Labels and packaging software solutions company Hybrid Software will showcase its recent acquisition of iC3D by showing 3D visualisation throughout the entire prepress process at Labelexpo Americas 2022.

Hybrid Software and iC3D will join a number of their Hybrid Software Group sister companies, including Global Graphics Software ColorLogic, Xitron, and Meteor Inkjet at the event to focus on virtual mockups, workflow automation, and variable data for digital label printing at the show.

One of the highlights will be the integration of PACKZ and iC3D, allowing Hybrid Software users to visualise 3D packaging in real time, from labels and flexible packaging to shrink wrap products.

iC3D is an all-in-one visualisation software package that lets users generate live 3D virtual mockups on-the-fly.

Other highlights at the show will include:

• Version 8 version of PACKZ, Hybrid Software’s native PDF editor: Enhancements include complex layered artwork that can now be viewed in colour and wired modes simultaneously, and object-based screenings can be inspected per separation.

• STEPZ 8, an interactive software package based on the award-winning technology of PACKZ, which allows for the preparation and execution of step-and-repeat and variable data tasks for high-speed digital printing of labels.

• Variable Data Printing (VDP), an InterTech Technical Award recipient, highlighting the ease of use and capabilities of the variable data preparation and execution of files, while providing customers the use of any open output device they require.

• CLOUDFLOW, demonstrating workflow management controlled from a web-browser. Featured CLOUDFLOW components include PACKZFLOW, PROOFSCOPE, CLOUDFLOW RIP, and the plug-in suite that facilitates interaction with the workflow, from the desktop or from Adobe Illustrator and PACKZ.

• SmartDFE, which combines products from all Hybrid Software Group companies to provide a turnkey digital front end (DFE) for high-speed digital presses. It combines Harlequin Direct, along with Meteor Inkjet’s printhead electronics, ColorLogic colour mapping, and CLOUDFLOW’s workflow automation tools into a powerful DFE that is fast to integrate and efficient in its hardware requirements.

“The conference’s theme is ‘Turn your converting playbook from good to great.’ Hybrid Software believes it has been doing that for its clients for years – and we continue to build on PACKZ, the standard for PDF editing and the CLOUDFLOW enterprise packaging workflow system,” Hybrid Software Americas executive vice-president Mike Agness said.

“While we have always worked well with complementary systems – including MIS/ERP – we now have a roster of new sister companies including iC3D and ColorLogic. HYBRID Software is in an ideal position to combine our label and packaging print expertise to build all-encompassing systems for any printer or converter. We believe Labelexpo attendees can benefit from a visit to our booth, and look forward to meeting them.”

Hybrid Software will be located on booth 3015, Hall B, at Labelexpo Americas in Chicago.