The digital printing segment of the graphic arts is the fastest growing segment to adopt process automation. With short runs and exceptionally quick turnaround times, those printers competing for digital printing business need to be fast and flexible. The UP3I specification (Universal Printer, Pre & Post-processing Interface) and CIP4’s Job Definition Format (JDF) are two of the foundations of fully automated digital printing manufacturing.
UP3I provides a standard interface between a digital printer and preprocessing and post-processing devices that are tightly coupled with the printer, even if the components are from different manufacturers. UP3I makes it possible to communicate with all the components in the system – the server and software, the printer, cutter and folding machine – and transmit dynamic controls to trigger changes in cutting and fold formats; resulting in greater productivity through faster setup times, particularly for very short press runs.
The JDF specification provides a standard for the exchange of job information, including customer intent and processing specifications. Together, JDF and UP3I can facilitate the continuum of digital printing from customer order, press setup, production, and status reporting.
JDF 1.3 now includes the ability to track individual elements on a page, whereas previously the page was the smallest job component that could be tracked. Job ganging, file format conversion to and from various file formats were also improved and JDF’s consumable identification was enhanced.
“This is a first, a potentially one-of-a-kind opportunity for users and manufacturers to get a complete picture of how these two specifications work together,” said Rainer Prosi of Heidelberg and CIP4’s Technology Director, “Users in particular will get a clear picture of what to expect from modern digital printing systems and where the future of digital printing is going.”
Today, an operator has to enter job setup information manually on each system component separately – and each of these components could have a different design of user interface. Via the UP3I Manager, the communications interface between the system components, UP3I makes it possible to use central, unified control facilities for entering the job setup information, enabling remote control of every component in the printing process chain – from the printer through to the cutting and binding equipment. The unified look and feel and the intuitive handling of all devices minimizes the cost of training operators and reduces make-ready time.
“UP3I and JDF is a powerful combination that more and more digital printing providers are adopting,” said Peter Dyson of Duplo International. “As every digital press owner knows the press itself is only one third of the puzzle. If you cannot get the customer’s jobs to the press quickly and accurately, and if you cannot efficiently setup and operate the finishing line, you will have difficulty making a profit, let alone competing effectively with the competition.”
