Next generation ArtPro+ boosts excellence in packaging and label pre-press
Packaging Solutions
Esko has launched the latest generation of its native PDF editor for packaging and label pre-press, ArtPro+. With a new variable data printing module and full integration with Hell gravure equipment, the latest version of the software delivers a further boost to pre-press operational excellence.
ArtPro+ enables operators to reduce unintentional errors when editing and to automate repeating tasks without the need for any special programming skills. ‘With ArtPro+, pre-press teams can enjoy the significant benefits of working directly on PDF files with a complete set of editing features,’ explained Frank Woltering, product manager graphic editing at Esko. ‘With this new release, our next generation pre-press editor further evolves to meet the growing needs of packaging professionals in today’s business environment.
‘With new ArtPro+, Esko is the only solution provider that offers a variable data printing solution to label and folding carton converters running Adobe Illustrator or PDF in their pre-press operation.’
He continued, ‘Traditionally, variable data printing jobs can take hours to expand and rip, for what takes minutes to print on press. Jobs can be cumbersome, involving patchwork data from various sources or vendors, and can comprise thousands of variations, making normal human approval processes impossible.
‘But now with ArtPro+ users can convert any artwork file to a variable data template and validate the output before print. ArtPro+ contains all the functionality needed to go from a customer file to a print ready file in just a few clicks and without leaving the application. Images, text and barcodes can be made variable in size, layout and colour by reading a record from a csv database. The rule based validation capabilities not only check the database, but also preflight the final output and report on potential printing issues before going to press. The variable data printing module allows data to be expanded directly into a step and repeat template, resulting in a fully stepped and repeated layout file ready to print.’
New ArtPro+ is also fully integrated for use with Hell equipment. The integration and the new variable data module add to an already packed list of features in the software, which significantly reduces the time spent on non-value adding tasks and increases the speed of jobs to press.
‘Simply put, ArtPro+ increases packaging pre-press efficiency by eliminating errors and increasing automation of the editing process,’ said Frank. ‘Everything from the screening quality tool and touch of a button preflighting to the automated text recognition and pdf action lists has been specifically designed to tackle today’s pre-press challenges and improve operational excellence for our customers.
‘For example, the aesthetic trapping algorithm we recently introduced makes trapping jobs up to 70% faster. This innovation closes misregister gaps and accommodates individual exceptions.’
