QuadTech automated press controls reduce production time, waste and consumable costs

Sussex, Wisconsin, USA - At GRAPH EXPO 14 and CPP Expo (September 28 - October 1), QuadTech will present a broad range of solutions for improving print quality, increasing profit margins and reducing waste for packaging converters, commercial and newspaper printers, at booth (3740).

QuadTech's portfolio enables printers and converters to improve press performance - whether offset, flexo or gravure - achieve print consistency, and reduce production costs through advanced automation and effective waste control.

"Many printers and converters remain cautious about making major investments," said Karl Fritchen, President of QuadTech. "At the same time, they need to improve competitiveness and profitability. At QuadTech, this is a challenge we understand across commercial, packaging and newspaper sectors. We look forward to presenting our latest products during Graph Expo/CPP Expo, and helping printers and converters improve their performance and bottom lines."

QuadTech solutions featured

QuadTech Color Control and Web Inspection System with AccuCam™ is designed to meet the needs of commercial and newspaper printers. It is an image-based color control system that provides fully automatic closed-loop color control by adjusting the ink-key settings for consistent color, eliminating the need for gray or color bars. For newspaper printers, the system also has a water control capability that monitors and controls press damping levels, reducing paper waste and ink usage. The inspection capability warns press operators of many common printing faults such as scumming, creasing, transposed plates and tramlines.

The QuadTech Digital Ink System provides commercial web and newspaper printers a significant quality and cost-saving improvement by providing more accurate density control at all press speeds. The system delivers ink savings along with enhanced image quality with precise accuracy. The system is a computer-controlled ink injection system that replaces traditional open fountain ink trains, and can be used to upgrade existing "pump and rail" systems.

For packaging presses, QuadTech presents the world's first in-line color measurement and ink control system, the QuadTech Color Quality Solution, utilizing the Color Measurement System with SpectralCam™. It enables automatic sharing and processing of color data between in-line color measurement and off-line color measurement industry leaders. Maintaining color quality throughout a print run provides new levels of color accuracy and assurance to converters and brand managers that color specifications have been met.

Another powerful solution for converters is the QuadTech Inspection System with SpectralCam™. It is the only system that provides 100% defect inspection and true spectral color measurement, enabling accurate, high-quality color packaging. The QuadTech Web Viewing System can be used as a stand-alone system, or in conjunction with the Inspection System, for real-time digital viewing of the moving web and optimum error detection.

QuadTech's ICON™ Platform, a single, user-friendly centralized station for all QuadTech press controls, provides instant data for makeready savings in terms of equipment setup time, labor and materials. Also, QuadTech's Waste Management System and Data Central for Inspection can use this live and stored information to optimize efficiency by pinpointing defect areas for removal and controlling quality - keeping waste out of customers' hands andcutting costs.

QuadTech PDF Verification is a software add-on for packaging converters that compares approved artwork against an actual printed sample to verify correct press setup, ensuring accuracy and quality, enabling operators to catch errors before they print.

The QuadTech Register Guidance System with MultiCam® is a closed-loop color-to-color register control system that enables printers to achieve good copy quickly, reducing waste. Also, optional fan-out control for newspaper printing automatically keeps the system in lateral register across the width of the web. QuadTech Ribbon Control System with MultiCam® is a print-to-cut and print-to-fold registration system that minimizes waste during make-ready and when cutting any imperfect substrate areas. It is easily integrated with other equipment like UV coaters, folders and rotary cutters.

For further benefits, all QuadTech systems can be covered with QuadTech Service Advantage™. There are four levels of coverage to choose from, including a comprehensive program of support from telephone and remote diagnostics, to site visits that ensure peak performance.

As part of its global commitment, QuadTech is continuing to develop its worldwide network of representatives and dealers, adding not only geographic coverage, but also depth of expertise, to respond more effectively to customer needs.