Kodak Approval

Anil Namugade, managing partner at Mumbai-based Trigon is delivering quick and superior-quality copies with his Kodak digital proofing line.

09 May 2013 | By PrintWeek India

What does the machine do?
Contract digital proofing and it is capable of thermal laser halftones.

Why did you choose this particular machine?
It ensures customers can approve off-press proofs and see a mock-up without losing time. 
 
Did you look at any other similar machines?
Yes, we saw the Latran, but did not find their presence in India.
 
Why did you make the purchase? 
We are targetting the digital proofing segment for packaging. We believe proofing on a printing machine is a crime. 
 
What features do you particularly like?
It generates colour accurate proofs for packaging on any substrates. Plus it offers densities on flexo, gravure, conventional offset with screen rulings at 2,400 dpi.
 
Is there anything that you dislike?
One must focus and work on the benefits and you will not care about the dislikes. 
 
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
Kodak must be working on feedback from the customer.
 
How fast is it?
We can deliver the job on time. We can prepare error-free, print-ready, one-bit files which can be sent to a cylinder maker. It includes dot gain compensation and line angles.
 
How reliable is it?
It is as reliable as our customers. Often, photo-ready product mock-ups need to look even better than the final printed package or manufactured product.
 
What’s the quality like?
Our customers are FMCG companies to agencies to convertors to bureaus. We’ve simplified things for them. 
 
How easy is it to use?
Training from Kodak was of a high standard which made our team confident. It simplifies the process. Today, we can produce Pantone colours.
 
How much time or money has it saved?
According to our customer feedback, it saves 80% of proofing time. Also, its costs are 30% of conventional proofing costs for any print process.

Has it won you any new work? 
We are working on a business strategy for six months.
 
Would you say that it offers value for money?
It has lots of scope. Right now, our limit is our imagination.
 
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
This is the first installation of an Approval in India at a commercial proof service provider. There is always going to be a learning curve in an attempt to achieve perfection. 
 
What about your service?
Our forte is pre-press. We ensure the colour separation is right for the print process. Once the proof is done, we also create a prototype, mock-ups of cartons on metpet, shrink sleeves, pouches-BOPP and labels.
 
Who do you think the machine is right for?
Contract digital proofing pre-press and trade shops can increase the prototypes which they can produce in a day. 
 
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
We are working on our next project which might require one more Approval.

Conclusion
 
User’s verdict
Speed 2/5
Quality 4/5 
Reliability 3/5
Value for money 5/5