APR and SpotOn! Press Introduce a new Client-Server version of SpotOn!™ Flexo
All Printing Resources, Inc. (APR), working in conjunction with SpotOn! Press, is proud to announce a client-server version of SpotOn! Flexo. SpotOn! Flexo is a leading-edge technology that makes it possible to get optimum color reproduction and density information for any spot color (including C,M,Y,K), right at your fingertips.
"Since the launch of SpotOn! Flexo last November the number one request we have received from users is the ability to share the database file," says Richard Black, Director of Digital Solutions for APR. "This new client-server version of SpotOn! Flexo allows multiple users to access the same SpotOn! Flexo database file via an internal network or the internet."
"Our long term product planning had always included a client-server version" said Bruce Bayne, creator of SpotOn! software. "The success of SpotOn! Flexo as a stand alone product allowed us to move up this development to meet customer requests" added Bayne.
The new client-server version of SpotOn! Flexo operates the same way as the current standalone version of SpotOn! Flexo. The software compares the spectral data of a color measured on a press pull (using a spectrophotometer) to the spectral data of the reference color. A quick calculation gives the press operator the optimal density to obtain the closest (lowest Delta E, or ΔE) match to the reference color.
The ability to have multiple users access the same database file means there is no longer a need to keep multiple database files up-to-date. Now a user can be running a job on Press #1 and Press #2 at the same time and accessing the database file simultaneously. The new client-server version of SpotOn! Flexo comes standard with two client seats (users) and additional client seats can be added at anytime.
The new Client-Server version of SpotOn! Flexo made its debut at LabelExpo 2012.
Cal Poly Benefits from SpotOn! Flexo Donation by All Printing Resources (APR) and SpotOn! Press
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) Graphic Communication program has recently received a donation of SpotOn! Flexo software and training from APR and SpotOn! Press. This donation to the university's program is a new tool that will help further the education of their graphic arts students in the area of flexo print technology, pre-press processes, and quality control.
SpotOn! Flexo is a software package that addresses a common issue—the lack of spot color ink density information available to the press operator. Using SpotOn! Flexo, the operator can use spectral data provided from a spectrophotometer and get optimal density information, for a spot color to match a reference color.
"We are really pleased to offer Cal Poly the latest industry innovation: a new pressroom software tool that flexographic press operators can use to target optimum density for spot colors," says Richard Black, Director of Digital Solutions for APR. "SpotOn! Flexo is new leading-edge technology that makes it possible to get optimum color reproduction and density information for any spot color (including C,M,Y,K), right at your fingertips."
The new donation will be used as part of the school's Flexographic Printing Technology course. Cal Poly, located in San Luis Obispo, California, has an industry-leading education program in a variety of printing methods and technologies.
The Cal Poly Graphic Communication curriculum focuses on various printing methods, and specific applications to the management and technical function of flexographic printing technology. Cal Poly's Flexography course includes laboratory sessions, where SpotOn! Flexo will be featured in a hands-on demonstration of this new technology for students considering a flexography printing career.
"APR is a great supporter of education, and we appreciate their partnership in helping us educate our students with innovative solutions, SpotOn! Flexo is such a great addition to our program because it's new technology that simplifies the process of matching color on press.
We are delighted with how our students can immediately see if they are in spec or out of spec, and whether simple changes in ink metering can achieve the delta-Es required. We use SpotOn! Flexo in both our academic programs, as well as our industry workshops. It is a vital tool for reducing make-ready time and ensuring process control throughout a press run."
Malcolm Keif, Professor - Cal Poly Graphic Communication Department
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"Creating specific tools for differing types of printing methods has always been a goal of SpotOn!," said Bruce Bayne, creator of SpotOn! software. SpotOn!, a process control software to aid in printing to specifications, was first released in 2008 and has been a leader in evaluating printing conditions to ISO and G7 methodologies. "We are pleased to team with APR to donate this technology to Cal Poly," added Bayne.
About Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Department
The department (www.grc.calpoly.edu) was founded in 1946 and is one of the largest and best-known programs of its kind in the United States. It includes concentrations in graphic communication management, web and digital media, design reproduction technology, graphics for packaging, and individualized study. The program is strongly supported by industry with grants and endowments and with equipment, supplies and software for the department's more than 33,000 square feet of modern laboratories. The department is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications. The Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly (www.grci.calpoly.edu) focuses on services for industry, including research, testing, product evaluations, consulting, training, seminars, workshops, conferences and publishing.
APR Named Authorized TECHKON Dealer
November 2011 - All Printing Resources and Techkon are proud to announce a new authorized dealer partnership. Techkon is the innovation leader in densitometers, spectrophotometers and software solutions for the global print and packaging communities.
"We are extremely pleased to bring APR on board as an authorized dealer of Techkon products" says George Adam, President of Techkon USA. "All Printing Resources brings a unique expertise in the flexo marketplace, which is particularly well suited to our focus on providing the very best in instrumentation and solutions for the packaging industry."
