Adventures in Digital Printing

Paperless Workflow: Use A-PDF Rename to Batch Rename and Embed Meta Data

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 16:56:00 +0000

I have spent quite a bit of time searching for a solution to embed different meta data into my PDF files I create when I scan papers. In part of my search to go "paperless", I have been scanning old boxes of paper.

Before I OCR the files, I copy them and keep the original scan unchanged. I wanted a way to embed this original filename in the copy of the file, so if I ever needed to go back and find it I could. I tried hundreds of programs before I found one that worked:

A-PDF Rename

Website:

http://www.a-pdf.com/rename/index.htm

Through the use of variables, it let me do everything I needed. I would also add keywords to the files such as my scanner type. An example would be:

Filename:%Filename%_MT

Date:Scan %Date% %Time%

Author: %filename%%Filename%

Keywords: Scan OCR Fujitsu S1500 Scanned Scanner PDF

Blog.ITSupplies.com -- New IT Supplies Blog for Printing

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 23:31:00 +0000

IT Supplies has a new blog I would recommend checking out -- blog.itsupplies.com . It has good articles, FAQ, and a section to ask questions on printmaking and photo printing.

MichaelPSullivan.com and DVMichael.com

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 29 May 2010 05:13:00 +0000

Two recent projects we have been working on. The first, MichaelPSullivan.com , is a personal portfolio (personal branding) for Michael P. Sullivan III . The second project is DVMichael.com , a personal project for David Vincent Michael including is work history, experience, and more.

We also helped finish some prints for Speedy JVW:

New Mitsubishi Grace Pearlescent Metallic Photo Paper!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 25 May 2010 05:07:00 +0000

Mitsubishi Grace Pearlescent Metallic Photo Paper is now in-stock! We had the opportunity to run some test prints this week and were extremely satisfied with the results. Give any photo the 'POP' you desire in your prints, with its metallic and slightly wet look. Grace Pearlescent works great for Portraits, Sports Photography, POP Displays and ALL photographic applications. Try our 8.5"x11" sample pack today! More on Mitsubishi Metallic paper at itsupplies.com

Different Flexi Software Products

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 14:08:00 +0000

Flexi letter -- Cut Only

Flexi Sign -- Cut Only

Flexi Print & Cut

Flexi Expert -- CUTTING ONLY

Flexi Sign Pro -- Print & Cut

Scammers are getting more sophisticated!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:36:00 +0000

It is scary how sophisticated the scams are getting nowadays. Compare what I received a year ago (early 2008):

With what a reader submitted as a scam from last month (April 2009)

(image wit mocking bird and advanced text layout)

Be careful out there!

-Michael

Inveteratus Construction

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:22:00 +0000

Check out http://inveteratus.com/ for a project we recently helped print some items for.

Canon releases three new imagePROGRAF printers

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:38:00 +0000

Canon just announced three new printers to their graphic arts line of wide format printers. The new models are the iPF6300, iPF6350, and iPF8300. The iPF6300 and the iPF6350 are both 24" wide printers and the iPF8300 is a 44" wide printer. Some of the improvements that Canon is making is a newly developed mechanical structure and a new pigment ink set - the LUCIA EX. It also seems like they are enhancing their RIP support for their printers as well. These software manufacturers will be releasing RIP software support for the new printers: GMG, CGS, EFI, ONYX, Ergosoft, and a few others. IT Supplies has some more information on this as well a link to the press release Canon sent out.

http://www.itsupplies.com/Canon-iPF-Wide-Format-Printers

Canon is going to be showing off these printers at WPPI in Las Vegas, March 8-11, 2010 according to their press release. Also, these printers will start shipping in March as well.

Canon iPF6300 - $3,695 MSRP
Canon iPF6350 - $3,995 MSRP
Canon iPF8300 - $5,995 MSRP

Converting Oz to GSM and GSM to OZ

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:45:00 +0000

· OZ below refer to Ounces/Square Yard (Should technically be wrote OZ/SQ YD). Just using OZ is technically incorrect, but it is very common.
· G below refers to Grams/Square Meter (Should technically be wrote GSM or gsm). Just using G is technically incorrect, but it is very common.
· GSM or gsm is Grams/Square Meter

All are measures of DENSITY

OZ (Ounces per Square Yard) to GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

Often mistakenly referred to as OZ to G

Or ~ x34

1 Oz/Sq Yd = 33.9057475 GSM

1 GSM = 0.0294935247 Oz/Sq Yd

1 Oz/Sq Yd ~ 34 GSM

There is NO conversion from GSM to MIL or from MIL to GSM (One is a density and one is a thickness). I can’t tell you how much someone weighs if you only tell me how tall they are. However, I can make a generalized guess.

