be able to develop a solution for us.” SAi PixelBlaster Dip-Tech edition is commercially available immediately and will be supplied with all future orders of AR-series Dip-Tech printers....

PixelBlaster, originally launched at Fespa Digital 2012, is a “print-to-finish” print production software developed for wide-format printers by SAi, the US-based software developer for signmaking, screen and digital printing. It was designed to ensure that printers using a range of devices and substrates can maintain consistent quality and colour output irrespective of the hardware and inks being used, thereby streamlining workflows and eliminating the need for more than one software programme. The new PixelBlaster Dip-Tech Edition (DXP XL) has been developed with Israeli-headquartered manufacturer Dip-Tech Digital Printing Technologies for use with its flagship Dip-Tech AR series of digital in-glass printers. The two companies, which have worked in partnership since 2006, decided to develop the Dip-Tech edition of PixelBlaster, including a PixelBlaster RIP, colour management and workflow support, to meet the requirements of Dip-Tech technology. Dip-Tech’s director of application Aliza Edry said that although the firm’s printers looked and operated like conventional wide-format inkjet printers, there were a number of major differences. “Consequently, we needed a solution that could combine a RIP, color management and flexible workflow that could accommodate those differences,” he added. Edry explained that Dip-Tech printers did not use a standard CMYK colour set but rather orange, red, blue, green, black and white, as well as any required special spot color. He added: “Dip-Tech AR in-glass printers use opaque ceramic inks. “Printing on transparent glass and applying colors with varying levels of opacity required a special level of control. Having worked for seven years with SAi, we were confident that they would be able to develop a solution for us.” SAi PixelBlaster Dip-Tech edition is commercially available immediately and will be supplied with all future orders of AR-series Dip-Tech printers....

The new range of inks is suitable for a range of applications including digital printing on panels and laminated boards for the flooring and furniture industries. The inks, which are available in both UV and aqueous formulations, are made with pigments specifically designed for printing onto décor papers, primed wood and fibre boards and either laminated or polymer edge bands and skirting boards. Dimoda inks can be used with all major drop-on-demand piezo print heads according to the manufacturer, which designed the range in response to the increasing adoption of single pass inkjet printing in the décor markets. “It quickly became apparent that décor applications have some unique processes that demand very specific inkjet inks,” said Sunjet sales representative Phil Jackman. He added: “Utilising Sun Chemical’s extensive knowledge and experience of the analogue décor print processes into which we have supplied inks for decades and SunJet’s own expertise in inkjet formulation has enabled us to quickly provide digital solutions that work.”...

The new range of inks is suitable for a range of applications including digital printing on panels and laminated boards for the flooring and furniture industries. The inks, which are available in both UV and aqueous formulations, are made with pigments specifically designed for printing onto décor papers, primed wood and fibre boards and either laminated or polymer edge bands and skirting boards. Dimoda inks can be used with all major drop-on-demand piezo print heads according to the manufacturer, which designed the range in response to the increasing adoption of single pass inkjet printing in the décor markets. “It quickly became apparent that décor applications have some unique processes that demand very specific inkjet inks,” said Sunjet sales representative Phil Jackman. He added: “Utilising Sun Chemical’s extensive knowledge and experience of the analogue décor print processes into which we have supplied inks for decades and SunJet’s own expertise in inkjet formulation has enabled us to quickly provide digital solutions that work.”...

Proofscope Live was launched at Drupa 2012 but will be made commercially available at the show, said a spokesman, adding the Fespa market was especially important for this type of product. “The key benefit is the system gives you the ability to make last-minute corrections and is targeted at quite a broad spread of customers in Europe, from signage and commercial printing to labels and packaging. It’s easily tailored for different sectors,” he said. Managing director Jan Ruysschaert said: “It is a simple PDF that you can view, open and edit via a normal browser, and is unique. It allows you to make corrections in an environment where you don’t have the time to send the file down to a customer to receive and make remarks.” The company said its product was an “enhancement” to its exisiting Proofscope software that allowed online soft proofing, annotation, viewing and live editing. Proofscope Live works with HTML 5 and JavaScript and can be used with any tablet or mobile, unlike many other systems, it said. A five-user licence costs €10,000. “No Flash code or Java applets are used, eliminating the security bottlenecks that exist with many other soft proofing tools. The correction tools in Proofscope Live provide document reviewers with powerful capabilities,” said Ruysschaert. “Being able to make last-minute corrections without having to contact the designer, upload new artwork, reproof the updated job enables enormous time savings to be achieved. It can cut hours off a production cycle and make the difference between missing or meeting deadlines,” he added. Hybrid Software will also use Fespa from 25 to 29 June to show off its Order Lifecycle Management system, which aims to help users efficiently manage orders throughout the production lifecycle by integrating existing hardware, software and workflows. “The greatest challenge facing companies throughout all areas of the graphic arts sector is how to increase productivity and profits and reduce operating costs without having to make a significant investment,” said Ruysschaert of the product which was originally launched in 2011....