HANOVER PARK, Ill., October 2003 – Differences in algorithms, alternate angles, varying dot sizes and a wide range of dot frequency. For printers looking to implement new screening technologies, figuring all of this out can not only be very time-consuming, but also very confusing. In an effort to make sense of this, Enovation Graphic Systems, Inc. recently participated in an educational seminar hosted by Komori America.
During the seminar, held at Komori America’s facility in Rolling Meadows, Ill., attendees were able to see different screening technologies run side by side and learn about the features, advantages and benefits of each program, including Fujifilm’s new Co-Res Screening.
Fujifilm officially introduced the new screening technology during Graph Expo 2003, held last month in Chicago. Co-Res Screening is unlike other screening technologies available today, in that it is neither stochastic or nor a hybrid (AM screening plus stochastic) screen. Co-Res Screening is an alternative screening technology, developed by Fujifilm and using the company’s Smart Dot, Multi-Template and Moiré Suppression technologies. The combination of these proprietary technologies makes it possible to maintain 256 gray levels at 300 lpi at a lower resolution (2400 dpi than the normal 4800 dpi), greatly decreasing ripping, plotting and processing times.
“For printers, especially those looking to implement high line screening (300+ lpi), Co-Res Screening presents an opportunity to do fine line screening without paying any penalties in the pressroom,” says Don Schroeder, group manager for color products for Enovation Graphic Systems, Inc. “Using these technologies, printers will see smoother spot colors, enhanced shadow detail and vignette transition, improved highlight detail and smoother fleshtones.”
During the seminar, attendees were able to review and compare press sheets run on Komori’s new Lithrone S40 using each of the screening methods and were invited to question the representatives from each of the manufacturers about their screening technologies.
In addition to the advantages that can be seen on the final printed piece, Co-Res Screening also offers users an important advantage in the pressroom.
“Fujifilm’s Co-Res Screening can be implemented without making any changes to existing press controls,” Schroeder notes. “Pressmen have a very defined set of processes and targets they use to make a press run the way they want it to run. We wanted to make sure they could still use all of those tools. That was our main criteria while we were developing Co-Res.”