Agfa Avalon N8-80
The Avalon N8 is a range of thermal B1 size platesetters that offer new levels of productivity to computer-to-plate imaging. The external drum engine is combined with a choice of imaging technologies and automation levels to provide a customised CtP solution to suit printers’ particular requirements.
Among its key benefits, says Agfa, are high productivity through fast makeready times, registration accuracy, high quality and consistent imaging, and high levels of automation to reduce prepress operator intervention.
The Avalon N8-80 employs Agfa’s GLV imaging head technology, using 512 and 1,024 beams to deliver between 32 and 65 B1 plates per hour in a fully automated CtP configuration. Agfa says these imaging heads produce tonal accuracy and uniformity from corner to corner, plate to plate and job to job.
The Avalon N8-80 features an external drum design. An automated lightweight clamping and vacuum system secures plates to the drum.
Agfa considered each element that affects CtP efficiency when integrating the Avalon N8 series. The engine, the plates, the plate processing, the digital workflow, the screening and other additional software utilities need to be considered carefully when composing a customised CtP solution. Agfa will assist printers in making the right technology decisions.
The Avalon N8-80 offers a variety of automated features, including internal plate punching, single and multi-cassette loading, and inline processing. A drum auto-balance system allows switching between different sized plates.
The Avalon’s internal punching system performs punching for the on-press registration, immediately before mounting the plate on the drum. Internal punching improves register on press and reduces makeready times. Because the punching is done while another plate is being imaged, there is no loss of plate throughput.
By adding optional press punch blocks, imaged plates can be loaded straight onto presses with different punching, eliminating further manual steps and dramatically increasing makeready efficiency.
The Avalon N8-80 can be upgraded in the field to meet expanding production requirements. Using the same base engine, printers can upgrade from an entry-level manual machine to a high-productivity, fully automated model by simply replacing certain key parts in the field.
Specs at a glance:
Imaging technology: Agfa Grating Light Valve (GLV) imaging technology
Imaging beams: 1024
Laser technology: 830nm thermal
Recording system: external drum
Resolution: 2400dpi
Approved plates: Agfa Thermostar P970, Energy Elite, Energy Elite Pro, Azura TS, Amigo TS
Cron
The Cron, supplied by Currie Group, is aimed at start up printers who wish to produce plates, printers who already have a CtP and are spending large amounts of money on monthly service fees, and printers who have a CtP system which is now end of life.
Currie says that it can support any format including 2up, 4up, 8up and VLF. It also says for environmentally conscious printers it can be used in conjunction with the Agfa Azura plates that Currie supplies.
Running costs are low, as are spare parts and maintenance costs, and the Cron is backed by Currie’s nationwide service support.
It is applicable with thermal and UV plates, which Currie says reduces consumables costs. It uses an on-line expose and process operation which helps to save labor and space.
Output resolution of up to 2800dpi enables easy screening and, says Currie, it delivers one to 99 per cent dot recovery. Registration accuracy is to within 0.01mm. A high power laser diode enables fast scanning to thermal plate. A choice of output resolution enables easy screening and printing quality with a crisp and sharp dot.
FM screening or DM screening digitally analyses and modulates each pixel that it produces, rather than repeating a fixed pattern of dots (as in AM screening) or randomly marking a pixel (as in FM screening).
DM screening ensures that no dot is too small to plate or print, no ‘non-dot’ is too small to fill in and no dot or ‘non-dot’ is too large so as to be visible. Dots are created in a precisely controlled manner to ensure detail is placed exactly where it is needed and vignettes are smooth.
The Cron CtP is modular and can be built up from a standalone manual CtP system to a fully automatic system. An auto-loader and stacker enable on-line operation. It has an automatic inline punching system.
The Cron is compatible with various approved thermal plates.
Specs at a glance:
Imaging technology: High power laser diode
Format: A2-up, 4-up, 8-up and VLFImaging Registration accuracy: 0.01mm
Resolution: 2,800dp
Punching: Automatic inline
Epson Stylus Pro CtP System
The Epson Stylus Pro CtP system combines high-resolution inkjet technology along with advanced aluminium press plates. The result is a unique CtP solution that dramatically lowers plate production costs, reduces job turnaround times and delivers enhanced production flexibility, while delivering high print quality for analogue press work.
