Digital Plaza
MAX-net, Mitsubishi's Digital Network System
MAX-net not only interconnects plant-wide printing presses, color control systems and prepress systems within the conventional workflow,
but also establishes an integrated digital environment encompassing the entire printing plant, management information systems,
and marketing, materials and production management departments.
The IPC Server and PPC Server are integral parts of MAX-net, linking the MIS*1 and prepress stages,
and the IPC press control and MCCS color control are also instrumental.
IPC Server II
The IPC Server provides CIP4-JDF/JMF send and receive functions and acts and the point of contact with the MIS and Mitsubishi's press network MAX-net
(Mitsubishi's Accomplished eXtensiible Network). The send and receive functions of JDF/JMF data by the IPC Server are implemented according to
CIP4 Interoperability Conformance Specifications (ICS) and can be linked to the MIS implemented along ICS as well. The IPC Server sends job
ticket information received from the MIS to the IPC terminal at the press and also complies press performance results in real time feedbackl to the MIS.
In this manner, the MIS is kept constantly aware of press status and can more efficiently control job production costs.
PPC Server II
The PPC Server converts image ratio data generated by CIP3/4-PPF and CIP4*2-JDF*3 enabled prepress systems and provides the data to the press IPC.
IPC II
The IPC is a knowledge-based press control terminal providing fully compatible digital interface. In addition to built-in expert software designed to
optimise press operations, the easily operated touch panel of the IPC gives the operator ready access to all press functions from makeready tasks and
press start-up to printing quality control and press fault diagnosis.
MCCS (Mitsubishi Colour Control System)
The MCCS compare measured values of colour strips scanned on the printed sheet to preset target values and feed the difference back to each
printing unit to automate individual ink key color adjustments. It also includes functions for converting measured values into ICC profiles for
feedback to the prepress stage.
Workflow Evolution of CIP4 and JDF
CIP4-JDF, the XML language proposed as the common format for all printing-related processes, encompasses the
prepress stage, the press, and the postpress stage as well. When information control systems previously introduced
for each respective process to date are read and written in the same format, the building of an "MIS" that collectively
manages image information and production management information can be realized, regardless of individual process controls systems.
Realising a hightly efficient, highly precise integrated product environment
With the widespread use of CTP, the advantages of digitised prepress have already yielded improved registration
accuracy and dot reproduction. Moreover, full-scale implementation of MIS and CIP4-JDF has made it possible to
collectively control management data and image data. Now, a digital workflow that can integrate all printing-related
processes with the same format data is about to be completed.
As a press manufacturer, Mitsubishi has developed "MAX-net" — a satellite network system around the press with an interface that enables
open networking to MIS and prepress. The IPC Server and PPC Server, which today interface with MIS and prepress were first launched in 1995,
and Mitsubishi continues to remain ahead of others with respect to digital developments.
Aiming at realising a more efficient and more precise integrated production environment, Mitsubishi will continue to propose
reliable solutions that lead the digital age in terms of both hardware and software and help you establish a digital workflow.
Reduction in makeready time and sheet waste
The fully automatic plate changer and built-in IPC software programs developed based on experienced operator techniques allow easy API settings and contribute to reduced makeready time and less sheet waste.
Standardisation
With preset data required by the press generated from MIS and prepress, quick press startup and stable standardised printing are possible by virtually any press operator.
Centralised data management
Information on all processes, including press data, production management data and maintenance data as well, are centrally managed in real time.
CMS
Colour management is achieved through measured colours outputted by the press and ink profiles fed back to prepress.
