Pittsburgh, PA - Printing Industries of America has released more information about the eleven technologies recently selected to receive a 2013 InterTech™ Technology Award.

An independent panel of judges deliberated over technology nominations, which showcased the dynamic nature of the industry. Technologies were selected from those nominated for a variety of reasons, but the judges felt they all met the award criteria of being truly innovative and capable of having a major impact on the graphic communications industry.

What follows is a description of each technology selected to receive the 2013 InterTech Technology Award. (The technologies are listed alphabetically by company.)

Pressero with eDocBuilder
Aleyant Systems
Pressero is Cloud-based Web-to-print software for quickly developing digital storefronts and marketing-oriented websites. It offers a full range of functionality, from order management to workflow integration, and sets itself apart with eDocBuilder, a powerful variable-data publishing system. eDocBuilder impressed the judges by empowering users to personalize, proof, and approve VDP documents directly from a Web browser while the open platform of the software allows easy integration into existing workflows. Learn more about Pressero with eDocBuilder.

Aproove
Aproove SA
Aproove is a Web-based online collaboration, proofing, and approval solution for Macs, PCs, tablets, and smartphones. The system is device-independent, allowing users to continue with existing workflows, and its open architecture can easily integrate with other systems. The judges were impressed with the Cloud-based technology that is easy to use, was designed to be scalable, and is not locked into any one specific MIS or prepress workflow system. Learn more about Aproove.

POWERCOAT
Arjowiggins Creative Papers
POWERCOAT was developed to meet the exacting demands of printed electronics. The substrate is made from 100% cellulose fibers with no plastic, is recyclable, and FSC-certified. The judges cited POWERCOAT’s ability to support an expanding market and were impressed with the substrate’s ultra-smooth coating, which provides the ability to reduce ink consumption and print at the resolution required for printed electronics. It also has high thermal and dimensional stability. Learn more about POWERCOAT.

ORIS Lynx
CGS Publishing Technologies International
ORIS Lynx is color management offered as a Cloud-based, software-as-a-service (SaaS) system. Employing an easy-to-use Web-based client application and a secure server, it generates reliable device link profiles or ICC profiles to control the quality and consistency of output on any print device. The judges were impressed by the SaaS approach, giving small- and medium-sized operations a simple way to produce accurate color and satisfy specific color requirements. Learn more about ORIS Lynx.

GMG OpenColor
GMG
GMG OpenColor increases the color accuracy of proofs by simulating the overprint behavior of different printing processes and process-specific variables. It meets the demands of consumer products companies who are sensitive to even minor inconsistencies in color matching. The judges were impressed by GMG’s research into the spectral behavior of inks resulting in sophisticated modeling algorithms that predict overprints, reducing the need for press fingerprinting and shortening the time to accomplish color matching and profiling. Learn more about GMG OpenColor.

Heidelberg Speedmaster XL VLF Press with Twin-Gripper Delivery and Remote Fan-Out Control
Heidelberg USA
The twin-gripper technology secures the lead and tail edges of the sheet in the delivery, ensuring smooth pile formation, and eliminating marking as well as paper waste from slowdown corridors. Remote fan-out control adjusts the plate tail clamps dynamically from the console to compensate for fan-out, avoiding wasted time in stopping the press. The judges were impressed with these technologies that take large-format presses to a new level of efficiency and productivity.  Learn more about the Heidelberg Speedmaster XL VLF Press.

HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press
HP
The HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press prints up to seven colors on a 29×20-inch sheet with the same print quality and substrate flexibility common to other Indigo presses. Producing a B2 format size means the press easily integrates into offset pressrooms and significantly increases the print volumes that are cost-effective on a digital sheetfed press. The judges were impressed with the many technological advancements necessary to rapidly produce digital prints of this size. Learn more about the HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press. 

KODAK FLEXCEL Direct System
Eastman Kodak Company
Direct engraving of flexographic ITR (sleeves) and plates is faster and more accurate due to Kodak’s new multi-channel laser diode array and sleeve and plate media characteristics. With engraving speeds up to 50% faster than existing systems and a simple, two-step prepress process, sleeves and plates get to press more quickly. The print quality, long run capability, and platemaking speed make direct engraving a compelling option for more flexographic service providers than ever before. Learn more about the KODAK FLEXCEL Direct System.

JETvarnish 3D
MGI Digital Graphic Technology
JETvarnish 3D is an inkjet digital system offering traditional spot UV coating and new 3D raised effects to print projects—with coating thicknesses up to 100 microns—that differentiate the printed material. In a B2 format, it can produce quantities ranging from one to hundreds of thousands without requiring plates, screens, or extensive makeready. The judges were impressed with registration control and the multiple curing options available to create different textured visual effects not traditionally available via inkjet. Learn more about JETvarnish 3D.

Scodix Metallic™ with Scodix SENSE™
Scodix, Inc.
The function of Scodix Metallic is to produce metallic effects from digital printing in a one-pass process. These prints are protected and enhanced with Scodix SENSE, which will selectively coat using inkjet with great register control, producing different gloss and textures. The judges marveled at the technology potential for high-end packaging and marketing applications. Eye-catching effects are now available to the short-run market without expensive materials and setup. Learn more about Scodix Metallic™ with Scodix SENSE™.

DLMS: Distributed Learning Management System
Sinapse Print Simulators
Sinapse has developed a Cloud-based DLMS for its press training simulators that allows trainers to configure, manage, and evaluate large numbers of trainees on-site and across sites. The system provides automatic analysis and reporting of training exercises while providing multilingual capabilities that allow the trainer to set problems and analyze results in many languages without translation. The judges recognized DLMS for its sophistication and ability to make press simulators a potent teaching tool. Learn more about DLMS.

The InterTech stars, recognized as a symbol of technological innovation and excellence, will be presented before an audience of industry leaders during the 2013 Premier Print Awards Gala featuring the InterTech™ Technology Awards and web2awards, September 8, in Chicago, Illinois.

A technology review booklet showcasing all of the year’s entries will be produced and distributed this fall at PRINT 13 and will be mailed with the September issue of Printing Industries of America—The Magazine; the booklet will also be available at www.printing.org/InterTech.

For more information about the InterTech Technology Awards, contact Jim Workman, assistant vice president, Center for Technology and Research, Printing Industries of America, at 412-259-1710, [email protected], or visit www.printing.org/InterTech.