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Labels of Unlimited Shapes and Sizes
The graphic capabilities of the MECCA 2000 System are comprehensive, and can be used to create
labels of any shape and size. The system includes complete typesetting capabilities, which are described in detail in the system
documentation. Special features of interest to the label manufacturer include the ability to compose text around circular shapes,
irregular paths, and angled baselines, as well as the ability to “stretch and squeeze” type to fit a given space. Text can also be
treated as a graphic for the purposes of tinting, screening, shadowing, outlining, shearing, and coloring. The MECCA 2000 System comes
with 300+ designer typefaces, and any PostScript typeface can also be used.
High-Speed Step-and-Repeat
Almost all labels are printed in multiple-up configurations, then die-cut into singles. With MECCA 2000, the label image is composed
as a single and saved, then an output specification
is attached which indicates the number of color separations, trapping values, and
the step-and-repeat matrix. During the output and RIP'ing process, the label image is only RIP'ed one time, and "flashed" on the film
for each step-and-repeat position. This technique greatly reduces imaging time and also keeps the file sizes to a minimum.
Spot Color and Process Color
Whatever your color requirements, the MECCA 2000 System is prepared for the job. Spot color separations can be created as registered
overlays, with or without knock-outs. Individual colors (such as the black plate) can be singled out for surprinting if necessary.
Process color separations can optionally be output with correct dot-angled screens and adjustable trapping.
Chokes and Spreads
Color trapping for spot color separations is automatically controlled by a menu function which allows the operator to specify
relative ink darkness and the amount of choke or spread in 1/1000" increments (mils.) Once these values are determined for a
certain color/ink/plate/paper combination they can be preserved for re-use whenever needed. Color trapping for CYMK process
color is simply specified in mils as the job is output to film. Chokes and spreads can also be manually created during the
composition and illustration operation.
Bar Codes
The Label Composition Toolset includes composer software and PostScript fonts for the UPC, Postal Codes, Code 3 of 9, Interleaved 2 of 5,
Code 128, and Codabar standards. Other bar code standards are available from Amgraf upon request. With this feature, the MECCA 2000 operator
is able to easily input a bar code, preview the bar code on the color display, and print the bar code in position on any PostScript printer
or imagesetter with the proper amount of reduction to compensate for bar width gain.
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Scanned Image Manipulation
Using on-line and/or off-line scanners, customer logos and camera-ready line art can be quickly scanned and imported into the MECCA 2000
illustrator program for extensive editing, clean-up, and coloring. A powerful pixel editing function allows the operator to manipulate
scanned images by changing individual pixels, to remove extraneous pixels, to thicken or thin scanned images for creating outlines, to
flood pixel boundaries with color, to separate pixel areas into overlays, and to crop, reverse, copy, and merge pixel files. Any raster
image can be assigned one or more of 32 overlay numbers for mechanical spot color separations, or managed as CMYK process color if desired.
MECCA 2000 supports bi-level, gray level, and color scanners in resolutions up to 4800 DPI
Proofing Color Separations
Color proofs of label images including step-and-repeat and distortions can be printed in a few minutes
using a PostScript color proofing printer. Color separations can be proofed using a plain-paper black and white PostScript printer.
These printers are inexpensive and very reliable.
Plates and Plate Marks
Jobs can quickly be stepped-and-repeated during output or ganged in plate arrangements. Plate layouts, with all required plate marks,
bearers, etc. can be created by the MECCA 2000 operator and stored in plate image libraries, and jobs can later be output in position
onto these plate images. PostScript laser imagesetters can output directly to negative film and polyester plate material. Step spacing
for repeated images is controllable with positional accuracy exceeding 1/1000".
Die marks, registration marks, manufacturer marks, cut marks, and any other desired indications can be included in the plate image or
the job image, in printable or invisible form.
Distortion for Flexographic Plates
After composition of a label is completed, the entire image can be distorted in either X or Y in 1/100% increments as it is output for
platemaking. Distortion in this manner does not alter the drawing file stored on the computer's file system. This simplifies later updating
of the file when required.
Data Storage
MECCA 2000 can eliminate cumbersome paper and film storage problems. Recent advances in personal computer technology now make it possible
to economically store several years’ production files electronically on-line.
Files are stored in a highly compressed format which permits
immediate workstation access to thousands of jobs. Archiving data-bases to tapes or CD’s for off-site storage is also supported.
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