Joined up workflow for Truprint Media

Print Solutions

Truprint Media, based in Margate, has announced details of an upgrade to its pre-press department that allows one single software solution to output to proofing, computer to plate production, and digital printing. The StudioRIP Workflow product was supplied and configured by Prepress UK.

The backbone of pre-press production is an Agfa Palladio computer to plate system that had previously been running with an ageing Apogee workflow. As is often the case, an Epson proofer was running with its own separate RIP as were the company’s two digital printing presses, both Konica bizhub products – one monochrome and one colour.

Anthony Underwood, director of Truprint Media, said: ‘Handling files for production is now a fast and accurate operation, no matter how the files were originated. In addition, the fast, simple imposition system speeds up the processing of files, automatically working out pagination and delivering pages for printing.’

The Palladio will also include a laser upgrade. ‘This will allow us to move to chemistry free plates,’ said Anthony. ‘Add together the savings that we will make on the new breed of plates, the cost of buying chemistry, and the cost of having used chemistry removed, and it will virtually pay for the upgrade. The change will also mean enhanced environmental credentials for us as a business – customers are always keen to hear about green enhancements.’

In the same round of investment, the company has upgraded its printing machinery, adding a pre-owned Komori 528 five colour litho press. ‘With the new press we were able to recommend and install our PressProfiler package,’ said Prepress UK’s Nic Chapman. ‘This provides automatic ink key pre-setting. It takes pre-press data from the system that we installed and feeds it into the printing press, setting up the ink ducts on the machine, enabling faster and more efficient make ready. The whole package – pre-press workflow solution and the ink key setting package – was all installed and configured for less than £16,000.’

‘PressProfiler on the new press has given us immediate improvements from day one,’ commented Anthony. ‘The new Komori has replaced an older Komori four colour machine. Make readies on that machine used to take close to an hour, but the combination of the 528 with PressProfiler has already reduced our preparation times dramatically to almost a quarter of that. With run lengths continuing to fall, such savings on make-readies are essential. This enhancement will pay for itself in no time at all.’