Hybrid Software’s introduces Packz Version 9.5

Hybrid Software’s new Colorspace color management technology is accessible from within both Packz and Stepz, providing color consistency between different printing methods and between different digital printing devices themselves. 

Its interface simplifies the process of high-quality color conversion and optimization of CMYK, RGB, multicolor and expanded gamut printing. 

The technology uses spectral data, supports CxF/X-4 spot color definitions and builds DeviceLink profiles on-the-fly with a high color accuracy across all printing methods, allowing packaging to be easily moved from flexo or offset printing to digital print production.

The Packzimizer now offers lane planning for efficient gang printing of roll-fed digital labels, while cut-and-stack labels that are printed in bulk on large sheets profit from the cost-effective block imposition with less wastage in cutting and finishing. The full complement of step and repeat technology support all varieties of package printing and production methods while automating the layout process.

Packz 9.5 also marks the introduction of Capture 3D, an optional expert application for shrink sleeve quality and 3D modeling.

‘We successfully showcased Capture 3D at Labelexpo Europe in Brussels earlier this year, mapping 2D artwork to 3D modeling. With innovative technology of Capture 3D, precise grid distortion can be performed in minutes instead of days, speeding up time to market while improving quality. And since Capture 3D eliminates dead zones, shrink sleeves gain valuable real estate for increased visual appeal and brand awareness,’ said Pascal Wybo, product manager at Hybrid Software. ‘Packz and Stepz integrate with Capture 3D to display the compensation of artwork shrinkage live in a visually realistic 3D preview.'

Packz’s trapping technology, which compensates for unacceptable gaps between artwork elements during flexo printing, gets a major upgrade in the new version. The Trap Rules feature models how artwork edges should be trapped and increase the efficiency and quality of trapping for both images and graphic elements in an interactive and automated prepress process.