^ Technology transfer project "Digital workflow in the production process of print media"

The processing of digital image and text data and their output on different media (substrates, print carriers, databases, control units of graphic arts machines with CIP4 interface) represents a complete change of the technological processes with considerable technical, production-engineering, economic and social effects in the print media industry. These processes are called "digital workflow" and influence several so far relatively separated technological partial processes in the production of print media. Information and communication technologies have considerable impact on this branch.

The digital workflow changes function and tasks of the conventional printing houses. They develop from pure printers to cross-media system houses that offer comprehensive media services in addition to printed products.

There exist about 560 graphic arts enterprises in the Free State of Saxony, with 80% of them with a staff of less than 20. These small enterprises have little scientific, technical and technological competence in coping with the changes and consequences brought about by the digital workflow.

Partially subsidized technology transfer projects constitute the most effective support of these firms. The independent branch-competent and evaluated SID technology transfer center has got the necessary qualification for this job.


Current projects

The technology transfer project is subdivided into several working projects. A list of the projects presently worked on follows below:

• Introduction of a digital pre-press workflow with CtP technology
• Introduction of CIP4 in the digital workflow from pre-press to print and print finishing
• Introduction and integration of a CtP system into an existing workflow