Packaging SolutionsThe State-of-the-Art in Imaging Technology

International Metal Decorators Association2004 Annual Convention

Who is Creo

Scanning Systems

Proofing Systems

Digital photography

Creo is the world’s largest independent supplier of digital prepress solutions.

We manufacture and distribute more than 300 products:

Who is Creo

Software systems

Digital On-demand printing

Digital PhotographyScanning SystemsProofing Systems

Software SystemsDigital On-demandPrinting

Who is Creo

Computer-to-plate

Computer-to-pressComputer-to-film

Digital PhotographyScanning SystemsProofing Systems

Computer to FilmComputer to PlateComputer to Press

Software SystemsDigital On-demandPrinting

Industry TrendsDownward pressure on pricing continuesLevel of quality increasingFaster turnaround time demandedBetter collaboration with customers neededPrint runs are becoming shorter & shorter Internet delivers efficiency gains and extends business reach

To be a Profit LeaderReach & attract new customersFocus on raising productivityDecrease costsIncrease profitabilityAnticipate & deliver customer needsTake advantage of revolutionary technologies

Networked Graphic ProductionAn industry-wide initiative that delivers

completely integrated Graphic Arts productionsolutions, from Idea to Delivery

Networked Graphic ProductionNGP solutions are based on open standards, such as JDFDeveloped, tested and delivered by NGP Partners – 36 leading industry vendors committed to creating cross-vendor, plug-and-play solutionsNGP solutions are flexible & modular- Tailored to your business needs - ‘build as you go’- Printers can leverage their existing assets and retain the flexibility to

add functionality into the future

NGP in PackagingBenefits to printers, trade shops, converters

More efficient, productive, lean-staffed and nimbleSelling solutions to buyers and creativesReducing cycle times Reducing make-ready time and costsAutomating processes and reducing laborCollaborating via the internetGoing end to end digital…job info and contentDifferentiating and penetrating the marketFocusing on supply chain managementThriving, not just surviving!

Creo’s Packaging WorkflowsSupport open standards such as PDF and JDFConnect easily with Creo and 3rd-party systems and devicesEnable greater automation, collaboration, and efficiencySupport consistent, high-quality output through state-of-the-art technologiesCreate an open, dynamic and managed workflow environmentProducts:- Pandora- Synapse InSite, Synapse Link- Prinergy Powerpack- Brisque Pack

Pandora Packaging step-and-repeat

What it does

Flexible and intuitive packaging layout softwareAllows folding carton and label printers to automate their layouts, increasing productivity and reducing errors and wasted materialsWorks with industry standard workflow solutions, including Prinergy Powerpack, Brisque Pack, and other popular workflow solutionsAllows commercial printers to tap into lucrative packaging printing jobs with one easy software solution

Pandora Packaging step-and-repeat

How it works

Reduces costs and increases productivityEasy to learn and use. Prepress operators can learn to create and output layouts within an hour of installing the softwareAutomatic press sheet optimization with Pandora ProSnap-to-die feature allows for automatic layouts from CAD die filesShopMap™ visualizes output resources, artwork, and marksSmartMarks® automate placement and color re-mapping of marksActively promotes and leverages open standards, such as PDF and JDF

Pandora 2.6New Version

Supports Mac OS® 10Impressive performance improvements – up to 90% over Pandora 2.5 running on OS 9Uses open file standards PDF and JDF to enable seamless integration with many workflow systems

Synapse InSiteWhat it does

Internet portal into prepressEasy & intuitive file upload in job context via Internet Remote proof online or download high resolution digital masters to a calibrated remote proofing deviceEnables simultaneous, multi-user collaboration via the Internet in a powerful online forum Tracks all job activities and status online, with PDF printable report option to share job informationProvides secure and flexible job access via Internet

Synapse InSiteBenefits

Increases communication and productivityFile upload and download via Internet reduces material and courier costsStreamlines and tracks all printer - customer communication Allows access to master files in prepress at anytimefrom anywhere using standard web browserManages multi-user review cycles, collaboration and file approvals onlineSeamless integration with prepress workflow accelerates proofing & file processing cycle timesProvides secure Internet solution with ability to customize and control access to jobs on a page level

Synapse InSiteWhat’s New in Version 4.0

Reader spreads in Smart ReviewReader order viewJob Intent upload (XML or JDF)Job ScheduleColor accurate soft proofing