The Epson CtP system is built around DirectPlate technology, which uses aluminium press plates with a chemical coating that is specifically designed to work with Epson UltraChrome HDR ink.
Plates are produced for an Epson Stylus Pro 7890, 7900, 8890 or 9900 that is driven with a custom RIP (a range of RIP choices is available to suit different needs).
Once printed and punched the plates can be loaded directly into an analogue press for outputting images with resolutions up to 175lpi. They support print runs up to 5000.
If they are put through a short curing process (curing units are available from a range of vendors in a variety of configurations to suit different product volumes and needs), they support print runs of up to 20,000.
Unlike other CtP systems, the Epson solution is built around a standard printer running standard ink. This means that when plates aren’t being produced the printer can be used for a variety of additional activities including high-quality press proofs, imposition proofs, even high quality posters, artwork and photo work.
Printers have a range of printer models to choose from, with the system provided as a separate kit that is quick and easy to mount. Kits come in two sizes – one supporting plates up to 500mm wide and 8mm gauge, the other 600mm and 12mm gauge. Plates come in a wide variety of sizes to suit almost all major analogue press types.
Specs at a glance:
Plate technology: Epson DirectPlate aluminium
Plate size: up to 24” wide (manual loading)
Resolution: up to 175lpi
Run lengths: up to 5000; baked – up to 20,000
Esko Cyrel Digital Imager (CDI)
The CDI offers flexo printers superb results that before were only achievable in offset or gravure. There is a CDI to suit every need, from narrow web label printing to flexible packaging and wide format corrugated printing; from one-colour printed corrugated boxes to multi-colour packaging and security printing.
Esko has developed software and hardware solutions for the packaging industry for decades. The company invented digital flexo in 1995, and its products are used in about 90 per cent of high quality flexo production.
More than 90 per cent of all digital flexo plates globally are imaged on a Cyrel Digital Imager (CDI) made by Esko. Printers can configure a CDI to match their current production needs, and expand capabilities as their business grows. The CDI can accommodate all plate and sleeve sizes, and printers can choose any brand of digital plate and processing method.
The CDI can image flexo plates and sleeves for virtually any kind of application, in a wide variety of plate sizes. Any type and brand of digital flexo, digital letterpress plate or ablative film can be used on a CDI.
The quality of offset and gravure printing used to be unattainable for flexo. Now, with HD Flexo and Full HD Flexo plates from Esko, the gap is closed. They provide consistency and repeatability, smooth transitions, perfect ink laydown and vibrant colours with increased print quality.
Specs at a glance:
Recording system: external drum
Screen rulings: up to 250lpi, depending on imaging resolution
Halftone: one to 99 per cent
Standard optics: fully variable from 2000 to 2540ppi on job-to-job base
HighRes optics: fully variable from 2540 to 4000ppi on job-to-job base
Plates: all digital photopolymer plates, ablative film or polyester-base letterpress plates
Fujifilm Luxel T-9500CtP System
The Luxel range of thermal CtP systems from Fujifilm includes a variety of models suitable for commercial print shops needing A3 to B1 plates, including a large-format Luxel News system specially designed for newspaper applications.
Luxel thermal CtP systems start from an entry-level configuration for printers who do not require the highest throughput right up to fully automated, highly productive systems incorporating Grating Light Valve Technology (GLV) with a maximum output of 67 B1 plates per hour.
All systems are suited to daylight handling of Fujifilm PJE/PLE high definition, low-chemistry thermal plates and when combined with the Fujifilm ‘Zac’ processor substantial savings in chemistry consumption can be realised.
The Luxel systems can optionally use the Brillia HD PRO-T3 processless plates. Applications include newspapers, direct mail and general commercial printing up to the highest quality lenticular printing using Fujifilm advanced screening technologies, Co-Res AM and Taffeta FM screening.
