Heidelberg is demonstrating a version of its Signastation impositioning software specifically designed for the packaging industry.
Signapack, which works in conjunction with the companys Prinergy Powerpack workflow management system, includes a series of production tools tailored to the needs of packaging printers. These include full support for CIP3 and enhanced trapping a function especially important when dealing with extended ink sets and metal finishes.
The software is totally flexible. For example, it is possible to allow customers to remotely access their files as they pass through the system, said Signapack product manager Bruce Wyckoff. And the level of access can be set depending on the level of their technical competence. This can anything from pulling down a low resolution image to actually editing the PDF.
Prinergy Powerpack converts input files into PDFs before performing trapping and colour management. The result is saved in the Prinergy Powerpack production database which Signapack uses to generate complete digital forms. From these the operator is able to quickly control all step and repeat functions including mixing different repeats on a single sheet.