New, six-color printing process revolutionizes printing capabilities for today’s publisher May 30, 2002 -- MILWAUKEE – Visual Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of book components, overhead transparencies and ancillary products for educational and supplemental textbooks, now offers Pantone Hexachrome“ printing, a unique, six-color printing process that dramatically improves color range and accuracy versus four-color printing. Visual Systems is the first "elite" level printer in the publishing industry to utilize Hexachrome printing, a process that creates high-end, distinctive products with virtually limitless design options. "Publishers are always looking for new ways to differentiate their products," said Jeff Burg, marketing manager for Visual Systems. "Hexachrome allows us to create unique, high-impact printed materials that can’t be produced using a standard four-color printing process." The Pantone Hexachrome Color System consists of Pantone Hexachrome CMYK plus orange and green. The six-color printing process is capable of producing approximately 90 percent of the Pantone Matching System‰ – more than double of what can be achieved using four-color process printing. The dramatic increase in color capability and improved detail allows Visual Systems to produce vivid, life-like imagery as well as unique colors and designs. This high level of print quality is achieved through enhanced tone reproduction, richer colors, more realistic flesh tones, sharper shadows and highlights as well as an expanded color palette. "We’re in a prime position to help publishers that are interested in taking the next step in terms of design quality and the products they can produce," Burg said. "There are very few limitations to what we can do with Hexachrome." In an effort to educate customers about the benefits of Hexachrome printing, Visual Systems has created an educational road show, which will be making scheduled stops through the end of the year. Visual Systems is currently booking appointments with companies and industry representatives that are interested in discovering the benefits of Hexachrome printing and its various applications. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call Jeff Burg at (414) 464-8333. Visual Systems’ integration of Pantone Hexachrome printing is part of the company’s ongoing color management initiative. The goal is to fully integrate the production process – from initial design concepting to final print production – to ensure accurate color matching and consistency. Founded in 1961, Visual Systems is a leading book components, overhead transparency and ancillary products supplier for educational textbook and supplemental publishers in the United States. The company provides the educational publishing market with a variety of visual communication products, including: book components, binders, textbook inserts, CD-ROM packaging, overhead transparencies, supplemental workbooks, teaching aids, lenticular promotional products (3-D and motion), on-demand printing and slide duplication. Visual Systems employs more than 80 associates and has sales exceeding $16 million annually. For more information about Visual Systems, call (414) 464-8333 or visit the company online at www.visualsystemsinc.com.