Synapse LinkWhat it does

Automates data exchange between production workflow & MIS systems

Automates data entry into MIS Tracks material usage, alteration requests, & machine timeImproves inventory management & estimatingEnsures accurate billing

Synapse LinkHow it works

Prepress and MIS share knowledge of jobs

Establishes mapping & relationships between MIS job code and prepress JobJob created in MIS is automatically created in production systemComes with a set of standard reports that can be viewed on screen, printed, or exported

Prinergy PowerpackBenefits

Database-driven, scalable workflow managementImproves turnaround times, reduced costs and errors through end-to-end automationImproves partnerships with customers via the Internet Prinergy integration with production planning, business and press systems via JDFControls costs via Oracle database reporting and Synapse LinkDistributed client/server architecture for automatic scalability, load balancingEfficient hub-and-spoke communication for easy job exchange between Prinergy systems

Prinergy Powerpack Managed PDF Workflow

PrinergyPowerpack

Files from creative clients, archive or

other prepress systems

Layout data sent to prepress with

Pandora

Integrate business & production systems with Synapse Link

Submit, proof, track & approve jobs online with Synapse InSite

Soft proof hi-res files

(in production)

Contract proof on Integris,

Veris, Spectrum

Imposition proof on Integris

Trendsetter VLF Magnus VLF ThermoFlex

Exactus

Film Plates

Sleeves

Archive

Prinergy Powerpack What’s New in Version 2.3

Automated workflow plans have been enhancedImproved downstream connectivity- Imposed PDF output, User definable names, CEPS outputSupport for Staccato Extended Color Screens and new Spotless™ printingNew packaging-specific screenings include Maxtone, HyperFlex, DigiCap, Raster Scaling, DotShopPDF Preflight option allows operators to define preflight criteria or to use predefined profiles, such as PDF/X-1a:2001Automated ink-key presetting via JDF with the PrintLink software modulePrepress integration with business systems from NGP Partners via Synapse Link 2.0

Brisque Pack What’s New?

Fast, effective step-and-repeat optionsPDF Tools such as Creo Advanced PDF Trapper and PreFlight that allows creation of vector trapped PDF/X-1a/PDF/X-3 filesTrue client server architecture provides full Brisque functionality from a Macintosh or a PC

• JDF-based automated ink-key presetting with InkPRO™software and Brisque status export optionDelivers color accuracy by leveraging the Brisque color management technology to support ICC profile and spot color conversions in preflight, RIP and proofing.Use of open standards such as JDF, CIP4, PDF, PDF/X widens the choice of collaboration and communication

Prinergy PowerpackEntry Level Solutions

Based on Prinergy!Creo’s affordable new Entry Level workflow for PkgPricing starts at $8,000Relies on open standards: PDF and JDFFocus on ease-of-use, from input files to platemaking

Targeting Package PrintersIdeal for small business owners, such as a tag and label printer (i.e. narrow web flexo)Packaging-specific options include:

Maxtone hybrid screeningHyperFlex plate resolution enhancementDigiCap screeningRaster ScalingPandora step-and-repeat toolDotShopAdvanced Trapping

Standardization on PDF and JDF

Uses PDF throughoutBuilt on proven Prinergy PDF processing technologyUses JDF to import impositions from PrepsExports ink key settings in JDF format

Lower Total Cost of OwnershipWintel servers with Windows & Mac clientsEasy to installMinimal learning curveMultilanguage supportAutomatic updates via the web

Quality & PerformanceProven refining, trapping, colour management, and rendering tools from Prinergy

Supports all Creo screening technology including Staccato

Connectivity to current Creo CTP, CTF, and proofers

Connectivity to popular 3rd-party proofers

“We could easily accommodate increased plate production without having to employ more operators”

Mark Swanson - C&R Printing Services

Maximizing UptimeGoal is to keep users productive, despite any prepress glitches:

Automated error reporting to CreoRemote connectivity from CreoOn-line trouble-shooting assistance

Commercial AvailabilityCurrently in beta in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific (under non-disclosure)Released to production: March, 2004Multi-language support by DRUPAOfficial launch at DRUPA

Value in PrintPresenting new business opportunities

Staccato® AM

Staccato and AM dots

Staccato ScreeningCreating value for printersLeveraging Creo core technologiesDriving the revival of stochasticAll the way to Staccato 10Over 1,000 users worldwideIntroducing - Staccato 18- Extended Color Screens

