HelioFlow

HelioFlow
T H E A U T O M AT E D J D F A N D P D F W O R K F L O W

Based on Innovation.
HelioFlow ensures a quick and smooth engraving process based on an
automated JDF and PDF workflow.
 HelioFlow

HelioFlow
The workflow makes all the difference

HelioFlow is a workflow solution for publication engraving that focuses on

practical needs. Cutting-edge technologies ensure smooth processes and
make HelioFlow the number 1 on the market.

State-of-the-art workflow management is the key to in production, customer-focused job processing and
Maximum efficiency a successful form production process in publication excellent engraving results.
and productivity gravure.
Efficient and targeted processes
HelioFlow is the answer to ever tougher market
demands. Professional automation and maximum
reliability for all processes cut production costs
significantly. HELL Gravure Systems uses target-
ed research and development to deliver ongoing
With the fully automated HelioFlow JDF and PDF improvements to the individual components and
workflow, the entire process – from data migration the entire HelioFlow system. By separating the job
and form production to actual printing – is extremely ticket and the individual PDF pages, HelioFlow allows
straightforward and transparent. The current sta- users to react quickly and flexibly to any changes
tus of the print object can be called up at any time required – right up to the last minute before engra-
and changes are possible until engraving starts. ving starts.
As a result, HelioFlow ensures maximum reliability

Flexible JDF automation

interface
Browser-based
production overview
PDF page workflow
with HQH quality

Indispensable: The automatic engraver

Cylinder layout and engraver for reliable, top-quality
configuration cylinder production

Complementing the K6 –
components for a successful Production monitoring Centralized form data
workflow through extremely quick production boosts productivity
engraving simulation

Customer-focused solution with a future

HelioFlow from HELL combines all the advantages of StatusManager and Remote Gravure Assistant
a standardized production process with an innova- modules are the perfect complement to the basic
tive, modular concept. Customized infrastructures configuration comprising the HelioKlischograph K6
can be integrated seamlessly at several points. The and FormManager.
powerful HelioLinkPro, MIS Connect, FormProof,
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Targeted workflow
Comprehensive solutions and extremely simple processes

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Clearly-arranged tree structure

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Form data production for

A whole host of efficient components support Helio- multiple print locations
Flow with their perfect interplay and ease of use.
The individual workflow components are described
in detail below.

MIS Connect – flexible and individual

The JDF (Job Definition Format) standard specified
by the printing industry is the key to complete
workflow automation. Enterprise resource plan-
ning systems such as MIS or PPS are incorporated
into the form production workflow using the MIS
Connect JDF interface. The different production
parameters available are simply transferred via JDF.
This eliminates duplicated entries, and complex
jobs are automated and completed efficiently and
seamlessly. Productivity and reliability are also great-
ly improved and there is much less potential for
errors.

FormManager – standardization and

automation
The FormManager software application is the key
component of HelioFlow. As a control element,
it generates engraving job tickets and forwards
instructions to HelioLinkPro. The form structure
is created either manually or through automatic
JDF import. To check the results, the FormManager
accesses the BookletProof and FormProof proofing
options and sends status messages to the Status-
Manager.

The clear organizational structure of the FormMan-

ager ensures clear-cut assignment of the forms to
the sheet, the job and thus the print object. The
FormManager also offers a full range of functions
for creating innovative gravure forms. Anything is
possible – from special print formats and geome-
tries to a fifth color.

FormManager – the form data production hub

 HelioFlow

StatusManager
database connection
PDF or TIFF single-page impositioning
HelioLinkPro – automated workflows in
record time
HelioLinkPro is controlled directly from the Form-
Manager, supports the PDF workflow and uses it
for automatic page processing. The software also
imports, standardizes, stores and exports all other
popular data formats in no time at all.

One new feature is the optional JDF interface, which

enables HelioLinkPro to incorporate specific func-
tions of third-party manufacturers (such as color
management) into its workflow. HelioLinkPro and
its HQH functions can, of course, also be integrated
seamlessly into existing workflow systems of other
manufacturers.

High Quality Hinting (HQH) – quality assured

The innovative HQH software solution is also availa-
ble as an option with HelioLinkPro. HQH produces
perfect print results. Part of the page workflow,
it automatically recognizes and optimizes critical
areas. For example, it is able to compensate web
shrinkage and thereby significantly enhance the
quality of fine negative lines and fonts.

