Luscher XDrum UV

What does it do?

The XDrum UV is a B1, external drum UV platesetter, capable of imaging plates of up to 930×1,060mm. It images conventional plates using UV lasers and customers can choose between 16 and 36 lasers to achieve the desired speed. Built-in punching ensures accurate registration on the press.

Users can select whether they want manual, semi-automatic or automatic plate production and the inline plate processor means that the XDrum can automatically turn the plate, eliminating the need for a wide processor. 

When was it launched and who is it targeted at?

The XDrum UV was launched at Drupa and attracted a lot of interest from visitors. The device is primarily aimed at medium-format offset printers who are typically producing at least 10,000m2 to 15,000m2 of plates every year for high-quality applications.

What is its USP?

XDrum UV is a CTP for conventional plates only, which Lüscher says offers three main advantages: “Printers using a lot of plates can save by using conventional plates instead of thermal ones, with no compromise on quality; makeready times are reduced as conventional plates ink-up quicker and run with less water, and therefore ink, reducing waste and boosting stability during the print run; negative conventional plates, such as Agfa’s Aluva N, are UV ink resistant without baking and therefore extremely hard wearing.”

How fast is it?

Depending on the number of lasers specified by the customer, the eight-up XDrum UV can offer productivity levels of up to 26 B1 plates per hour (pph) or 32pph for B2. 

How easy is it to use?

Lüscher says it is extremely easy. The machine comes with a PC server that links it to the customer’s existing workflow and incorporates a job queue. Price adds that plate remakes can be easily produced directly from the platesetter. 

What training and support service is offered?

Predrag Trajkovic,who runs local Lüscher distributor Swisstech Graphic Services, says the agent handles all installation, service and support. He adds that service contracts are available, as well
as maintenance. 

Remote diagnostics are also included as a standard feature.

 


Specifications

Speed: Up to 32pph depending on plate size and number of lasers

Max plate size: 930×1,060mm

Plate thickness: 0.15–0.35mm

Standard resolution: 2,400-5,080dpi

Contact: Swisstech Graphic Services, 1300 551 720, info@swiss, tech-gs.com.au

 


The alternatives

Agfa Avalon N8-60S

The Avalon N8 engine can be configured for manual plate loading or formatted for single- or multi-cassette automation, all with inline processing. Various thermal plate media can be used, including the chemistry free plates. The digital thermal plates are specifically designed for demanding applications in the commercial and packaging markets. These plates are daylight resistant which facilitates the plate handling.

Speed: 33pph

Max plate size: 950×1,165mm

Plate thickness: 0.15-0.3mm

Standard resolution: 2,400dpi

Contact: Agfa, 1300 364 396, www.agfagraphics.com

Fujifilm Luxel V-8 HS Platesetter

The Fujifilm Luxel V-8 range of violet platesetters is available with single or twin laser arrangement depending on productivity needs and has manual and semi-automatic models as well as fully automatic configurations with single- or multi-cassette autoloaders and online processors. The Luxel V-8 platesetter will image both regular violet plates and the latest environmentally friendly ‘low-chemistry’ plates, such as Fujifilm’s Brillia HD Pro-V.

Speed: up to 50pph

Max plate size: 960×1,162mm

Plate thickness: 0.15-0.30mm

Standard resolution: 1,200-2,540dpi

Contact: Fujifilm Australia, (02) 9466 2600, www.fujifilm.com.au

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