Scan2CAD raster to vector conversion software

NEW LARGE FORMAT SCANNER:

Paradigm Imaging release new Graphtec SK280-09 large format scanner

Graphtec's new SK280 is based on CSX 300 and will replace the SK200

Paradigm Imaging, the California-based wide format scan, copy and print solutions distributor, has announced that a new Graphtec large format color scanner, the SK280, forms part of their improved EIS (Express Imaging Systems) Supra wide format scan-print-copy system.

Intrigued by this quiet, low key announcement of Graphtec's newest model 36" wide large format color scanner, we emailed Randy Geesman, president of Paradign Imaging group for further information. "The SK280 has been released by Graphtec to Paradigm for use in our EIS lineup. At this time we do not intend to sell the SK280 "stand-alone". I do not believe the SK280 is being released to the rest of the channel," he said.

So, the SK280 will not be sold by itself but only as part of an OEM solution. An OEM (original equipment manufacturer) manufactures products and or components which are purchased by other companies and sold under their brand names. For example, HP and OcOcé both OEM Contex scanners while Paradigm and KIP OEM the SK200. Given the SK200's success as an OEM product, the SK280 demands our attention.

The new Graphtec SK280 large format scanner

Paradigm's new EIS Supra with new Graphtec SK280 large format scanner
Paradigm's new EIS Supra with new
Graphtec SK280 large format scanner

The new Graphtec SK280 large format color scanner succeeds the SK200 which it replaces in the OEM market. According to Paradigm, the new SK280 is based on the 36" wide CSX300 design, a product which we have reviewed and like.

As Graphtec do not build CCD (charge coupled device) large format scanners, the SK280 uses CIS (contact image sensor) optical imaging technology. It has five A4 CIS sensors set in a zigzag pattern, uses an RGB instant-on LED light source, is ENERGY STAR® compliant and outputs images via a "high speed" USB 2.0 interface, all pretty standard stuff.

The improvements to the SK280 include:

  • improved grayscale,
  • improved color balancing,
  • a new drive mechanism,
  • and forward and reverse paper feeding.

The SK280 shares the CSX300's 36" width but its design has two main differences:

  • the sliding document guides have been removed and
  • there are no optical sensors for detecting standard paper widths.

Graphtec's CSX300
Graphtec's CSX300 with document
guides and centered paper feed

As the SK280 works the same as the CSX300, scanned documents must be centered. Presumably the document guides were not added to the SK280 to keep the cost down. Opinion is divided on the absence of sliding document guides. To some, they are of little importance and their absence is an improvement. Others regard them as extremely useful when centering a document and will miss them a lot.

The lack of optical sensors for detecting standard paper widths is not the gruesome train smash it appears to be at first glance. The only Graphtec scanner that has optical sensors for auto-sizing is the CSX300. Its optical sensors were added to increase the CSX300's reliability in paper size detection. These have been removed in the SK280, again presumably to keep the cost down.

According to Paradigm Imaging, the SK280 performs auto-sizing by detecting the paper edge through the main scanner optics. Graphtec's more expensive 42" wide IS and CS large format scanner range perform auto-sizing in exactly the same way.

Other improvements include a consumable, user replaceable SK280 scan glass. The SK280's CIS sensors can also be replaced individually one at a time by the user. Paradigm claim that because these parts do not require an engineer to fit them, it results in lower maintenance costs for the user, presumably from the start of the second year. For the first year of ownership, Paradigm's EIS Supra system with SK280 large format scanner has a one year on-site warranty, just like Paradigm's CSX300.

