Industry Centers

Prepress

• Computer-to-plate
  Violet vs. thermal, processless and aluminum or polyesters are just some of the issues that are keeping this subject a hot topic.
• Workflow/Web-To-Print
  Getting a file ready for outputting to a CTP system or digital press involves a number of processes, including preflighting, file editing, imposition, trapping, and more.

Digital Output

• Digital Printing
  Market and technology information related to EP (electrophotographic) and ink-jet based devices for direct printing of materials from a digital file.
• Direct Imaging Presses
  Learn about the pros and cons of adding laser imaging systems to the cylinders of an offset printing press for exposing digital plate materials on-press.
• Wide-format Printing
  Going beyond proofing, this technology can be used to produce a wide range of materials, including retail signage, trade show displays, courtroom graphics and even vehicle wraps.

Offset Printing

• Color/Quality Control
  Color and quality control starts with color management in prepress and increasingly involves in-line inspection on the press and binding lines with the intent of creating closed-loop systems. Standards such as G7, SWOP and GRACoL facilitate such programs.
• Consumables
  Updates on the latest market trends and product developments in paper stocks, inks, coatings and more, including sustainability.
• Press Accessories
  Updates on developments in dryers, emission control systems. in-line embossing/diecutting units and other add-ons for sheetfed and web offset presses.
• Sheetfed Offset Printing
  Learn how sheetfed shops are staying competitive by boosting their productivity and flexibility through investment in presses configured with ever more color units, coaters, perfectors and UV/hybrid capabilities, as well as wider widths.
• Sustainabililty
  Printing is going green, so here's where to learn about the many sustainability programs and sourcing options available to printers and how industry companies are marketing their efforts.
• Web Offset Printing
  Coverage of the entire industry segment, including heatset, non-heatset and UV presses, narrow to wide webs, in-line finishing and more. Business, management and technology issues are addressed.
• UV Printing
  Hybrid and full UV printing capabilities are increasing the flexibility of sheetfed and web offset printing, enable printers to expand into new markets such as printing on plastics.

Postpress

• Bindery / Finishing
  Topics include business issues, processes and technology in the postpress arena. Areas of focus range from folding and cutting to saddle and perfect binding, gluing, diecutting, embossing and ink-jet addressing.
• Fulfillment
  Discussion of the business opportunities and required infrastructure--inventory management software, barcode systems, racks, bins, etc.--to provide pick-and-pack, kitting and delivery services to customers.
• Mailing/Postal
  Information on software, equipment and best practices for preparing materials to be delivered via the mailstream in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Material Handling
  Examples of how fork lifts, pallet turners, AGVs, roll stands and other equipment can assist personal in safely and efficiently moving materials around a plant.