JDF 1.3 spec adds web offset and packaging features

20 October 2005

Features to support web offset, newspaper and packaging production have been added to the latest version of the JDF specification.

The format was previously optimised for sheetfed and digital printing.

CIP4, the group that administers the automation and integration tool, has released the specification of JDF 1.3 and a set of tools to help firms develop products that use the new spec.

"JDF 1.3 provides functionality for large and important segments of the printing industry," said CIP4 chief executive Martin Bailey.

Despite adding full support for newspaper and web printing JDF 1.3 only introduces basic functionality for packaging.

"JDF now models many types of packaging processes, " said CIP4 technical officer Rainer Prosi. "We've only introduced some basic functionality."

The initial focus is on board and folding carton production, although later versions of JDF will expand to include flexible packaging.

The JDF 1.3 specification can be downloaded from the CIP4 website.

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