From typesetting to imagesetting to printing, Freeport, N.Y.-based Regional Color Graphics has undergone three changeovers in its 50-plus years in business. Technologically progressing each step of the way, from service bureau to full-service commercial printer, the family-owned business recently added digital color proofing to its ever-expanding capabilities. The Fujifilm PictroProof dye-based, two-page, digital contone proofer uses Fujifilm’s proprietary Thermal Development and Transfer Technology (a laser diode imaging process) to produce fast, high-quality color results. "The PictroProof is providing better registration than analog proofing, and it’s nearly twice as fast," reports Todd Coopersmith, vice president. "Plus, it’s a more consistent, high-quality proof. Most importantly, customers are happy with the PictroProof on-press." The PictroProof utilizes CMY donor material and receiver paper to simulate commercial printing ink and stock. And, it replicates the color and feel of analog proofs without chemicals or toners. Because it’s an economical proof (compared to high-end dot proofs), Coopersmith says the PictroProof fits his customers’ budgets. "You have to be able to put out an affordable, quality product in a timely manner, or you’re not going to be competitive," he contends. "And, if you’re not competitive, you’re not going to get the orders. The PictroProof helps us to be competitive." Coopersmith notes automatic calibration, ease-of-operation and low maintenance as other benefits of the PictroProof, which he claims has been trouble-free in operation, "plug and play since Day One." As a longtime user of the company’s film and plates (about 350,000 per year), Coopersmith says he bought the PictroProof based on the performance of Fujifilm consumables. "We’ve never gotten a bad product from Fuji. Fuji’s film and plates are excellent. That weighed heavily when it came to buying the digital proofer." As a digital product, Coopersmith claims the PictroProof enables Regional Color Graphics to sell digital files. "And that increases our sales volume," he explains. "We do imagesetting for other printers. A lot of those printers not only want film, but electronic files, as well. And, they want digital proofs to go with the electronic files. The PictroProof gives us this capability and makes us more competitive." Regional Color Graphics continues to sharpen its competitive edge by investing in the latest technology—technology that has helped the company evolve from typesetter to service bureau to full-service commercial printer. Now, digital proofing has been added to the value-added list.