FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2004

Western Graphtec, Inc. Introduces Six New Wide-format Scanners for Processing Fine Art, Graphic Arts, Photographs, Drawings, and Maps

Western Graphtec, Inc. of Irvine, California announces the new CS600, CS500, and IS200 Series 42” wide-format scanners for scanning, archiving, copying, and production of large-format artwork and other documents. With two models available in each series, the CS600 and CS500 Series are 24-bit, full-color scanners ideal for processing photographs, complex maps, and AEC/ CAD drawings, while the IS200 offers an 8-bit monochrome alternative for those who do not presently require the color functions. Each series offers a standard or advanced Pro model, which allows users the option to initially purchase a standard version and cost-effectively upgrade to the advanced system in future.

The Pro models include a ‘high-quality’ scanning mode with interpolated resolution up to 4800dpi, as opposed to 800dpi for the standard models. The Pro models also incorporate a ‘high-speed’ scanning mode for quality image output with up to 40% faster throughput than standard models at comparable resolution settings.

The CS600/CS500 color scanners all feature maximum scanning speeds of 9 ips (monochrome) and 3 ips (8-bit, 24-bit color) when scanning at 400dpi, making them the fastest throughput large-format scanners currently available in the market. In addition, CS600/CS500 Series scanners are compatible with the new industry standard sRGB color space, pushing their high-performance to maximum potential for premium color image processing. The IS200 also features a maximum scanning speed of 9 ips (monochrome, 8-bit graytone) when the scanning resolution is set to 400dpi.

The CS600, CS500, and IS200 all feature 600dpi optical resolution and utilize Contact Image Sensor (CIS) technology as opposed to common CCD scanning. Western Graphtec, Inc. was the first company to introduce this innovative technology with its highly acclaimed predecessor models, the CS1000, CS2000, CS300, and CS400 series. CIS technology eliminates the time-consuming process of continually re-aligning and re-calibrating the scanning device and requires no warm-up time, making these scanners ready to operate within seconds after turning the power on. In comparison, it can take hours to stabilize a scanner utilizing CCD technology, which may also require re-alignment and re-calibration before it is ready for use. In addition, CIS technology enables unmatched, truthful reproduction of images with virtually none of the optical distortion often experienced with CCD-based scanners.

All CS series scanners incorporate a sophisticated document handling system for effectively archiving old drawings, maps and various delicate graphic images electronically to prevent further deterioration and free up valuable storage space. The high precision document feeding architecture also makes the CS scanners well-log compliant, where continuous, long-length scanning is one of the mandatory requirements.

The CS600 is a 42” wide, 24-bit full color scanner with the ability to scan thick, rigid originals up to 0.8” thick to meet requirements in the “print for pay” and other graphic oriented industries. The CS600 will efficiently scan a variety of colorful artwork such as a poster mounted on styrene board or other thick substrates. The CS600 is the only scanner of its kind that features a complete “hands-free” automatic thickness control function, which automatically recognizes the thickness of the material being scanned without any user intervention. The CS600 will compensate and adjust itself for the most optimal positioning and traction when scanning originals of various thicknesses. This feature ensures worry-free operation and the best possible scan for sharp, colorful, error-free archival and reproductions of images with various thicknesses. The operator only needs to activate the scanner’s Intelligent Thickness Adjustment (ITA) mode and place the document onto the scanner, where all loading is thereby completed automatically. The CS600 is offered in two system configurations, advanced (Pro) and standard, latter of which can be upgraded after an initial purchase.

The CS500 is a 42” wide, 24-bit full color scanner that processes flexible material up to a maximum of 0.06” thick. The CS500 is also available in the standard configuration, which is post-purchase upgradeable to advanced Pro model.

The IS200 is a 42” wide, monochrome scanner with 8-bit graytone capture capability, ideal for applications that do not require color capturing. The IS200 provides a cost-effective solution for scanning monochrome, grayscale and black & white drawings and documents in CAD, AEC and other engineering and document management applications. With its high-speed (9 ips maximum at 400 dpi resolution setting) and accurate scanning capabilities, the IS200 is also ideal for computerized, massive document archiving and filing systems. This scanner is capable of scanning large-format monochrome drawings, blueprints, sepias and old/delicate originals with aging degradation by applying various filtering effects provided in its standard Scanning Master 21+ software.

The Scanning Master 21+ Driver software is included as a standard accessory with all Graphtec scanners and facilitates scanner setup and control while also enabling easy post-scan editing, scan to file and scan to copy operations. This software also allows users to integrate a large-format copying system by combining their scanner with a large-format printer.

Each of the CS600, CS500 and IS200 scanners come with USB2/IEEE1394 dual communication ports and are accurate to ±0.1% (or ±5 pixels over the maximum scanning width). All series are also compatible with the all-new EIS150 Scanning Arts Software, which is available separately. The EIS150 is a user-friendly touch-panel interface designed for full color copies of wide-format drawings and photographs when integrated with a large format printer. This system can also be used for simple document scanning, archiving, file creation, and data transfer via email, and includes default scanning settings that are already optimized for most types of source documents, whether it be drawings, posters, maps, photos, etc.

Western Graphtec, Inc. is confident that the new CS600, CS500, and IS200 series scanners will meet the requirements of professionals in the Graphic Arts, Fine Art, Photography, Pre-press, Reprographics, Sign, Point of Purchase, GIS, Mapping, CAD, AEC and document archiving market segments and will reinforce Graphtec’s position as a leading supplier of quality imaging products. Users can now efficiently scan and edit images and then print them out on a large-format printer or plotter. Museums and other owners of precious artifacts can scan and save timeless pieces of art to a safe location, preventing theft or other catastrophic damage.

Western Graphtec, Inc.
Jane Hicks, Scanner Product Coordinator
Phone: 800.854.8385 x1137
E-Mail: jhicks@graphtecusa.com
Website URL: www.graphtecusa.com