A comparison:
Output with HQH Output without HQH

High Quality Hinting (HQH)

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Proof system
Simulation of the printed product

FormProof
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K6 The proof system from HELL offers various options precise register control, the FormProof is provided
for monitoring results. A choice can be made be- with format and trim lines. Even language variations
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tween the different output media based on the (versioning) can be accurately simulated.
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specific requirements. This ensures the ideal quality
assurance process for all eventualities. Unlike many SoftProof and PageProof – a professional routine
other workflow solutions, the solution from HELL In addition to a straightforward SoftProof on screen,
Gravure Systems always monitors the data ready a PageProof of individual pages can be produced
for engraving. As a result, not a single process step on any Windows-compatible printer. Printouts are
goes unchecked. color matched using LUTs or ICC profiles. What’s
more, for approval by the customer, the ready-to-
FormProof – fast and reliable engrave data can be embedded in a PDF using the
Following proof approval in the FormManager, a export-to-PDF function, for example to make them
FormProof is automatically output at maximum available on an FTP server.
speed on large-format HP DesignJet printers. For

Proof System

InhouseCheck PrinterCheck

PDF
LUT

FormProof UCR PDF export

PDF
PageProof

SoftProof BookletProof
SoftProof

LUT

PageProof ICC
WebApproval

top:
Large-format proofs are created in record time
with the FormProof function. Approval
right:
The innovative proof system has an impressive range
of result monitoring options. K6
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In addition to quality, time is also a key factor in any

production operation. In order to offer customers a BookletProof enables
fast and convenient approval procedure, the proof deceptively realistic job
simulation
system has various options for ensuring things run
smoothly.

BookletProof – uniquely realistic view WebProof – rapid overview

BookletProof is a particularly effective component WebProof makes data approval by the customer
of HelioFlow. The innovative software enables fast much quicker. After setting up customized extra-
simulation of a complete job. The proof is created as nets, the ready-to-engrave pages are transferred
a PDF and can be output either locally as a booklet to the WebProof internet server for external access.
on a duplex printer or copier or leafed through vir- Large thumbnail images give an optimum overview Customer-specific,
tually as a SoftProof on the monitor. BookletProof is of the job. Individual pages or the entire print object reliable and flexible
the ideal solution for obtaining a quick and realistic can be downloaded in PDF format.
impression of the finished product. For a presenta-
tion to external customers, the operator can choose
an FTP transfer or the convenient WebProof func-
tion using a standard web browser.

The booklet PDF can be displayed quickly and easily using Acrobat Reader™. The web booklet function enables external customers to use an internet
connection to download individual pages or entire products.
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StatusManager
Browser-based monitoring

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Overview of forms provides a

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means of monitoring production

Optimum overview Warnings and error messages

Reliable monitoring and production transparency are sent by e-mail
are particularly important for an automated form
production process. Results from the FormManager,
FormProof, CellGuard camera and GravurCheck are
collected and managed centrally in an SQL data-
base by the StatusManager, providing it with all the
information it needs on the status of the engraving
process. This can be called up at any time using a
web browser.

Comprehensive quality control

The status information includes a general overview
of all products to be processed and an overview
showing the status of the forms right up to the final
page. There is also a machine overview with all the
details of the engraver’s past and present activities.
For an even more specific analysis, for example in
the customer’s own database, all status information
can also be transferred into other systems using
web service requests.

Maximum reliability in production

Automatic deadline monitoring is a further bene-
fit of the StatusManager. If scheduled engraving
deadlines are exceeded, warnings and then error
messages are generated and sent by e-mail or text
message. The fact that HELL engraving machines
also report their status on an ongoing basis makes
it possible to react immediately to unexpected inci-
dents – such as a stylus breaking – with no risk to
production deadlines.

StatusManager – transparency and information for the entire production process

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Machine overview for Seamless linking of processes

production monitoring
List of missing pages
Printshop MIS

Approval or rejection of
FormProof results
MIS Connect + StatusManager

HelioLinkPro FormManager Webservice

Webdisplay

Detailed information on
K6 FormProof
engraving progress

MIS Connect receives production parameters while the

StatusManager reports back production results.

