The Long Haul
With state-of-the-art printing technology, Carded Graphics has positioned itself for continued growth.
September 2008 by Tom Polischuk
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The Speedmaster XL 105’s UV capability was a big selling point for Pitts. “We chose a hybrid system for its ease of use and production capability,” he says. “We can now switch between aqueous coating and UV inks easily, which is a big advantage and enhances our capability portfolio.”
To enhance and complement the Speedmaster XL 105, Carded Graphics also purchased a full prepress system from Heidelberg including a Suprasetter 105 platesetter, Prinect Prepress Manager workflow system, Prinect Image Control color measuring system, and Prinect -Inspection Control, which monitors color consistency across the sheet.
“We use the Heidelberg system in every aspect of our prepress workflow,” says Pitts. “The color management and trap features give us the control to manage a project from proofing to production, and the Prinect Signa Station allows us to merge 1-up structures into manufacturing layouts easily and efficiently. The quality of these tools can’t be understated as a competitive advantage.”
The result, says Pitts, is that Carded Graphics can provide products at much higher color and consistency standards, “surpassing our clients’ expectations for what is acceptable in the packaging industry,” he notes. “In addition, our production efficiency has increased since the prepress color management information is directly relayed to the printing press, resulting in faster makereadies and less material waste.”
A bright future
Package printers are facing a multitude of challenges in today’s trying times. Pitts sees the rising costs of raw materials and the downward pressure on finished goods pricing as the biggest issues his company faces. He believes, however, that Carded Graphics is well positioned to compete in its selected markets. “We think of ourselves as a market leader with all the new technology we possess,” he contends. “Quality, press speeds, consistency, various substrates we are able to process, and UV technology—all are driving us to be more competitive and leading the charge. In addition to the new press capabilities, we have just purchased and brought online a new Bobst SPanthera 106 LER Diecutter.
“All of these areas provide us with additional capabilities and make us much more competitive in the marketplace,” he continues. “With all of the various systems on the press, we can prove to customers that we can provide consistency that is measurable and defined.” pP
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