In a sign of how well offset is fighting back in the face of the digital onslaught all three German press manufacturers received an award, in fact Heidleberg won two, for its new Anicolor inking system (see full analysis in the June issue of AP) and for its Speedmaster 105 XL press. MAN Roland's 700 Direct Drive press and KBA's Sensoric Infeed System both took out awards.
In pre-press Agfa, Fujifilm, Kodak, Esko and Global Graphics all saw their technology awarded, while Oce won for its cut sheet monochrome 6250 digital printer.
The independent panel of judges deliberated over technology submissions ranging from printing presses to software solutions to ancillary services. A recurring theme with 2007 InterTech nominations was green printing, and numerous submissions contained solutions to minimise the environmental impact of printing. Great strides in technology were also demonstrated in the form of innovative press design, touchless workflow systems to automate production steps, anti-fraud measures, and new materials and systems that increase productivity.
Recipients were recognised from across the entire production workflow. Thirty-one nominations were submitted, and eleven innovative technologies were selected to receive the award.
The 2007 InterTech Technology Award recipients are:
(Listed alphabetically by company, with the technology named first)
:Energy Elite Dual Layer 'No Bake' Plate
Agfa Graphics
Kodak Traceless System
Eastman Kodak
EIS UV Printing Blanket Refurbishment
Enviro Image Solutions
Esko DeskPack 3-dX
Esko.
Fujifilm C-Fit Image Intelligence Software
FujiFilm Graphic Systems
Font Emulation in the Harlequin RIP
Global Graphics Software
Heidelberg Anicolor Inking Unit
Heidelberg
Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 105
Heidelberg
KBA Sensoric Infeed System
KBA
Roland 700 DirectDrive
MAN Roland
Océ VarioPrint 6250 Digital Printer
Océ
A technology review booklet showcasing all thirty-one of the current year's nominated technologies will be produced by Graphic Arts Monthly for release in Autumn 2007.
The coveted Lucite InterTech stars, recognised as a symbol of technological innovation and excellence, will be presented to the 2007 award recipients before an audience of industry leaders during the 2007 PIA/GATF autumn administrative meetings, November 8-11 in Chicago.
The PIA says that for more than a quarter of a century, recipients of this prestigious award have not only had a major impact on the graphic communications industry, but they also consistently prove to be successful in the commercial marketplace.
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