Introducing Spotless

Spotless PrintingSpotless – special colors using process colorLeveraging SQUAREspot's unique process stabilitySpotless X: CMYK+

Spotless Components

Press:6-color wide-gamut

PrepressWorkflow:Convert spot color objects to 6-color processRecipe

Generator

Desktop:Specify spot colors

Proofing:6-color and CMYK wide-gamut

Plating:Use Staccato for stability on-press

Spotless Printing BenefitsIncreased Press Room Efficiency

Gang up jobsReduce washups and press downtime

Improved QualityCompetitive differentiationOpportunity to penetrate new markets

Spotless XWider gamut for spotsBrighter images

Added ValueBuyers can specify dozens of spot colors in a single jobOpen new design opportunities

Spotless Printing BenefitsIncreased Color accuracy

Only Spotless X can analyze a printers press conditions (including paper, ink, press, etc.) in order to determine which colors can be ‘hit’.

PracticalConvert entire Pantone library to a printer’s unique conditionsSpot colors replaced automatically in the workflow.

ProofableIntegrates with ICC profile proofers (such as Integris and Veris) or halftone proofers

FlexibleSpotless X is not tied down to a particular ink set. The printer can choose the ink set that best meets its needs, or the needs of a particular large client.

Flexo Screening SolutionsOvercome the limitations of flexo printingImprove process control and stabilityDeliver competitive advantage through enhanced quality

Maxtone hybrid screeningHyperFlex plate resolution enhancementDigiCap digital plate cappingRaster ScalingDotShop

Maxtone Hybrid ScreeningDelivers improved detail, smoother vignettes, and better reproduction of the entire tonal range

Simulates FM screening in the highlights and shadows

HyperFlex-Ready ImagingThermoFlex is the only CTP device capable of taking full advantage of HyperFlex-Ready imagingHyperFlex:

GATF and FTA award-winning technologyEnhances resolution by improving the ability of flexo plates to hold fine dotsMakes it possible for flexographic platesetters to control relief depth and dot profilesAdds consistency, reduces the occurrence of incorrectly formed dots on plateEliminates time and labor-consuming workarounds, making prepress more efficient

HyperFlex Resolution Enhancement

.5% tint @ 133 LPI40 micron Hybrid Dot

With HyperFlex, the amount of photopolymer supporting the small dots is significantly increased.

File integrity is maintained - if there is a dot in the file, there is now a dot on the plate.

The only dots that form on the plate, are the ones adjacent to the line element.

All other dots have not formed at all or have fallen over on the plate.

DigiCap Plate Texturization

DigiCap applies small reverse dots in the surface of the plate, which helps minimizes visual artifacts, and in some cases reduces dot gain while increasing solid ink densities.

Ink

Ink

Plate Media

Plate Media

Texture pattern

Raster ScalingApplies distortion or elongation - post screeningEliminates artifacts caused by standard “Conventional” scaling

Pixel reductions have been completely randomized

Conventional Distortion Raster Distortion

Artifact lines created by flattened pixels

DotShopAdds the ability to select, customize and control screening options (including Maxtone and Hyperflex) on a per object and/or per artwork basis in PDF filesOptimize subject matterAssign by object typeAssign by colorDifferent screensDifferent curvesEasy to useEasy to QC

Offset CTPOverview

Offset CTPOverview

CTP & CTF: Digital OffsetWorld’s largest installed base of CTPSQUAREspot® thermal imaging enables optimal process control to achieve reliability and maintain consistency in pressworkPrepress savings and on-press productivity deliver rapid ROIVariety of size, speed and automation options to meet any production requirementsPerformance and premium modelsWorld class training and supportFront-end workflow choices

Magnus VLFDesigned with market-specific requirements in mindNew platform implements various improvements focused on:- Higher Productivity- Larger Format- Smaller Footprint- Improved Reliability - Increased Automation Flexibility

Creo VLF HistoryCreo first introduced the very large format CTP in 1995Our VLF portfolio includes:- Platesetter VLF (~70 current installations)- Lotem XL (~30 current installations)- Trendsetter VLF (~960 current installations)

Over 1060 Creo VLF devices in a production environment worldwideCreo is committed to providing customers access to technical advancements through field upgradesNew platform enables implementation of new ideas that, otherwise, would not have been possible

Compare & ContrastTS VLF:

