“The iCTP system primarily consists of three major components: SmartJet inkjet platesetter based on Epson LFPs, PoliRIP – the specially designed RIP software for the iCTP and a post-imaging device. Any print firm wanting to invest in an iCTP system has an option either to buy all three or invest only in SmartJet and PoliRIP if they already have the PS plate exposing and processing devices,” explained Deepak Chawla of TechNova.
Depending on the user application, quality requirements and run length, the user can select from among several plates and films from TechNova’s iCTP offerings. The same platesetter and RIP software can be used to image the MetiJet and GreenJet metal plates, PoliJet polyester plates and PosiJet polyester film. Chawla added, “With a very low investment in the SmartJet system, the user is able to image metal plates, polyester plates and films for several applications and run lengths.”
GreenJet is a new offering in TechNova’s iCTP portfolio, which is a “next-generation chem-free metal inkjet CTP plate. This plate is currently undergoing beta-site testing.” Among the 30+ installations in Gujarat, a majority are MetiJet users and one GreenJet user, informed Chawla.
Chawla said, “The iCTP technology is ideal for those who are looking to introduce digital pre-press workflow which is cost effective and easy to operate without investing in the expensive CTP systems.”
TechNova’s PosiJet, high-density polyester inkjet film for computer-to-film (CTF) digital imaging, was initially targeted at newspaper industry as a CTF solution for making one-piece positives using an inkjet imaging device. “As the technology matured, TechNova enhanced the media with improved properties to meet the requirements of screen printing as well as packaging applications,” added Chawla.
In the rigid packaging segment, there are several customers who are using PosiJet for printing key lines and proofing pharmaceutical inserts.
Surat-based Cambay TechnoPack, which specialises in packaging cartons, has deployed PosiJetiCTP for printing keyline diagrams for folding carton production. Pulkit Chhaparia of Cambay, said, “We used to get the keylines done on positives from one of the image processing houses in the vicinity. The vendor used to print the keyline design of the pack on lith films, which, as we know has become exceedingly difficult to source and are available at exorbitant rates.”
With PosiJet, Cambay can now produce its keylines in-house by printing these on the PosiJet film using Epson 7900. It can thus verify the accuracy of keyline design specifications in-house. Chhaparia added, “Since PosiJet is available off-the-shelf and is economical as compared to graphic art lith films, we now have control of the keyline verification process.”
Besides Cambay, print companies like Surya Printers, Anand Press, Kailas Printery, ChandrikaPrintery, Swami Narayan Press, among others have set up TechNova’s SmartJet inkjet CTP system and are using PosiJet films, PoliJet polyester plates, MetiJet metal inkjet CTP plates and GreenJet chem-free metal inkjet CTP plates, depending on their print requirements. Among the newspaper firms are Taptilok Publication which publishes Daily Lokmat, Sambhaav Media (Daily Sambhaav Metro), Dhanraj News & Media (Daily AajKal) etc.
Chawla said, “Some newspapers use TechNova’s iCTP system for making positives for exposing PS plates. But in most newspaper installations, our MetiJet inkjet aluminium plate is directly imaged on the SmartJet platesetter. TechNova offers a cost-effective, easy-to-use method of producing plates. The SmartJet iCTP solutions have benefited the customers and it has prepared them to embark on the CTP journey, at a fraction of its cost.”