Xitron, a leading independent developer of RIP and workflow products for commercial, digital, and high-speed inkjet printing, and Global Graphics, developer of the Harlequin RIP and recognized experts in printing, PDF, and digital document software, have announced a joint partnership with Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH, USA.

Xitron and Global Graphics are providing a Harlequin version 11 RIP and workflow to drive the program’s existing platesetter (Kodak Trendsetter) through Xitron’s new USB/SCSI interface. Students enrolled in the VCT program will be getting hands-on experience with the same RIP and workflow software used in thousands of printing facilities around the world, gaining marketable skills in the process.

“Support for the education of future industry professionals is the culture at Xitron,” said president Karen Crews. “The more knowledgeable and prepared students are when they enter the workforce, the stronger our industry becomes as a whole.” Paul Hagen, Vice President of Print Sales at Global Graphics echoes the sentiment. “It’s imperative that today’s students learn with state-of-the art software. Our industry moves so quickly that even a year or two of age can make a difference in their understanding of modern pre-press production.”

Visual Communication Technology at BGSU is a cross-media program of study. This lab-based program is the largest in the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering, with more than 300 majors. Students study in contemporary labs that are generously supported by Xitron, Global Graphics and a number of other graphic arts companies. Students also work in three semester-long industry-based co-operative work experiences, as a requirement for graduation.

Chuck Spontelli, a VCT professor comments, “Five different VCT print classes (100 students) have already used the Xitron Harlequin RIP. This contribution helps them prepare for their co-op experiences and understand typical workflows commonly used in industry. Industry support from partners like Xitron are what enables our VCT program to stay current with the latest production technology methods.”

Xitron has an installed base of over 30,000 Navigator RIPs and workflows and nearly 5,000 Raster Blaster TIFF Catchers worldwide. Driving CTP devices from Agfa, ECRM, Creo, Kodak, Presstek, Heidelberg, Fuji, and Screen, the company provides prepress independence to customers who want to maximize their investments by extending the life of their prepress systems.