Input options include semi-automatic plate loading or full auto-load from up to five cassettes capable of holding 500 plates. Commonly used punch systems are available as well as connection to online processors.
Fujifilm assesses the environmental impact of all new products as part of the design review process, and as a result says all Luxel systems minimise energy use during operation and idling while maximising safety.
Fujifilm provides installation, onsite training and full after-sales support. Finance packages are available if required. Systems are priced from $90,000 to $900,000 depending on configuration.
Specs at a glance:
Imaging resolutions: 1200 to 2540dpi
Max plate production: 8-67 B1 plates/hr
Media types: Fujifilm Brillia thermal plates
Automation options: built-in bridge, bridge, multi-bridge, single cassette autoloader, multi cassette autoloader, cassette for single cassette auto loader, cassette for multi cassette autoloader
Heidelberg Suprasetter
Heidelberg says that its Suprasetter range of CtP engines is primarily intended for the commercial and packaging print markets, special applications like lenticular printing (although it also requires special software for this application) and highest resolution 5080dpi, 10 micron applications (for which it requires special software and plate technology).
There are seven key factors that make the Suprasetter a market leader. Its plug and play functionality means the machine arrives preinstalled and is ready to use. The company claims that the laser head, which is designed by Heidelberg engineers, is the most reliable on the market with an exceptionally long life. Its small footprint means it is accessible technology for all business sizes, and its low energy use meets environmental requirements and reduces operational costs.
Servicing is almost non-existent, and for the rare occasions when there is a problem, Heidelberg engineers can remotely access the machine to make a diagnosis. It is also upgradable in the field, so printers who start with a basic model can upgrade from manual to automated processes and also increase speed.
Due to its reliability and productivity the Suprasetter family has been extremely popular with customers in remote regions such as the Pacific Islands.
Heidelberg offers several different finance options to suit the individual needs of printers. Pricing is dependent on configuration, size, speed and automation.
Specs at a glance:
Imaging technology: Thermal
Resolution: 2400 or 2540dpi
Max throughput: 15-38 plates/hr (depending on model)
Kimoto Kimosetter 525
Kimoto’s Kimosetter 525 is distributed in Australia by Onyx Solutions. Capable of outputting polyester plates up to a maximum of 459mm x 525mm in size, the Kimosetter 525 is an ideal fit for graphic designers and press operators working in the 2-up market. Compared to others on the market, the Kimosetter 525 has a low capital purchase price making it easier for users to move into this segment.
The Kimosetter 525 is a daylight safe and completely chemical free system, doing away with messy chemicals and costs for their removal and storage.
Kimoto’s 525 Ze plate is a truly processless plate, requiring neither special developing chemicals nor post-washing or post-fusing.
The plates are ready to use straight from the Kimosetter 525. The Ze plates are compatible with most fountain solutions because of their super hydrophilic properties. The plates have a black image on a white background, and this good visibility, together with the film substrate, allows the prepress operator to check the press-ready plates easily.
The Kimosetter 525 was designed as a small, compact machine, allowing users to operate in a studio or office environment.
An important feature of the Kimosetter 525 is its unattended operation — it does not require the services of a dedicated person to output plates. The designer can produce press-ready plates as easily as printing to an office computer. This allows the designer to concentrate on their job to increase efficiency. The Kimosetter 525 outputs polyester plates automatically using its unique plate feeding system.
The Kimosetter 525 is another true one-step-to-press CtP system from Kimoto with UV inkjet imaging technology. The new model, Kimosetter 525, maintains the same concept of earlier models while offering more advanced features, higher screen ruling of 155lpi and much longer print run lengths of 30,000+ impressions.
Specs at a glance:
Print method: Inkjet printhead carriage scan
Resolution: 1080dpi
Inkjet printhead: Piezo drop-on-demand
Plate: Kimoplate Ze
Plate size: Max 459 × 525mm, thickness 0.2mm
Max print area: 414.6mm × 498mm
Print speed: 10 plates/hr (normal), four plates/hr (fine) for max size
Ink: UV curable ink (black), 200ml/cartridge
Auto feed: 20 plates capacity
Kodak Achieve CtP Package
With the bulk of the medium to large commercial printers fully entrenched with automated CtP systems, the focus is shifting towards making high quality, thermal CtP platemaking more affordable to the smaller end of the print environment.
