Cal Poly benefits from flexo software donation

California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) Graphic Communication program has received a donation of ‘SpotOn! Flexo’ software and training from All Printing Resources (APR) and SpotOn Press. This donation to the university’s program is a new tool that will help further the education of graphic arts students in the area of flexo print technology, pre-press processes and quality control.

SpotOn! Flexo is a software package that addresses a common issue – the lack of spot color ink density information available to the press operator. Using SpotOn! Flexo, the operator can use spectral data provided from a spectrophotometer and get optimal density information, for a spot color to match a reference color.

‘We are really pleased to offer Cal Poly the latest industry innovation: a new pressroom software tool that flexographic press operators can use to target optimum density for spot colors,’ said Richard Black, director of digital solutions for APR. ‘SpotOn! Flexo is new leading-edge technology that makes it possible to get optimum color reproduction and density information for any spot color (including CMYK), right at your fingertips.’

The new donation will be used as part of the school’s Flexographic Printing Technology course. Cal Poly, located in San Luis Obispo, California, has an industry-leading education program in a variety of printing methods and technologies.

‘APR is a great supporter of education, and we appreciate their partnership in helping us educate our students with innovative solutions,’ said Malcolm Keif, professor at Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication program. ‘SpotOn! Flexo is such a great addition to our program because it’s new technology that simplifies the process of matching color on press.’

The Cal Poly Graphic Communication curriculum focuses on various printing methods, and specific applications to the management and technical function of flexographic printing technology. Cal Poly’s Flexography course includes laboratory sessions, where SpotOn! Flexo will be featured in a hands-on demonstration of this new technology for students considering a flexography printing career.‘

We are delighted with how our students can immediately see if they are in spec or out of spec, and whether simple changes in ink metering can achieve the delta-Es required,’ said Keif. ‘We use SpotOn! Flexo in both our academic programs, as well as our industry workshops. It is a vital tool for reducing make-ready time and ensuring process control throughout a press run.’

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