5 format sizes- 4557 : 5067 : 5080 : 5467 : 58803 speeds (S, F, V)- S: 152mm/min (6”/min)- F: 254mm/min (10”/min)- V: 686mm/min (27”/min)ManualMCU

Magnus VLF:4 format sizes- 4570 : 5183 : 5570 : 63833 speeds (S, F, V)- S: 203mm/min (8”/min)- F: 457mm/min (18”/min)- V: 1016mm/min (40”/min)ManualMCUContinuousLoad AutomationHigh power imaging headDual plate loading capabilityPortrait plate imaging capability

Magnus VLF: Manual LoadingUnsurpassed reliabilityStatic load/unload table to simplify plate handlingIncreased maximum plate size Higher productivity Dual plate loadingPortrait plate registration and imaging

Magnus VLF: ContinuousLoadImproved load/unload table architectureImproved plate managementReduced footprintIntegrated plate rotatorAutomated plate eject Higher productivity Dual/portrait plate imaging

Magnus VLF: Multi-Cassette UnitIncreased plate capacityIncreased slip sheet capacityImproved load/unload table architecture Reduced footprintIntegrated plate rotatorAutomated plate ejectHigher productivity Dual/portrait plate imaging

Magnus VLF: Productivity

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

TS 5080 V2.8 Magnus 5183 V Magnus 5183 VDual/Portrait

plat

es/h

our

2032mm (80") 1524mm (60") 1016mm (40") 635mm (25")

Magnus VLF: AvailabilityBegan beta testing in Oct 2002- First betas used to verify imaging heads, workflow connectivity,

high speed electronics and dual plate loading- Later beta machines were used to test automation mechanics and

plate handling- Over 80,000 plates imaged during beta testing in production

environments

First EP units to be installed in the US in mid MarchFirst EP units to be installed in Europe in late April

Flexo CTPOverview

Flexo CTPOverview

ThermoFlex CTPThermoFlex Product Line:- Narrow, Mid, Wide, Wide with Sleeve Option150+ units worldwideIncreased process controlBest productivity in the industryEnsures repeatable, high-quality printingReduces make-ready, decreases job turnaround timeProduction-proven reliabilityErgonomic design for fast load and unloadImages digital flexographic, rotary letterpress and metal-backed plates; thermal film

ThermoFlex WideSleeve Option

Easily handle plates, sleeves and film- Ergonomic load/unload architecture allows safe and efficient operation- Air-assist load table minimizes plate damage

Save time and money with “Quick-Change” (<3min)- No lifting equipment required to remove the 500 lb (225 kg) drum- No storage space required- No risk of damage to the drum

VacuumDrum

(sheet mode)

Headstock

“Quick Change”Drum Hoist Rotating

Tailstock

ThermoFlex Digital Plate-on-SleeveCreo has created a solution to the challenges of an irregular seam digital plate-on-sleeve workflow

ThermoFlex Production Hub and One-Touch feature facilitate loading and unloading of sleeves and integrate with third party plate-mounting equipmentTarget production of three to four sleeves per hour with one operator

“We believe that the way we pre-mount plates on a sleeve, then image and process the sleeve in-the-round, gives better results in durability, in print reproduction and registration.

Rick Parker – Cyber Graphics

Benefits of Digital Plate-on-Sleeve

Reduces plate mounting laborReduces the cycle time to produce mounted platesIncreased mounted plate production capacity per unit of laborEliminates the need for continuous print cylinders for the majority of jobs (due to the highly accurate and narrow seams)Reduces plate wasteReduces substrate wasteProvides increased print quality and shortens make-ready time through improved registrationProvides increased print quality through improved dot consistencyIncreases run-length

GravureOverview

GravureOverview

ExactusThermal Gravure

Combines two mature technologies: - Creo SQUAREspot® thermal laser imaging heads- Electrolytic copper removal process developed by Acigraf, an

Italian gravure equipment manufacturer

Superior SQUAREspot image qualityUnparalleled process control and color consistencyIndustry-leading productivityFlexible screening optionsImproved ink coverage

New Innovative Process

RESIST

2. Coat Resist 3. Expose

4. Develop 5. Copper Removal 6. Strip

SUBSTRATE

COPPER

1. Cylinder after copper plating

SUBSTRATE SUBSTRATE

SUBSTRATE SUBSTRATE SUBSTRATE

COPPER COPPER

COPPER

Key BenefitsSuperior imaging qualityImproved process controlEnhanced throughputCost savings