what's new

EPLEX™ DIGITAL PRESS PRESET SYSTEM

April, 2000....Tobias Associates announces their new EPLEX Digital Press Preset System. An acknowledged method of reducing makeready time is to preset the ink key fountains. This traditionally has been performed using optical plate scanners. With the advent of computer-to-plate (CTP) technology, digital presetting becomes a reality. The Tobias EPLEX System utilizes CTP digital information as well as plate scanner data to provide these cost-saving presets for traditional, mixed or 100% CTP sites.

EPLEX uses the Tobias TouchConsole™ for keyboardless operation and space-saving efficiency. The Tobias EPLEX System analyzes digital files used in a CTP system such as CIP3, TIF, and .PRV files, etc. to provide plate image coverage information. This data is transferred to a Tobias Press Side Module and converted into ink key fountain settings.

The preset values may be compared to the actual settings used on the job; this information may then be used to modify the complex rela-tionship between ink coverage and ink key settings for future presets. Each press has its own Press Side Module, allowing multiple press lines to be supported at the same site.



SDT Scanning Densitometer For Newspaper Color Control
December, 1999....Tobias Associates, Inc. is proud to announce the further development of the SDT Scanning Densitometer to read three-color gray balance bars for color control and SPC reporting on print quality through the run. A new ribbon feature allows pages of publications to be scanned individually and reassembled electronically into a full sheet.
The SDT tracks and scans a 3/c graybar across a page reading a 1/4" area in the center of each ink column. The results of a scan are displayed in less than fifteen seconds and show density deviation for each of the three process colors from an OK sheet, or from house reference values. This enables printers to control color by monitoring these deviations and taking corrective action as necessary.
Colorbars as narrow as 1/16" can be accurately scanned by the SDT, allowing page layout to accommodate color control strips without ungainly three color dots or wide graybars necessary for standard hand-held densitometers. Color print customers who require statistical analysis of their advertising can place an inconspicuous 1/16" bar at the top or bottom of their artwork, incorporating the control strip into page design.
The SDT also features on-the-fly SPC reporting with X-Bar & R charting windows for each color. A variety of reports can be output on thermal, dot matrix, laser or color inkjet printers for analysis by in-house QC personnel or quality-minded print advertising buyers.


2-Dimensional Scanning Densitometer/Spectrophotometer

April, 1999....Tobias Associates introduces a new low-cost two dimensional scanning densi-tometer/spectrophotometer designed for boxboard or label printers with 50" or larger presses. The SXY measures densities of special or process colors from colorbars, mini bars, micro patches, macro patterns or individual swatches anywhere on the sheet and flags those areas that are out of tolerance. A hard copy printout provides a record of the scan showing density deviation from target values, halftone dot gain , print contrast and wet ink trap percentage. Extensive network capability enables individual press data to be displayed at each location on the network and for QC personnel to monitor all jobs at a management station. Base densi-ty values are also provided for monitoring recycled stock "whiteness" variations. The SXY with optional spectrophotometer probe gives color space information including L*a*b*, L*C*h, and delta E values as well as density readings.

The SXY uses "pull-down" menus, plain text prompts and on screen "Help" instructions for simplified operation. The software program includes a built-in Statistical Process Control program to assist with "finger printing" the press, TQM programs and customer documentation requirements.


Call Tobias Associates at 215-322-1500 for more information or to set up a demonstration.