What does the product do?
Easyloop is a package of software and hardware that enables offset presses to be upgraded to closed-loop colour control using the X-Rite EasyTrax or IntelliTrax console-mounted spectrophotometer.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
Easyloop is a cut-down version of Rutherford’s Intelliset system and is designed for the budget-conscious printer. Launched 18 months ago, it is applicable to both sheetfed and web presses. Although initially aimed as a retrofit option to increase the life of installed presses, printers are also installing it on new machines due to the much lower cost compared with press manufacturers’ own systems – around a third of the cost, according to UK supplier TSS Technology.
How does it work?
The system is a bridge between the press controls and the scanning spectrophotometer that enables full closed-loop colour control. It takes the colour data from the spectrophotometer and uses that to control the ink keys. While a scanning spectrophotometer alone greatly increases the speed of measuring a sheet, without a bridge such as Easyloop the minder still needs to transfer the readings from the spectro to the press console.
“A scanning system is often a first step that whets the appetite. Then after they’ve been working that way a lightbulb goes on and they want the full integration,” says TSS managing director Chris Wimbury.
A further benefit is that the Easyloop software is intelligent – it learns from each job to create more accurate adjustments, speeding up makeready and reducing waste. The ROI is claimed to be six to nine months.
How does it differ from previous products?
Compared to Rutherford’s Intelliset product, Easyloop is simplified to take out cost and complexity. Customers can expect to save between 20% and 50% depending on the configuration.
What about modules and processing power?
Easyloop runs on a standard PC, included in the package, and uses a touchscreen display mounted on the press console. An option for EasyLoop is EasySet, an ink-key presetting tool. If a more powerful configuration is needed there are also the full versions, IntelliLoop and IntelliSet.
What is the USP of the product?
According to Wimbury the USPs of the Rutherford products are that they do not require any press modification. That means installation is easy. They can be fitted to to pretty much any Heidelberg, KBA, Komori or Manroland machine made since 1990. In some instances it may be possible to connect a system using ethernet, meaning there is no need to touch the console. “Historically printers were frightened of the implications of modifying their press,” says Wimbury. “Once we show them how simple it really is that fear dissipates.”
Another benefit is a very simple price list. Wimbury says his experience with rival products, which need specific adaptors for different makes and models, is that correctly configuring and pricing a system is a complicated process, which in itself puts customers off.
How easy is it to use?
The touchscreen monitor enables the minder to see the changes being suggested and they can either accept them or apply their own. The system supports four-colour work, including ISO 12647-2 and special colours, and comes with the latest Pantone libraries.
What training and service support is on offer?
Installation takes a day. TSS offers two days’ training, and it is also possible to buy additional training later.
How much does it cost?
The most basic EasyLoop package is €17,700 (£14,300) with an additional €2,000 (£1,600) for EasySet. Installation and training are extra. The full installation and training package is €4,290 while installation only is €1,430 (£3,500). Unless you are upgrading an existing scanning spectrophotometer there is also the need to buy the X-Rite EasyTrax or IntelliTrax, which will be about the same amount again.
What is the sales target?
Although Rutherford is a US firm, its main market to date has been France which has “really taken to the system”. Having shown EasyLoop at Ipex, Wimbury sees a groundswell in the market. “It’s gathering speed and more and more on UK printers’ radar. People are now coming to us and asking about it rather than us having to go out and sell it.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Presses supported Most sheetfed and web offset litho presses from major manufacturers
Price Basic EasyLoop system €17,700 (£14,300). Optional EasySet ink-key pre-setting software €2,000 (£1,600). Installation and training €4,290 (£3,500)
Contact TSS Technology 01926 850008 www.tsstechnology.com
ALTERNATIVES
Digital Info InkZone Loop
Swiss firm Digital Info has been supplying ink zone pre-setting and closed-loop colour integration for years and offers connection to a wide range of presses and to measuring devices – both X-Rite and Techkon. Its products are available in the UK via three resellers Bodoni Systems, Compose System and Colour Engine.
Price Around £9,700 for InkZone Loop
Contact Digital Info +41 (0) 43 818 200 www.digiinfo.com
Printflow DC
Based in Bratislava in the Slovak Republic, Printflow has been specialising in after- market technology for ink-key pre-setting and integrating closed-loop colour control since 1994. Printflow DC is its software and hardware package that integrates X-Rite and Techkon spectrophotometers with the press console. So far it has 50 installations in the UK. It is sold in the UK by Terry Tozer and Image2Output.
Price Prices vary dramatically depending on the existing press console and desired scanner. A typical installation is around £22,000, but prices can range from £9,500-£35,000
Contact Printflow +421 2 44 881 086 www.printflow.eu
USER REVIEW
“I would say the upgrade to Rutherford closed-loop press feedback has more than halved the makeready time we achieved with our older X-Rite IntelliTrax system and significantly reduced waste” 5/5
Scott Hill Print and production manager, Bell & Bain
