DuPont Digital Cromalin AQ

In 1997, a gamut enhanced (GE) ink option was introduced on the AXs, which used CMYK inks engineered by DuPont that it claimed could match 95% of the standard Pantone range. This meant the Digital Cromalin appealed to commercial and packaging printers as well as the high-quality magazine and heatset web market.

In 2000, DuPont launched the AQ2 and AQ4, which both took advantage of GE inks and had much higher resolutions than the AX with no loss of speed. A high-speed option was launched in 2001. These iGeneration machines were a third faster because of a new ink set.

The Cromalin blue is Dupont’s new generation high-end ink-jet proofer. Launched only last month, it utilises a print head that enables 1,500dpi resolution output at a speed of 12 minutes for B2 or seven minutes for B3. As with the entire family of DuPont proofers, the blue consists exclusively of DuPont-designed components (engine, inks, paper and colour management) to ensure full compatibility.

Secondhand popularity
Customers have reported that the cost of DuPont consumables has been a turn-off in the past, especially as the price of a new machine is still pretty hefty. However this should make a secondhand purchase all the more desirable, as Cromalins have a great reputation for quality and longevity.

The A series was one of the first digital proofers to gain accreditation under the Periodical Publishing Association’s (PPA’s) proof4press initiative in 2003. In fact, the pass4press committee even decided to align its proof4press standard with DuPont’s. “Publishers had previously accredited DuPont’s Cromalin as the required standard to match for their own proofs,” says a PPA spokeswoman.

Northampton-based pre-press provider Itarus runs two AQ4s as well as two Cromalin b-series proofers. Customer service executive Tim May says: “In today’s fast-moving industry, turnaround speed is essential, but there must be no compromise in quality. We needed additional proofing that we could trust. We have been using DuPont digital proofing systems for over five years, and continue to be delighted with their superior colour accuracy, consistency and reliability. This is particularly important for leading brands and retailers that require strict management of their corporate colours. With the DuPont Cromalin AQ4, we can be assured of this.”

The secondhand market is there, but you have to look for it. Imagesetters4Sale will help you find a secondhand AQ, but proprietor Paul Noon warns that it is difficult to find a third-party to install it, so a deal must be struck with DuPont. “In terms of a proof, it’s second-to-none – it’s a great product,” says Noonan. “But like anything, there are pros and cons. If anything goes wrong then be aware that the parts can be expensive and there is a high cost for consumables.”

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SPECIFICATIONS
Max imaging area
• 560x720mm
Max imaging speed
• AQ and AX: 12 minutes per A3 proof
• iG: nine minutes per A3 proof
Resolution
• 600/1,200/1,500dpi
Price
• New AQ4: £29,000
• 2003 (grey) AQ4 with Windows-based RIP: £4,500
• 2000 (beige) AQ4: from £2,000
What to look for
• Ink delivery pipes, tubes and connectors
• Auto-loading mechanisms
• Hard disk on the internal PC
• Controller board