Creo has also announced a string of workflow developments including Evo, a low-cost version of Prinergy with a starting price of just 8,000; an option for Prinergy to drive Xerox DocuColor digital presses and Synapse Director, which integrates Brisque into a broader NGP (Networked Graphic Production) environment.

Evo has been designed specifically for small businesses, and requires a minimal learning curve according to director or product marketing Eddy Houba.

It connects to all Creos computer-to-plate and computer-to-proof products as well as Epson and HP proofers. Its as simple as a workflow can be today, Houba stated. Evo was shown to the Creo User Group this week and will be released next month.

The Magnus which has a maximum imaging speed of 1,016mm/minute was claimed to be so fast that ancillary kit had trouble keeping up: We are already reaching the point where plate processors and stackers are the limitation, said Creo director of packaging Chris Allen.

Dutch firm Thijsen is the world test site for the machine.

Smaller plate sizes can be produced simultaneously, as is already possible on Screens Ultima and Lschers Xpose!

The first early production machines will be installed in Europe in April.

Rumours about a new Creo VLF platesetter began last summer, with the UKs Odessa Offset tipped to be a beta site (PrintWeek, 2 July 2003).

Creo has also launched a new colour matching system, Spotless, designed to reduce the number of spot and Pantone colours required in complex multi-colour work, for example packaging.

It comes in two versions: Spotless 4 uses CMYK, while Spotless X uses CMYK plus orange, green and/or blue.

Whats different about this is that weve built libraries based on the complete environment paper, ink and press. So its based on real production constraints, explained vice president of marketing Boudewijn Neijens. Its not tied down to any ink set and you can build your own conversions, which is very important in packaging. Some of our users have converted to a six-colour model and are smiling all the way to the bank.