Barco (formerly Gerber) Impress

Proofer Type | Process Plans | Connectivity | Performance | Usage | Limitations | Resources

Proofer Type

• Class 2 wide-format plotter (34” maximum)
• Allows customers to do registered back-ups of signatures
• Outputs at: 300 dpi in color; 600 dpi in black-and-white
• Note that sheet fed paper has to be manually loaded twice for printing (once per side). Next-generation back-up plotters like the Fuji Pre-Proofer 2000 and the IRIS 43 WIDE are fully automatic and much superior.

Process Plans

• Start with the instructions in Prinergy Proofing on the Barco Impress.
• Once you've read these instructions, you can start with the following set of process plans: Barco Impress process plans.

Connectivity

Assign a TCP/IP to the proofing device, plug it into the network via an Ethernet card, and create an NT Print Device that uses LPD (Line Printer Daemon). Spool HP-RTL to the proofer. Of course, the fun doesn't really begin until you try to configure the process plans in Prinergy to correctly register the back-up signatures.

Note: If this is the first time you've seen a Gerber Impress, it is strongly recommended that you read the document Prinergy Proofing on the Barco Impress for configuration help. Be aware that the configuration process can be very time-consuming.

Note: This proofer is based on the HP DesignJet series of proofers. If your device is not already connected to the network and Barco/Gerber did not supply their own Windows 2000 printer driver, then try using the HP DesignJet 2500 print driver from the HP website.

Performance

The Impress prints at quite a good pace, but the time consuming thing is that you have to painstakingly pin the sheet onto the pinwheel and feed it into the loading mechanism. As well, this proofer tends to jam frequently. Don't worry, after practicing about a half-dozen times, you'll get the hang of feeding the sheet in properly and should be able to get a sheet printed on both sides in less than half an hour.

Usage

Including both iMPAct and Prinergy, there are likely dozens of these proofers at various CreoScitex CTP sites worldwide. However, if you are a TSS and a prospective customer asks you what they should buy to help them do backed-up registrations, your answer should be anything but an Impress. If Barco comes out with an automatic version of the Impress, where paper is fed automatically, a different judgment may be pronounced. But we're talking about the manual one here.

Limitations

N/A

Resources

• Manufacturer's web site