Entry Level 4-Up CTP Workflow Software Launch

Edited by the Printingtalk editorial team Apr 20, 2007

Plateflo Intro, an introductory CTP production workflow software bundle has been launched by Polkadots Software.

The company said that Plateflo Intro is a four-up version of its CTP production workflow with queue-based, client-server database driven file management, automatic pre-flighting, auto fixes and soft-proofing features.

It is claimed that files can be accessed via users' web browsers for full resolution viewing and collaborative annotations at fast speeds.

Users are also said to be able to remotely manage queues and change parameters, such as priorities and scaling, define CMYK simulation for spot colours, archive, back-up, or retrieve jobs, whilst fully managing files by client or job.

At the same time users can view in composite or separated mode, soft proof files in their web browsers, or use Photoshop or Acrobat.

They can also merge and re-map colour plates and have the benefit of automatic hard copy proofing to any network printer.

Plateflo Intro includes input via hot folders in PDF, PS, PDF/X-3, PDF/X-1a TIFF, EPS, DCS and DCS2 compatibility as standard.

Users can also print from their favourite native applications.

The available outputs include one-Bit TIFF to any CTP or CTF, accepting one-Bit TIFF, or direct to any supported CTP or CTF.

An interface kit is sold separately.

The system additionally features automated pre-flight and auto fix for problem files, RGB text fix and images fix, four-colour black fix, whilst fixing PDF transparency issues, hairlines, as well as Pantone colour fixes and missing font fixes.

It also allows two-up and four-up imposition or page pairing and is claimed to be easy to use.

Plateflo Intro is also ready to interface with any of the standard imposition applications available, such as Dynastrip, Impostrip, Preps and Quite Imposing, with an available upgrade to 16-up operation.

The system also has a fully-integrated, pixel-on-demand soft proofing function that is said to allow users to collaborate and annotate proofs, as well as view pages and plates down to the dot structure of each separation.