Odystar is the first product to combine Artwork and Enfocus technology since the firm bought Enfocus in 2000.

It is fully automated and works PDF 1.4 native throughout, uses JDF job tickets and is based around Enfocus PitStop and Certified PDF technologies.

The packaging pre-press specialist claimed that Odystar, which runs on Mac OS X, would offer very simple set-up and operation.

Automation includes file type and file names determining how a job is processed.

A trapping module, based on the technology from its ArtPro and Nexus products, is claimed to be the first to support native PDF 1.4, including preserving transparency without any form of flattening.

Certified PDF is used throughout Odystar to keep a log of all functions carried out on the file, providing a log if final output is carried out at a remote site.

Odystar costs 18,200, with the optional PDF 1.4 RIP costing an additional 18,200. An automated imposition module, based on Dynagram DynaStrip with some additional Artwork technology, costs 5,500.

With the Odystar flattener module jobs can be output to existing RIPs, proofers and workflows.

Artwork Systems will sell Odystar direct to packaging customers and is in the process of appointing two dealers for the commercial print market.

An unnamed UK firm is beta testing the software.