Mumbai-based Advanced Graphic Systems (AGS) provides solutions for the printing market. Vishnu Kamat, associate vice president sales at AGS, says, “We are colour technology specialists and have colour management and measurement solutions. AGS represents a range of companies like X-Rite for colour management instruments and InkZone which supplies third party CIP3 connectivity for offset printing presses. “There are a lot of old presses in the market which do not have CIP3 connectivity that would allow the data for the CtP to be digitally sent to the machine’s console and ink keys. We provide the opportunity to the printer to convert his older machines with these new technologies by retrofitting CIP3 connectivity to their press,” says Kamat.
Solution providers like InkZone and X-Rite also have a closed-loop solution which offers feedback from the printed sheet regarding variations where the software can automatically correct the keys to provide the right colour. AGS also represents French company Alwan which provides ink optimization and print standardization software. “This software enables a printer to optimize the amount of ink on images and works on a concept of Grey Component Replacement (GCR) and reduces the CMYK content. This helps in annual savings of 15 to 25% ink together with improving print quality in terms of colour tones and vibrancy. Despite using less ink, the quality of print is enhanced,” says Kamat.
Print standardization software enables printing at the right density by measuring the dot gains which can be compensated by adjusting the CtP curves, so that the plate is output in a way that optimizes the entire system. AGS also partners ColorGATE and Epson. “ColorGATE can help in matching a printing press to a proofing machine so that the proof provided to the customer, on which he decides his colour requirements, can be reproduced exactly the same,” says Kamat. AGS was present at Pamex 2013 in Greater Noida recently, where it announced its new partnership with UK-based CUTcnc which makes digital cutting machines. The market requirement for sample making and cutting machines is driven by the strong demand for making small samples and designs which need to be cut in different shapes with the same precision as the final product.
“Today, cutting and sample designing is mostly done manually, either through a key-line from a printer or through manual cutting and forming. While this might be effective for a few samples, producing consistent quality for bulk sampling might pose a problem. The cutting software from CUTcnc works directly from computer to the cutting machine. The design made using CAD software is sent to the cutting machine and as the material is placed, the machine will cut it according to the specifications already provided,” says Kamat. He claims that most of the packaging materials – primary, secondary and tertiary – can be cut easily using the complete range of cutting machines for all material types and thickness that AGS can supply. “The packaging market is growing and with these machines we are aiming not only at the packaging market, but also the digital printing market and the flat bed printing market.” Kamat is enthusiastic about the new tie-up with CUTcnc as AGS enters a new and upcoming market.
According to Kamat, the market for printing software is challenging in India as companies are still reluctant to invest in such solutions. “The industry is averse to the idea of investing in such software as most companies are used to manual technology and would rather invest in hardware or heavy metal. Our product is not yet mandatory for printers and remains a luxury for those who value quality and time. However, we are persistent in our approach as we know that with margins shrinking, printing and packaging companies will have to cut down on costs and in the the long run, software such as ours, will not only help in saving, but also improve visual quality and appeal. Their rates would remain the same even if the material costs go up, eventually taking the market several notches higher.”
