Stern Druck GmbH
Fügen im Zillertal, Austria.
Online Preset and Closed Loop.
X-Rite/Gretag EyeOne measuring technology and
Heidelberg sheetfed.
On the Speedmaster SM 52, presetting the ink zones using Ink Zone Card saves about 15 minutes per job.
At Stern Druck GmbH, the complete InkZone solution, with ink zone ink presetting and closed loop color control, is being used on a Speedmaster SM 52. The system configuration uses an X-Rite i1 spectrophotometer as the measuring device, for a low-cost, high-performance solution for press sheets up to 29 inches in width.
15 minutes faster per job
Stern Druck GmbH runs its production on a Roland 706 with varnishing unit and a Speedmaster SM 52-6. This press operates from a CPC console and receives the ink zone preset values from DI-Plot through InkZone Perfect via InkZone Card. The DI-Plot proof software was installed seven years ago for generating proofs from a bitmap created by a Harlequin RIP. Since then, the operation has changed over to the Prinergy workflow system with computer-to-plate. DI-Plot has taken on an additional role in the workflow and now also delivers the JDF files for precision ink zone presetting to the Speedmaster SM 52-6.
«We gain about 15 minutes per job when presetting the ink zones», says printing technician Andreas Pfister. With most print runs varying between 2500 and 10,000 printed sheets, much faster makereadies are going to make all the difference.
Simple operation, high process security
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With Ink Zone Loop control software, the i1 spectral photometer from X-Rite is a professional, low-price solution for use on 2up and 4up cm format printing machines.
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Equipping the press with InkZone Loop was the next logical step. In addition to presetting the ink zones, the closed loop color control software provides press operators practical support and is effective in lightening the load when monitoring quality control thereby improving print reproduction consistency. Connection of the i1 spectrophotometer with the Ink Zone Loop control software results in a professional and low-cost solution, the use of which is fully justified on the Speedmaster SM 52 from the operational efficiency viewpoint.
«InkZone Loop has proven to be a very efficient aid to quality assurance», says Andreas Pfister. «Even with smaller print-runs, we obtain much more stable print results. The user interface is clear and concise. So working with the system is very straightforward. As printers, we get a very secure feeling when monitoring production».
High demands on quality
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Company founder Jörg Höllwarth (to the right) and his son Michael
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Stern Druck GmbH has been based in Fügen (Zillertal, Austria) since its foundation by Jörg Höllwarth in 1980. Today, the family-owned company has 35 employees, with ten working creatively in the company’s photographic/graphics studios, or in layout and copywriting. It is a full-blown operation, offering services that extend all the way through to perfect-bound finished products. Last year, some 1400 tons of paper left the premises.
«We see ourselves as part of the upper quality segment», says Jörg Höllwarth, underlining his statement with a cross-section of the printwork that is processed in-house from A to Z. Often, UV and emulsion varnishes are used. Hybrid technology is also a frequent enhancement for Stern Druck’s clients.
«We do not actively look for orders. For us, advertising is work that’s executed both well and on time. No job is too small for us», says Jörg Höllwarth, and points to print-on-demand as a further strength at Stern Druck GmbH.