Transparency at all levels

It is extremely important to have the best possi-
ble overview of production equipment and jobs –
in particular with a high level of rationalization.
Transparent processes, together with rapid and
reliable processing of the growing demand, are key
for efficient, state-of-the-art engraving cylinder
production. Networking technology and adminis-
tration enhances process quality because having
the relevant information available online cuts the
error rate. All production parameters are calculat-
ed quickly. There is no need to make a trip to the
production department because the current job
status is always available. If users have any queries,
information on the current production status can
be provided immediately. The StatusManager cuts
response times significantly and enables greater
flexibility and reliability.
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HelioFlow and HelioKlischograph K6

By professionals for professionals

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K6 A state-of-the-art workflow for a state-of-the-art Precision and reliability

engraving machine – when used in conjunction with With up to 18 channels, the K6 offers ultra-fast
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HelioFlow, the K6 starts engraving just two minutes printing form manufacture with absolute ribbon
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after the final PDF pages have been received. No balance. It can produce up to 144 perfectly engrav-
other system can match it for speed and flexibility. ed pages in just 30 minutes with the added certain-
ty of not having to factor in any time-consuming
The automatic engraver repeats.
The fully automated K6 ensures excellent publi-
cation engraving, top quality and commercially HelioFlow and K6
successful production through flexible, efficient The FormManager ensures transparent, automated
and economical cylinder manufacture. The K6 is form manufacture with its open JDF interface to
the logical successor to the globally successful K406 the customer-specific MIS. Only when engraving
and combines the tried-and-tested components starts is the job ticket requested from the Form-
of its predecessor with a whole host of innovative Manager and the individual pages from the server.

The HelioKlischograph K6 automatic engraver

functions, making it the ultimate in state-of-the-art This ensures a unique level of flexibility for day-to-
automation. day production. Individual pages can be modified
or replaced even immediately prior to the start of
Over 50 units have been delivered since the mar- engraving. After production has started, the K6
ket launch of the K6 in 2000, and the trend is still reports all details on the status and quality of the
Record sales upwards. The proven reliability and efficiency of relevant job to the StatusManager database, there-
figures electromechanical engraving combined with a by providing valuable information for quality control
steady flow of new technologies and innovative and actual costing.
solutions remains unrivaled.
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Remote Gravure Assistant

Centralized form data production

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K6 The FormManager also offers the option of central- Fully automated remote data transfer
ized form data production for multiple engraving HELL also offers the optional Remote Gravure
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locations – yet another intelligent and innovative Assistant (RGA) for automatic transfer of ready-to-
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solution from HELL Gravure Systems. Engraving engrave form data to remote destinations. Data is
capacities can be assigned with exceptional flexi- first compressed by the RGA, then transferred to
bility and the satellites of the main location can be the destination where it is decompressed and made
organized effectively. available to the engraving machines. Production
at the destination can thus be controlled remotely
The available press classes and cylinder types are and form data transferred with the RGA can be
defined individually for each location in the Form- processed in tandem with local jobs.
Manager. This enables location-related form data
Maximum flexibility to be generated in line with the technical options
and reliability available. The FormManager also enables the user
to change the press or the complete engraving
location quickly and reliably at short notice thanks
to the integrated plausibility checks.

FormManager

Remote Gravure Assistant

Jobticket Jobticket Jobticket

Centralized form
data production boosts
productivity Local Remote 1 Remote 2
Based on Innovation. HELL
HELL solutions satisfy the toughest demands in terms of print quality, cylinder service
life and printing speeds. Printing forms engraved using HELL equipment benefit from
simplified color matching, minimal start-up waste and optimum engraving results with
high print densities, soft vignettes, brilliant contones and razor-sharp lines.

Your local HELL representative will be happy to provide further information and personal
advice on our products and services at any time. For contact addresses and additional
product information, see our website www.HELL-Gravure-Systems.com

HELL Gravure Systems GmbH & Co. KG, Philipp-Reis-Weg 5, 24148 Kiel, Germany, Tel. +49 (0)431-2377-0, Fax +49 (0)431-2377-1235
[email protected], www.HELL-Gravure-Systems.com
Design changes and errors reserved (A5) www.ma-design.de