Belgian graphic arts publisher Hybrid Software releases version 9.5 of its prepress software for labels and packaging, Packz and Stepz for digital printing. This latest release is a major update, according to the publisher. It includes four new features designed to boost operator productivity in digital, flexo and offset label and packaging printing.
New color management technology with Colorspace
Firstly, the two PDF production editing programs, Packz and Stepz, are now compatible with Hybrid Software's new Colorspace color management technology. Launched at the end of last year, Colorspace's role is to ensure color consistency between different printing technologies and between different digital printing machines.
This technology uses spectral data, supports CxF/X-4 spot color definitions and creates DeviceLink profiles on the fly for all printing methods. This makes it easy to switch from flexographic or offset printing to digital, says Hybrid Software.
3D modeling with Capture 3D
Packz 9.5 and Stepz 9.5 can also be enhanced with Capture 3D, an application for better quality shrink sleeve graphics and 3D modeling, which will be presented at Labelexpo Brussels in September 2023.
With this application, 2D drawings are modeled in 3D and cameras scan the packaging to be coated in 360 degrees.
"Thanks to Capture 3D's innovative technology, precise grid distortion can be achieved in minutes instead of days, speeding time to market while improving quality. And because Capture 3D eliminates dead zones, shrink sleeves gain valuable space, increasing visual appeal and brand awareness." explains Pascal Wybo, Product Manager at Hybrid.
Finally, the 3D model is converted into a 3D model, which can then be shared in the workflow, before being sent to print.
Automated amalgamation for all prints
What's more, Packz and Stepz imposition and repeat tools now support all print varieties, such as digital label printing on reels and sheets, and production methods, thanks to Packzimizer, which now handles die-cut labels printed on sheets.
Improved recovery with Trap Rules
Finally, Packz 9.5's Trap Rules overlay technology increases the efficiency and quality of trapping images and other graphic elements.
