The machine is currently available in Australia and New Zealand with the company noting that an advanced order had been received in the region with a machine currently being installed at an unconfirmed location.

Screen’s latest launch, which follows Agfa’s announcement of its badged version of the 8900 series, has been designed to help printers meet the trend towards shorter runs, faster turnaround, reduced costs and improving environmental standards.

The PlateRite HD 8900 series includes the top-end, high-output PlateRite HD 8900Z, capable of imaging upwards of 65 1,030mm x 800mm plates an hour, at a resolution of 2,400dpi.

Completing the range are the S and E models, which offer 43 and 34 plates an hour respectively, with the additional capability to combine high-precision halftone dots with a 4,000dpi output to produce photo-quality printing.

Screen has included a 3D lenticular output mode on all models to support 3D printing. “Features such as these support high value-added printing to enhance differentiation in the marketplace,” the company said.

All models can handle a variety of plate sizes from 304mmx305mm to 1,165mmx950mm, while an improved autoloader gives printers the ability to load plates during continuous exposure.

Environmental upgrades include a 9% reduction in power consumption per plate during operation, while a power-saving standby mode cuts power usage by 85% versus existing Screen platesetters.

Screen PlateRite HD 8900 S and E models are available immediately, with the Z model due for commercial release later this year.

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