Metrix 3.5 Debuts at Graph Expo

October 2008

multipage

PHOENIX--October 21, 2008--LithoTechnics, developer of Metrix, award-winning, intelligent job planning and imposition system, announced today their Graph Expo lineup will feature Metrix 3.5, premiering Auto Bleeds -- automatic clipping of bleeds on the inside edges of butting products -- along with support for Jog to Foot (Low Folio Lap) and Right-hand Spines. JDF connectivity has been enhanced for Metrix 3.5 -- streamlining the JDF workflow between Metrix and Screen TrueFlow, and enabling JDF binding instructions for saddle-stitchers and perfect binders.

US and Australian representatives of LithoTechnics will be demonstrating Metrix in Booth 5132, located in the PrePress area of the show.

Rohan Holt, President of LithoTechnics, said, "We are proud to introduce more milestone innovations in Metrix 3.5 - automatic clipping of interior bleeds on command, without affecting the exterior bleeds of adjoining products. Version 3.5 also introduces support for 'jog to foot' or 'low folio lap' books, completely automating the conversion to or from 'jog to head' even for complex books with flaps on pages or exotic folds."

Holt continued, "Metrix 3.5 also automatically handles right spine books, providing the same ease of use as for left spine books." Holt concluded, "Metrix 3.5 takes our JDF compatibility a notch higher by introducing JDF export to stitchers and perfect binders. Metrix has imported and exported JDF since version 1.0, and the capability to configure binding machines provides our customers yet more production automation, so important in today's environment of intense competition and challenging business conditions."

Markus Schluep, Muller Martini Project Manager, remarked: "The largest obstacle to full bindery JDF integration has been the lack of an 'agent' to write Job Definition Format (JDF) files that include bindery specifications for cutting, folding, saddle stitching and perfect binding. LithoTechnics' Metrix software allows printers to conquer this hurdle. The geometry that is already entered into Metrix, including trim size, laps, head trim, offsets, etc, can easily be exported as standard CIP4 JDF. These JDF job tickets can be read by our saddle stitchers and perfect binders, and save significant set up time. This process also ensures that the machine is set up to the exact dimensions that were used to paginate, proof, print, cut and fold the signatures. Redundancy in data entry is eliminated, steps in the make-ready process are reduced, and mistakes are a thing of the past. This is precisely the workflow that many bindery managers have been looking for."

Mr. Schluep concluded by saying, "LithoTechnics has allowed the binding industry to achieve a new technology milestone, and we applaud their accomplishment."

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