Esko and EFI launch new packaging contract proofing solution for digital inkjet print devices

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Esko, the system integrator for packagingpre-production, has announced the launch of  FlexProof/E, a newproofing output solution and the result of a product development andnew distribution partnership between EFI - the leader in color digitalprint servers, superwide format printers and inks, and print managementsolutions - and Esko. The new output module, incorporating high qualitydrivers powered by EFI Bestcolor technology, is able to output to awide variety of inkjet proofing devices, ensuring contract proof printquality.

With the integration of EFIBestcolor technology, Esko FlexProof/E drives the inkjet devicesdirectly without the need for an additional software RIP. The operatorcan be sure that the proof from Esko FlexProof/E will be created fromexactly the same data used for the final production plate.

Thequality of inkjet proofing has evolved tremendously over the past fewyears, and cheaper, mid-range proofing devices have challenged high-endproofing devices with increased print quality, color gamut andstability. To make contract proofing on inkjet devices work forhigh-end packaging applications, a good RIP, drivers and calibrationsoftware are needed. Esko FlexProof/E builds upon the existing EskoFlexProof open-architecture technology that drives a wide variety ofdevices. Esko FlexProof/E also delivers calibration and centralizedcolor management based on Esko's highly acclaimed ICC-compatibleKaleidoscope color technology.

Esko'sexpertise in color management and EFI's expertise in proofing providethe ideal basis for a complementary solution resulting in improvedcolor and print quality and consistency. While one of Esko's key skillsis in managing input from a color management system, EFI, with itsBestcolor technology, provides expertise in managing digital inkjetoutput devices; particularly when they have more than four colors.

“Towork with inkjet devices for packaging contract proofing is quite achallenge. There are spot colors and different substrates that need tobe simulated on an inkjet device,” explains Jan De Roeck, DirectorWorkflow Software Esko. “With FlexProof/E our users get the best ofboth worlds: the color management experience from Esko and the deviceoutput expertise from EFI. The result is a perfect 'proof to press'match, offering consistency from proof to plate. On top of that, Eskooffers all the necessary tools in one single package-and thepossibility to fully integrate with the Esko Packaging Software Suite7.”

Benefits

EskoFlexProof/E is fully compatible with ICC profiles and comes with anextensive list of paper profiles. When Esko Kaleidoscope is used withEsko FlexProof/E, it delivers exceptional contract proofing with anumber of benefits: Full control to produce consistent, color-accuratepackaging proofs exactly matching the press; Best possible printquality for a wide range of inkjet proofing devices; Fully integratedin Esko Software Suite 7, with no need for a third-party RIP; Workflowefficiency: drive both proof and plate output from the same workflowsystem; Color management made easy: default profiles supplied for easystartup; ICC-compatible color management software for uncompromisedspot color proofing; Improved dot proofing capabilities.

Availability

Esko FlexProof/E is sold exclusively through Esko. More information is available at www.esko.com.

About Esko

Esko is the leading global system integrator to the packagingpre-production industry. Esko solutions and services help customers toensure quality and compliance and to reduce costs and time-to-market,and enable collaboration and business growth.

Keyproduct lines include the Esko Software Suite covering graphic andstructural design, pre-production and project management for the entiresupply chain; Esko CDI Computer-to-Plate systems for flexo plates andsleeves; Esko Kongsberg cutting & creasing tables for short-runproduction and sample making in packaging and sign & displaymarkets.

Esko has its headquarters inGent, Belgium and employs around 750 people worldwide. R&D andmanufacturing facilities are located in Belgium, Germany, Norway, theUnited Kingdom, the United States and the Czech Republic. Esko hasregional sales and support organizations in a number of countriesthroughout Europe, North America and the Asia/Pacific region, includingJapan and China. Its products are also distributed through a globalnetwork of resellers. For more information, visit Esko's web site at www.esko.com

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