Graphtec SK280-09 Technical Specifications

  • Optical Imaging Technology - CIS (contact image sensor)
  • Optical Resolution - 600 dpi
  • Interpolated Resolution - 1200 dpi
  • Image Width - 36” (centered)
  • Max document width - 38"
  • Document Thickness - up to 0.8mm (including the carrier sheet)
  • ENERGY STAR compliant - Yes
  • Maximum Default Delay Time to Sleep - 13 minutes
  • Scanning precision - +-0.1% or +-1 pixel, whichever is larger
  • Color space - RGB
  • Total number or pixels captured - 22,020 x RGB = 66,060
  • Light source LED, RGB
  • Output - Color : 42 bits/pixel, Grayscale : 14bits/pixel
  • Interface - USB 2.0 (High Speed)
  • Rated Power Supply - 100 to 120/200 to 230 VAC +-10%, 50/60 Hz
  • External Dimensions (with stand) - 46.65 x 28.15 x 37.99 inches
  • Weight (including the stand) - 38kg / 84lbs
  • Optional Accessories/Capabilities - Transparency Adapter
  • Platform Compatibility - PC
  • Internal Memory / RAM - 128Mb
  • Monochrome Product Speed - 153 ipm

SK280 Scanner Speed

We have faulted Graphtec and some of its distributors and resellers in the past for being unclear in its claims for scan speed. The issue is this: Graphtec has three levels of scan quality. The faster you scan, the poorer the scanned image quality.

In High Quality mode, you get as the name suggests high quality but slow results. In Normal mode, the scan is faster but resolution is compromised in the X direction. In High Speed, mode the scan is faster still but the resolution is compromised in both the X and the Y directions. Previously Graphtec only published speeds for the faster Normal and High Speed modes, presumably because High Quality was too slow to be impressive in a competitive market.

Paradigm has published the following data to help clarify the speed of the SK280.

Maximum Scanning speed in ips (inches per second) at 400 dpi:

 High Speed Normal Mode High Quality
Monochrome6.03.53.0
Grayscale6.03.53.0
Color (8-bit, 24-bit)2.01.00.75

See our Scan Speed article for further information on this and how it affects Graphtec's IS and CS Base and Pro models.

Scanning Software

The SK280 is not accompanied by any improvements to Graphtec's scanning software. Its Scanning Master software is an awkard blot in an otherwise slick product range.

Geesman told us that "there have been no changes to Graphtec's Scanning Master software as of this date". Leaping to its defence, he said "we have found it easy to use and have many customers that like it".

The fact that Paradigm Imaging has developed its own imageFLOW scan-to-copy software rather than using Graphtec's Scanning Arts software with its EIS Supra (and other EIS products) implies that Graphtec's color graphics scanning and copying solution also has some issues.

Software is a fashion item. If it does not stay current, it dies. It is unreasonable to expect a working software solution to remain acceptable indefinitely without a significant upgrade. Unfortunately, hardware manufacturers are often the least motivated to improve their software solution. We have seen very little software development from Graphtec. Time is now running out for Graphtec's scanning software solutions.

However, the paucity of Graphtec's scanning software will not affect users of the SK280 or Paradigm EIS Supra. As an OEM component in scan-to-copy systems, like Paradigm's EIS Supra or KIP 5000, the SK280 uses that solution's software, not Graphtec's. Any issue regarding the awkwardness of Scanning Master software is a consideration only for users buying Graphtec's CSX300 and IS / CS products with which it is supplied.

SUMMARY

We expect Graphtec to release the SK280-09 large format scanner to other OEMs. It will continue Graphtec's very successful campaign of building and selling competent low-cost 36" large format scanners for OEM and entry-level usage.

As the supplier of Scan2CAD automatic raster to vector conversion software which demands sharp, clean images for effective results, we remind users that they must use the SK280's High Quality mode for the best results. Like all Graphtec scanners, the SK280's scanned image quality can be reduced by choosing fast scan speeds.

Scanners4CAD believe that Graphtec has enjoyed unprecedented success with its affordabe SK200 and CSX300 models, both 36" large format scanners. With the exception of the USA and Japan, perhaps, we believe that Graphtec does not enjoy the same level of success with its superbly engineered, more expensive 42" wide IS and CS large format scanners. If they cannot sell these devices in justifiable high numbers to compete against new and more affordable options from Contex and or Colortrac, we wonder what their future will be?

We shall speculate on the future of these Graphtec large format scanners soon. If you are a Graphtec reseller and or user, please let us have your views.

To contact Scanners4CAD, please email us.

For further information on the Graphtec SK280 and EIS Supra, please see:

www.SCANtopia.com
www.paradigmimaging.com