When was the machine launched?
The latest in Screen’s PlateRite range of thermal platesetters was unveiled at the end of March, and they started shipping from Japan instantly. Screen Australia Northern Region manager Peter Scott says a number of potential customers were forewarned about the release. This resulted in Blue Star’s Wellington-based subsidiary, Format Print, buying the first model through New Zealand distributor Fujifilm. Currently available are the HD 8900 E and S models, capable of imaging up to 34 and 43 B1 plates per hour, respectively. Plate testing is still ongoing for the high-speed 8900 Z, which will be able to image up to 65 plates an hour. Expect it to be available after July. Also note that Agfa announced two additions to its Avalon thermal CTP range, the N8-60 and N8-80, on the same day. Screen is the OEM for both machines (see alternatives), and also for Fujifilm’s thermal CTP.
What market is it aimed at?
As you would expect with this high-end piece of kit, the PlateRite is designed to help printers achieve faster turnarounds, while at the same time reducing running costs and environmental impact. According to Scott, the HD 8900 range is mostly about improving productivity and, with many existing platesetters coming to the end of their typical five to 10-year lifespan, he believes now is a good time for printers to look for a replacement.
How does it differ from past models?
The previous fastest PlateRite model, the 8800N, was able to image up to 51 plates per hour. As well as being faster, the HD 8900 has been improved in a number of areas. Plate size is up from 1,160x940mm to 1,165x950mm to make the machine compatible with a wider variety of presses. The Z model features a 1,024-channel imaging head based on Screen’s Grating Light Valve (GLV) technology, which maintains quality when running at top speed. There is a 9% reduction in power consumption per plate during operation, and a power-saving standby mode cuts usage by 85% when the machine is idle. Last but not least, a 3D lenticular output mode will soon be available as an option.
What’s its USP?
It’s difficult to get away from just how advantageous having such a fast machine in the ‘Z’ configuration, can be. If the machine’s speed lives up to its billing, Scott believes there’s no reason why one new PlateRite cannot replace several older platesetters. “Some of the machines out there run at 12 plates an hour. Just think of the space, energy and time savings that can be made by swapping multiple older machines for a single new one at 34, 43 or 65 plates per hour,” he adds.
What’s the quality like?
In addition to GLV imaging head technology, the HD 8900 comes with a number of screening options, from Screen’s own Spekta and Spekta 2 AM/FM hybrid screening to high-end AM and FM screening. Standard resolution is 2,400dpi, while 4,000dpi is optional with the S and E models. Screen says the higher resolution option is suitable for fine art printing and to reproduce small text, such as with bond and certificate printing. An auto-focus function makes quality more reliable.
How easy is it to use?
Screen says a new plateloader makes life easier than ever before. To reduce downtime, the multicassette MA-L8900 allows plates to be loaded into the cassette on the fly to enable continuous operation and comes with three plate cassettes as standard with the option of up to five cassettes. Each cassette holds up to 100 plates, and one of the best features of the new loader is it’s able to switch between different plate sizes in different cassettes without having to stop the machine. The SA-L8900 single cassette loader – as installed by Format Print – is also available. Again holding up to 100 plates, it comes with automatic detection and removal of interleaf paper. Manual loading is also possible, if required.
What level of support can I expect?
Screen provides Remote Monitoring Software (RMS) as standard with the HD 8900 series. RMS lets it interrogate the machine from its base in North Ryde, NSW. Everything from the condition of the lasers to the number of plates imaged can be monitored. Should anything go wrong, one of its six directly employed engineers will endeavour to reach you within 24 hours. Screen keeps a full range of spares in Sydney, with Fujifilm holding spares in New Zealand.
Specifications
Max plate size: 1,165x950mm
Min plate size: 304x305mm
Speed:
• 8900 E: 34 plates/hour
• 8900 S: 43 plates/hour
•8900 Z: 65 plates/hour
Plate thickness: 0.15-0.3mm
Imaging technology: Thermal
Light source:
• 1,024-channel laser diode (Z model)
• 512-channel laser diode (S, E models)
Contact:
• Screen (Australia) 1300 305118.
• In NZ: Fujifilm 0800 242 646
The Alternatives
Agfa Avalon N8-60/80
Although the Avalon is built using Screen’s HD 8900 series technology, Agfa is keen to astress it is able to provide a “complete CTP solution”, including Apogee Control workflow and ThermoFuse, chemistry-free Azura TS or Amigo TS plates.
Max sheet size 1,165x950mm
Min sheet size 304x305mm
Speed 7-65 plates/hour
Contact Agfa (03) 9756 4100
Heidelberg Suprasetter 105
The Suprasetter is available in a number of plate handling, plate format, punching and plate loading configurations. Plate production can be controlled at the press via Instant Gate, a Prinect feature. The platesetter can also be combined with a preset link and press reporting mechanism.
Max sheet size 1,160x930mm
Min sheet size 370x323mm
Speed 15-38 plates/hour
Contact Heidelberg 1300 135 135
Kodak Magnus 800 Quantum
Kodak’s 8-up machine has speed on its side, being capable of producing up to 60 plates per hour. All Magnus 800s can be equipped with inline punching, while Kodak’s Variable Mainscan Resolution technology makes lenticular printing possible.
Max sheet size 1,162x950mm
Min sheet size 330x305mm
Speed 15-60 plates/hour
Contact Kodak 1800 895 747
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