Traditionally, those printers who have started out with polyester, violet or CtCP (computer to conventional plate), can now affordably migrate to Kodak’s latest TH5 thermal imaging technology incorporated in both 4-up and 8-up configurations at an average throughput of 16 plates per hour when coupled with Kodak Sonora process-free plates.
The turn-key system includes a Kodak Prinergy entry-level solution with PDF batch trapping, along with operator training and start-up assistance for Kodak Prinergy workflow. A tailored Kodak service contract, after the warranty period, offers worry-free operation for the life of the system.
Both Achieve systems are priced well under $100,000 for the complete package, but further software and hardware upgrades are possible. A true chemistry-free plate making system that can be installed in an office environment provides consistent image quality at 200lpi repeatable day after day. The complete CtP and plate system provides not only an environmental benefit through the removal of processing and chemistry waste, but also business sustainability by removing costs associated with plate processing, water, waste, and so on.
Kodak can also help customers manage their investment through its Solutions Lifecycle programme, tailoring repayments with flexibility for upgrades or changes in production and equipment needs during the equipment life cycle.
Specs at a glance:
Imaging technology: 830nm thermal
Recording system: external drum
Resolution: 1200dpi or 2400dpi
Screening: 200lpi
Throughput (2,400dpi): 16 plates/hr S speed,
22 plates/hr F speed (1030mm x 838mm plates)
Media support: Kodak Electra XD thermal, Kodak Sonora XP Processless, Kodak Trillian SP thermal plates
Screen PlateRite HD 8900Z
Dainippon Screen’s PlateRite HD 8900Z thermal CtP device can output at a rate of 67 imaged B1 plates per hour, at 2400dpi, or 80 B2 sized plates per hour.
For printers who don’t need that kind of speed, it is available as an ‘S’ model at 43 B1 plates per hour or the economy ‘E’ model at 33. The PlateRite thermal CtPs are so reliable that plate suppliers such as Fujifilm, Agfa, Xingraphics, Ferag and manroland chose them for their 8-page offering.
The primary market for the PTR8900 is the B1 commercial print sector but newspapers and packaging firms have also found Screen’s build, service, low energy use and dot quality an attractive proposition. While 2400dpi is the industry standard for high quality plates, 4000dpi is offered as an option. The S and E variants use a 512 channel GLV laser diode imaging head for pin-sharp resolution, while the flagship Z variant has a 1024 channel head. Screen’s Spekta imaging delivers both AM and FM screening and Spekta 2 can produce hybrid AM/FM screened plates.
Modular automation is available with the MA-L8900 autoloader, which can accommodate up to five plate cassettes, each with up to 100 plates of the same or different sizes. Plates can be loaded while the 8900 is in operation, without interruption. A single-cassette SA-L8900 which holds up to 100 plates is available, or the CtP can be fed manually. Plate punching is also automatic, and all popular punch systems up to 12 individual punch blocks can be selected.
Plate transport bridges for processors add to the automation, and there is even a remote monitoring system available where important data such as operational use, plates remaining and service intervals can be displayed in a web browser or via email.
Screen’s PlateRite HD8900Z uses much less energy that most 8-up systems with watts used per B1 plate down 41 per cent over previous models during operation, and 88 per cent during standby.
Price, says Screen, is elastic depending on what kind of plate supply contract a printer has with their chosen plate partner. Straight-out purchase from Screen is possible, but most are supplied by plate manufacturers on long term supply agreements.
Specs at a glance:
Recording system: external drum
Light source: 1024 channel laser
Plate: thermal aluminium
Plate size: max 1165mm x 950mm;
min 304 x 305mm
Resolutions: 1200, 2400, 2438, 2540, 4000dpi (optional)
Productivity: 33-67 plates/hr (2400dpi)
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