Imagenest 2.0 RIP software released for Macs

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:26:00 +0000

Bluecubit has released the 2.0 version of their software "ImageNest RIP" and are offering a free trial for download. I use this software frequently and would recommend it for any Mac user with a wide format printer.

ImageNest RIP has been updated to version 2.0 and an improved demo version.

The new demo version is now fully functional and allows users to print or create imposed PDF files.

Version 2.0 includes over 15 new features including:

Meta Data Annotations
Soft Proofing
Layout to PDF
Image Frames
Improved "Best Fit" image layout
Batch Sizing
Improved Color Management
Updated PostScript Level III support
64 bit processing
Support for OSX 10.6

The demo can be downloaded directly (no sign up form) at:

http://www.bluecubit.com/files/ImageNest%20RIP%202.0%20Demo%20Installer.dmg

Epson GS6000 Profiling Method has Changed

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:00:00 +0000

The process of creating a new ICC profile and environment for the Epson GS6000 64" printer has changed dramatically since the printer first came out.

The Colorburst RIP now replaces many settings that were previously set on the printer LCD screen. For more info on the update, check out the Epson GS6000 Wiki:

Epson GS6000 Overview of New Media Setup

HP Designjet Printer Error Codes

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:00:00 +0000

I found a good reference for HP Designjet Printer error codes. This helped me out with a problem involving my HP Z3100.

http://www.designjetparts.com/blog/index.php?blog=2&cat=16

Problem / Issue of Epson 11880 Defective Ink Batches

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Some people have had problems with certain Epson 11880 wide format printer ink cartridges. If you have the issue of your cartridge not registering in your printer, contact Epson tech support to see if the Lot Number on the ink is from the defective batch.

We recommend calling Epson Priority Service Support. This is usually better than calling your distributor. Call (562) 276-1305 *Same number that is in the back of your printer's manual*. Have your printer's serial number ready before your call. Press 2 for Pro series printers. Press 2 again to talk to an actual tech support agent.

Good luck! Comment below if you have had this issue and any advice you can offer...

Michael

3D Barcodes / QR Codes / Microsoft Tags

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:32:00 +0000

I always found 3D barcodes fascinating.

http://wully.org/3d-barcodes/

Some examples include: 3D Barcodes. QR Codes. Aztec Barcodes. Code 39 Barcodes. Data Matrix. Microsoft Tags. And more...

The Rasterbater - Make Huge Mosaics from your desktop printer

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:40:00 +0000

I found this a few months back and thought it was really cool. For everyone who doesn't own a wide format printer, this is the next best option...

http://homokaasu.org/rasterbator/

"The Rasterbator creates huge, rasterized images from any picture. Upload an image, print the resulting multi-page pdf file and assemble the pages into extremely cool looking poster up to 20 meters in size."

Enjoy.

Michael

Power to the Poster -- Prints Now Available from Elevate Printing

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:56:00 +0000

Elevate Printing has teamed up with PowerToThePoster.org, the Match Factory, and scores of designers to help launch the Power to the Poster Citizen Gallery.

From the Groundswell Blog:

More than 60 designers and activists collaborated on Power to the Poster, and I was honored to have been invited (along with a number of other friendly faces) to sit on the judging panel that helped curate the selection of 30 posters now available at Citizen Gallery. Citizen Gallery The prints were selected from the most moving designs submitted to PowerToThePoster.org, and are made available as 15×24 and 24×38 prints by Chicago’s Elevate Printing. Artists receive 50% of the funds, and the printers are paid the other half. The organizers are also asking that each buyer contribute half the price of their purchase to a cause they support.

Source:

The Groundswell Blog:   Power to the Poster's Citizen Gallery, Now Online!

