New York (April 23) -- Imation Corp. (NYSE: IMN), the imaging and information company recently spun-off from 3M, today demonstrated Matchprint™ Laser Proof, a new digital halftone proofing system at the Seybold Seminars New York, April 23-25.

Matchprint™ Laser Proof is a first-of-its-kind system that combines the repeatability and consistency of Imation's industry standard Matchprint™ color proofing systems with the latest digital imaging technology. The system is the first digital contract proofing system designed to image both proofs and metal plates from a common RIP or as a standalone proofing application, resulting in a closer dot fidelity with the final print and dramatic improvements in productivity and output predictability.

"When it introduces Matchprint™ Laser Proof, Imation will fulfill the promise of digital halftone proofing and the inherent speed, productivity and reliability resulting from a digital contract proof," said John Pohl, marketing director for Imation Printing and Publishing Systems. "By integrating Matchprint™ quality color proofs in the digital workflow, Matchprint™ Laser Proof will also provide an ideal solution for the computer-to-plate workflow. Combined with production automation systems, our digital and conventional proofing systems, printing plates and film, Imation offers its customers the tools to optimize workflows from content creation to proof to plate."

The system is designed to work with manufacturers' infrared (IR) thermal laser exposure devices. The first IR thermal laser exposure device to be qualified for Matchprint™ Laser Proofs will be produced by Hudson, N.H.-based Presstek, Inc. Pohl said that Imation is actively forming strategic alliances with additional companies to support this technology.

Information regarding availability, pricing and distribution of Matchprint™ Laser Proof is expected to be available in third quarter 1997.

Design Features

Matchprint™ Laser Proof's design is based on IR thermal imaging technology and a new formulation of a Matchprint™ pigment-based color system that results in an excellent match to press. The proof is a high-quality representation of the image that is sent to the printing press, significantly reducing variability. In many workflow applications, eliminating multiple RIPs from the digital workflow can save users time and reduce error rates by allowing a single RIP for both the plate and the proof.

Productivity enhancing features of Matchprint™ Laser Proof include:

A common RIP with a metal platesetter: Using a common RIP, the Matchprint™ Laser Proof creates a halftone dot pattern similar to that of the printing plate -- dramatically improving the predictability of the final output.

Variable format size: Matchprint™ Laser Proofs will be available in 2-page (15-inch by 20- inch) and 4-page (22-inch by 30-inch) sizes.

Processing Speed: At 1270 dots per inch (dpi) using supercell screening, imaging time can be as low as 4.5 minutes per color, with total proofing time less than 25 minutes.

The Matchprint™ heritage: Matchprint™ Laser Proof color is created from the same class of pigments used in the industry-standard Matchprint™ III color proofing system. The system will be designed to simulate SWOP, ISO, gravure and Commercial specifications on a variety of printing paper stocks.

Imation supplies a variety of products and services worldwide for the imaging and information industry. The company manufactures and markets digital and conventional color proofing systems, including the industry-standard Matchprint™ color proofing system, imagesetting materials, printing plates, graphic arts films, digital prepress software, software for digital communications services and carbonless paper products to customers worldwide. All Imation products are supported by a worldwide customer service organization. In 1996, the company generated revenues of $2.3 billion. Imation employs approximately 9,400 people and is based in Oakdale, Minn.

Additional information about Imation is available on the company's website at www.imation.com, by calling Imation toll-free at 1-888-466-3456, or through the company's toll-free shareholder information line at 1-888-IMN-NYSE (1-888-466-6973).

Imation and Matchprint are trademarks of Imation Corp.

Copyright 1996 Imation. All rights reserved.