As part of a commitment to innovation in color management and measurement in the flexographic industry, APR is pleased to represent Techkon and their color measurement instruments, including the SpectroDens, SpectroJet, and SpectroEdge.
Techkon color instruments provide the customer ergonomics, speed and accuracy along with a simple-to-operate user interface. Unique engineering features of the Techkon instruments, such as the SpectroDens integrated white tile calibration charging base, the ability to take 10,000 measurements on a single battery charge, and a simple USB interface makes them easy to use and deploy.
"I'm excited about the upcoming opportunities with the Techkon instruments. The SpectroDens is by far the nicest Spectro unit I have ever used, plus it's compatible with SpotOn! Flexo!"
Richard Black, Director Digital Solutions at APR
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SpotOn! Flexo is a new pressroom software tool that flexographic press operators can use to target optimum density for spot colors. SpotOn! Flexo is new leading-edge technology that makes it possible to get optimum color reproduction and density information for any spot color, right at a press operator's fingertips. Techkon color measurement instruments are the ideal compliment to this new innovative software.
For more information on Techkon products and SpotOn! Flexo, Follow these links: Techkon SpotOn! Flexo
APR and SpotOn! Press Introduce an Industry Innovation: SpotOn!™ Flexo
November 2011 – All Printing Resources, Inc. (APR), working in conjunction with SpotOn! Press, is introducing the latest industry innovation: a new pressroom software tool that flexographic press operators can use to target optimum density for spot colors. SpotOn! Flexo is new leading-edge technology that makes it possible to get optimum color reproduction and density information for any spot color, right at your fingertips.
"There's always been a challenge in printing spot colors because of the lack of density information available to the press operator," says Richard Black, Director of Digital Solutions for APR. "That is why we have teamed up with SpotOn! Press to create SpotOn! Flexo. SpotOn! Flexo is a software package that utilizes spectral data to determine the best ink density for optimum color reproduction, allowing the press operator to run a spot color to match a customer's approved color."
"Creating specific tools for differing types of printing methods has always been a goal of SpotOn!," said Bruce Bayne, creator of SpotOn! software. SpotOn!, a process control software to aid in printing to specifications, was first released in 2008 and has been a leader in evaluating printing conditions to ISO and G7 methodologies. "We were pleased to team with APR to create just the right tool for the flexographic market," added Bayne.
SpotOn! Flexo compares the spectral data of a color measured on a press pull (using a spectrophotometer) to the spectral data of the reference color. A quick calculation gives the press operator the optimal density to obtain the closest (lowest Delta E, or ΔE) match to the reference color.
There are many time-saving and cost-cutting benefits of SpotOn! Flexo software. A major benefit is the reduced press "make-ready" time trying to obtain the correct color match to a spot or custom/brand color.
Other benefits include:
- More consistency by monitoring the spot colors versus the reference color throughout a run
- Accurate monitoring to help your pressroom team foresee potential issues, such as changes in ink viscosity or pH
- Timely troubleshooting of doctor blade wear, anilox roll plugging and plate wear
SpotOn! Flexo provides the density of the reference color as well as the density from the press pulls and provides the press operator the ‘optimal' density required to obtain the best color match. A simple user interface also shows the press operator if they are within the color match tolerance created for the specific print job.
Reference colors can be imported from ink formulation software as .mif or CxF files, or they can be measured using a spectrophotometer that reports spectral data. The software supports most major handheld spectrophotometers.
"Companies today place a very high priority on dynamic and engaging packaging that differentiates their products from others on the shelves. Spot or non-process colors are extensively used, but press operators have had few optimization tools," says Dave Nieman, APR CEO. "So we are absolutely thrilled to offer SpotOn! Flexo as a solution to this challenge. We are confident this industry innovation will change the way flexographic press operators print spot colors."
For more information on SpotOn! Flexo software, visit www.spotonflexo.com.
About SpotOn! Press
SpotOn! Press, LLC is a software developer for the printing and graphic arts industries. SpotOn! is a calibration and process control software tool for the proof-to-press process and was released in 2008. Bruce Bayne, founder of SpotOn! Press, has over 30 years in the printing industry and is a GRACoL Certified Expert. Bayne specializes in color management and prepress workflow hardware and software solutions. He uses this experience to create unique and valuable software tools to empower users to measure and manage color. SpotOn! Press is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Learn more at www.spotonpress.com.
About All Printing Resources, Inc (APR)
All Printing Resources, Inc. (APR) is a proven resource for solutions, trusted service, and support to the flexographic printing industry that delivers measurable performance enhancements and total cost reductions including the after sale attention needed to see optimal results. APR represents some of the most innovative product lines worldwide and takes a "team" approach to deliver process improvement and innovative solutions. For more information about APR, go to: www.teamflexo.com.