The Groundswell Blog

Unoffical Epson GS6000 Wiki Launches!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 14:00:00 +0000

A Wiki for the 64" eco-solvent printer, the Epson GS6000, has been launched at www.EpsonGS6000.com . The site will be a place where people looking to buy Epson GS6000 printers and current owners of GS6000's can come together to discuss issues, tips, tricks, and tutorials on the Epson GS6000.

More on the project to come soon.

Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 Printers - New $3000 Instant Rebate

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:37:00 +0000

Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 Printers - New $3000 Instant Rebate - September 1st through October 31st, 2009. This replaced the Epson GS6000's Mail In Rebate.

Its Great to Give Photo Credits!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:03:00 +0000

I came across an image the other day in Google Images that had been picked off one of the Flickr accounts I contribute to. Its great to see someone (RoundPegg.com) actually using Flickr and crediting the original creator. This is also a great, creative use of the an image not originally created for the purpose of an article.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://roundpegg.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/3072420848_31ef5b32a8.jpg&imgrefurl=http://roundpegg.com/blog/&usg=__YyBWusyei-3XYlea_8AEDZ1q5_g=&h=500&w=333&sz=67&hl=en&start=4&sig2=mrH3mA4w3ppxgP2vKaanmQ&

Original photo courtesy of Elevate Printing & Devin David Photography (Chicago). Artwork by Chuck Anderson of No Pattern.

Epson GS 6000 Heater Setting Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Epson GS 6000 heater setting tips:

Thicker media = more heat

Faster Speed = more heat

http://epsongs6000.com/wiki/Epson_GS6000_Set_Heater_Settings

Can't go to Print 09 but don't want to miss anything?

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 07:07:00 +0000

Gordon Pritchard of the Quality in Print blog ( http://qualityinprint.blogspot.com/ ) has generously offered to check out any booths or vendors at September's Print 09 in Chicago. Luckily I live in Chicago and will be attending, but I liked the idea.

More info at:
http://qualityinprint.blogspot.com/2009/08/want-to-go-to-print-09-but-cant.html

MYPrint // Print09 September 11–16, 2009 | McCormick Place | Chicago, IL

Summa Cutters - Unique Applications Photo Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:49:00 +0000

Summa ( www.summausa.com) is having a contest for unique projects you have done with a Summa Cutter. More info at: Summa Photo Contest - http://www.summausa.com/contest/

Summa cutters have many applications, from making custom stickers to making your own fathead like removable wall graphic. These are great complimentary machines to printers like the Epson GS6000 solvent printer that do not have any built in cutter or blade. They can also replace expensive die cut applications (there is no need to make a custom die for each shape, which can save thousands of dollars).

I will be excited to see what people have been doing with these amazing automated cutting machines.

Epson 3800 Printer now only $850!

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:17:00 +0000

There is now a $300 rebate on the Epson 3800: Lowest price I have seen is $850 for a brand new at ATLEX.COM:

http://www.atlex.com/epson_pro/stylus_pro_3800_printer.htm

Please comment if you find a lower price or bought one recently for a better deal.

Thanks!~

IT Supplies Email: Hot Summer Deals and Cool New Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:05:00 +0000

Check out the following Email I received, the Epson Exhibition Fiber is a great deal!

Hot Summer Deals and Cool New Stuff

IT Supplies
<info@itsupplies.com>

Fri, Jul 31, 2009 at 3:23 PM

Hot Summer Deals ~ Cool New Stuff

Save up to 47%

Epson Exhibiton Fiber

New Lower Pricing

Signature Worthy ~ Take the best attributes of the darkroom and reach new creative heights in a digital workflow

SAVE $100 Instantly

HP B9180 13" Printer

200 Year Archivability

$499 after instant rebate

HURRY! Instant rebate through 12p 8/14/09

FREE SHIPPING!

Click For LOW Prices On B9180 Ink & Media

SALE!
COOL NEW Camera

Cases From Ape Case

Never lose site of items with the unique yellow interior!

$43 Medium case is perfect for your SLR (ACPRO1200)

$8.95 Small Digital Camera Pouch perfect for point and shoot (AC165)

sale through 8/14/09

FAST FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER $99!

IT Supplies | 5100 Newport Drive | Ste 6 | Rolling Meadows | IL | 60008

Canon ipf605 printer is now discontinued

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:27:00 +0000

The Canon ipf 605 wide format printer is discontinued. With recent rebates on the Canon ipf650, they were usually more expensive (the ipf650 replaced the ipf605).