FFEI Ltd, the global developer of award-winning digital imaging solutions, is set to create a stir among OEM partners, distributors and resellers alike as it unleashes a raft of new software solutions engineered to increase functionality and enhance workflow for commercial printing, packaging and labelling.

Spearheading the showcase on display are a fully-updated version of the company’s feature-rich, RealVue 3D Packager 3D visualisation tool for rapid design and prototyping of cartons and labels, as well as an array of new workflow solutions for traditional and digital commercial print, labelling and packaging sectors. FFEI is also unveiling RealPro ColourCloud, anadvanced cloud-based application which significantly reduces the cost of creating high-end ICC Device Link and ink-optimised profiles.

Commenting on the significant new solutions, Nick Gilmore, software business manager at FFEI, says, “We have focused on developing what we genuinely believe are “game-changing” affordable software solutions for labelling, packaging and commercial printers and we’re delighted to be using drupa as the stage to preview our latest software applications.

“We expect our new product showcase to be of particular interest to OEM manufacturers, distributors and resellers of graphic printing equipment, given the ease of integration and significant added-value they offer end-users in terms of increased performance, functionality and automation,” adds Gilmore.

FFEI’s new software solutions comprise:

• RealVue 3D Packager - a complete, easy to use 3D visualisation tool for labelling and packaging, specifically designed for the creative needs of brands, artwork designers, agencies, pre-press and converters - from prototype to production. Dynamically switching between 2D and 3D, RealVue 3D Packager delivers the ability to accurately view complex structures, ink laydown, diecutting, and hard-to-visualise added-value effects such as substrates, metallic inks, foils holograms and embossing - directly within Adobe Creative Suite. Once the design is complete - complex animations can be created for brand pitches and communication through the supply chain. RealVue 3D Packager can be integrated with existing print/packaging workflows.

• The newly enhanced RealPro Workflow System, comprises modular, scalable workflow software for commercial, hybrid and packaging printers seeking a fast, modern, upgradeable, easy-to-use, automated production workflow system. Based on the latest Adobe PDF Print Engine 2.5 technology, RealPro Workflow System is a pure PDF workflow which preserves the original PDF content and offers a host of features that include pre-flighting, automated imposition, archiving, ICC-based colour management, 3D proofing and more.
  

“Our RealPro Workflow System comprises software modules that make it easy and affordable for users to select the right specification for their business needs,” explains Gilmore. “The beauty of the system is that it not only meets the needs of a cross section of users – fromcreative agencies and pre-press shops, to medium-sized and high volume print production sites – but now includes a new ‘Digital’ module, which features a powerful print-ready PDF and template imposition solution with ICC colour management capable of driving most digital presses,” he adds.

A fresh approach to packaging
For the packaging market, FFEI has also created the RealPro Packaging Suite, a feature-rich software suite of tools for packaging agencies, trade-shops and converters requiring a highly productive, easy-to-use pre-press solution that works seamlessly with existing workflows from FFEI and other leading manufacturers. RealPro Packaging Suite comprises FFEI’s updated RealVue 3D Packager and new RealPro Toolkit enabling productivity-enhancing Adobe Illustrator plug-ins, with intuitive editing and design tools, as well as powerful nesting and trapping capabilities.  

Similarly, FFEI’s new RealPro Packaging Workflow System comprises all aspects of RealPro Packaging Suite, but adds the company’s aforementioned RealPro Workflow System. This highly productive, fully featured, scalable workflow, built to manage sophisticated high volume production sites, enables the RealPro Packaging Workflow System to deliver a powerful pre-press workflow solution for the packaging market.

Meeting objectives for labelling and converting customers
In addition, drupa will see FFEI introduce new workflow-enhancing solutions for the label market, namely:

• RealPro Digital Labeller, which is ideal for a digital label printer requiring a complete end-to-end workflow. This solution is aimed at an existing Caslon Inkjet Label Press or 3rd party digital press front end. In the case of Caslon, the included RIP licences would combine, creating a full workflow solution. Also provided is RealPro Toolkit, offering advanced ink handling and automated step and repeat tools within AdobeCreative Suite.

• RealPro Labeller, a perfect solution for combination print processes which comes with the powerful RealPro toolkit pre-press solution for Adobe Illustrator and the automated power of RealPro Workflow System comprising Adobe PDF Print Engine and full JDF workflow.
  

Flexibility and cost-saving from the cloud
Completing the line-up of software solutions on display at drupa, is FFEI’s RealPro ColourCloud, an advanced cloud-based software application which significantly reduces the cost of creating high-end ICC Device Link and ink-optimised profiles. Users simply upload data to create custom ICC profiles or Device Link profiles complete with ink saving. A unique 3D gamut viewer allows the user to visually compare profiles before printing a test image. Importantly, the ability to “try before you buy” allows users to avoid incurring initial high costs and minimises risk. Once the desired profile is produced, it is purchased and downloaded. Previously purchased profiles remain in the cloud to provide an inventory and storage of calibrations.

“Label producers running web-presses invariably have to contend with using expensive inks, and sometimes inferior quality substrates that often make for difficult drying times that impact on press speeds,” continues Gilmore.

“With RealPro ColourCloud, any users, both conventional and digital, can purchase an ink-optimised profile that enables them to obtain exactly the same quality, while achieving savings of up to 50% less ink or toner. As a result, they enjoy enhanced workflow efficiency from faster drying times and increased press speeds, while also saving a huge amount of money on expensive inks,” he adds.

Visitors to the FFEI stand will also have the opportunity to see FFEI’s new, end-to-end, digital label printing solution in action, as well as hear more about the continued success of the company’s market-leading CTP range.