BEDFORD, MA -- October 15, 2002 -- Creo Inc. demonstrated a revolutionary breakthrough at Graph Expo by eliminating the use of spot color inks with the Spotless(tm) solution technology, yet delivering spot color performance at a fraction of the usual cost. For intensive spot color work on sheetfed presses, such as folding cartons, the manufacturing savings can easily exceed five percent. Live Demonstrations During Graph Expo... The Spotless solution technology demonstration replaces many spot color inks with Staccato(r) screened composite builds and a variety of color tools and workflows. "The starting point for this new development is the SQUAREspot(r) thermal imaging head in Creo computer-to-plate systems," explains Mark Nissen, Value in Print product manager. "These systems open the door to stable printing of smooth Staccato screening composite builds. Next, we transform spot colors into a build of either CMYK or a six-color set. Typically a six-color set hits a much broader range of spot colors." The Spotless solution comprises Staccato screening for fidelity and continuous tone performance, the six-color workflow of the Prinergy(r) workflow management system, and implementation services provided by the Creo Consulting Services Group. The Spotless technology demonstration shows automatic six-color separation and proofing, bringing six-color workflow into the mainstream. This six-color technology will be available in Prinergy next year. Samples on Display... Six-color press sheets that were printed using the Spotless solution illustrate the accurate replication of spot colors against a 12-color press sheet, CMYKOG plus six spot colors (two passes in a six-color press). The Staccato Print Showcase also display more than 200 samples printed by Creo customers using Staccato screening, now widely used in all types of printing. The samples illustrate the flexibility of Staccato screening as they are produced on both web and sheet-fed presses, printed on coated stock or uncoated sheets, and they range from commercial printing and packaging to catalog and publishing applications. Visitors are asked to take the photographic challenge: is it a photo or an offset print using Staccato 10 micron screening?