Here’s a look at the latest CTP technology.

Heidelberg

Suprasetter 145, Suprasetter 162 and Suprasetter 190: Heidelberg is adding large-format models to its Suprasetter range to coincide with Drupa 2008. The new systems are used in conjunction with the Speedmaster XL 145 and XL 162, and the Suprasetter 190 can also supply plates for other presses, up to a sheet width of 74.8˝. The platesetters are available with throughput speeds of up to 35 plates per hour (pph), with a resolution of either 2,540 or 2,400 dots per inch (dpi) as required. The six cassettes of the plate loading unit enable up to 600 plates in as many as six different formats to be loaded automatically.

Entry-level CTP systems include Suprasetter A52 (26.38x20.67˝, up to 17 pph) and A74 (26.38x29.5˝, up to 14 pph). They feature internal punching, direct processing and the new Auto Top Loader.

Fujifilm

The Dart 4300 E and 4300 S thermal four-page CTP devices combine compact size, high speed and consistent plate quality. The series offers fast processing speeds and uniform exposure for extremely high image quality, and is ideal for mid-size printers wanting to step into CTP. Optimized for use with Fujifilm’s Brillia HD processless thermal plates.

Fujifilm’s Javelin series of eight-up thermal CTP devices features sharp dots and significant run lengths. Eight different devices support productivity from eight to 42 pph with a range of automation options to suit varied production and ROI needs. The Javelin series supports Fujifilm Co-Res and TAFFETA FM screenings with Fujifilm LH-PJ, LH-PSE and Brillia HD processless thermal plates.

The Saber series of violet laser CTP devices feature both four-up and eight-up devices. The eight-up devices are upgradeable in the field, easily transforming to a dual, and handle a variety of plate sizes and gauges including portrait and landscaped plates. Additionally the Saber Series comes in a variety of configurations from manual to automatic. Optimized for use with Fujifilm’s Brillia HD chemistry-free violet plates.

basysPrint - A Punch Graphix Brand

Expose conventional plates directly from digital data with UV-Setter product line. Units work with ultraviolet light in the wave lengths of 360nm to 450nm.

Glunz & Jensen

The iCtP PlateWriter 2000 is a two-up format ink-jet CTP system; PlateWriter 4200 is a four-up system. iCtP PlateWriter systems produce press-ready aluminum plates without chemical processing. The PlateWriter jets Liquid Dot imaging solution onto non-photosensitive plates, which are then manually fed through the integrated plate finishing unit, which dries and bonds the dots to the plate surface. The finishing unit automatically gums and dries the plates, making them ready for press.

Agfa

Acento II four-up thermal CTP system is offered in E (11 pph conventional, 6 pph ThermoFuse) and S (21 pph conventional, 11-12 pph ThermoFuse) versions. E model can be upgraded to S. Automation options are available.

Avalon SF thermal platesetter has a maximum format size of 38.6x27.2˝ for the four-/six-up market and can be upgraded to eight-up. Features HD-CTP Grating Light Valve (GLV) laser technology for image quality, three-pin registration, external drum and high power processing. Outputs 25-26 pph for conventional and 22-23 pph for ThermoFuse plates.

Avalon LF thermal features HD-CTP GLV laser technology, external drum and 45.7x32.2˝ maximum format. Available in multi-speed version with output from 10-40 pph (conventional) and 12-28 pph (ThermoFuse).

Avalon LF violet has the same features as above and is available in S (20 pph) and XT (30 pph) versions. Modular design for field upgrades in throughput, line screening, plate type, etc. Available with various automation and screening options.

Palladio manual or automatic systems offer violet imaging in a flatbed format and handle plates to 25x29.3˝.

Eastman Kodak

Kodak Magnus 800 platesetter produces up to 40 plates/hour and features an auto-loader with a single- or multi-cassette unit that can hold up to 500 plates. A semi-automatic model is also available.

Magnus VLF is capable of imaging 27 80˝ plates/hour and features Thermal Head 3˝ imaging technology with 10,000-dpi optical resolution. Sharpness and consistency enable high-line screen or FM screening.

Lotem 400 Quantum features SQUARESPOT thermal imaging technology, high throughput, efficient plate handling and ease of use. Four-up unit images 25 plates/hour with advanced automation and proofing capabilities.

Trendsetter 400 Quantum combines SQUARESPOT imaging with semi-automatic operation. Supports processless plates, thermal film and proofing media.

Presstek

Ideally suited for in-plants, the Presstek Vector TX52 system, using Freedom Plates, provides an affordable, small-format (52cm and under), chemistry-free CTP solution, plus the added benefit of imaging high-quality metal plates for a competitive price as compared to polyester. Freedom plates do not require baking, special cleaning fluids or gumming, resulting in great press performance, as well as less waste material. The system supports run lengths up to 25,000 impressions.

The easy-to-use Presstek Dimension Excel Series, using Presstek’s chemistry-free Anthem Pro plates, provides the reliability, speed and quality that printers—especially mid-size and smaller shops—require. Dimension Excel platesetters are available in two- and four-page formats that can be configured as a standard (Dimension225 and 425) or as a high production (Dimension250 and 450) platemaker. The system supports run lengths up to 100,000 impressions.

Presstek’s Dimension450 Excel-Autoloader is a new plate-loading automation feature for Presstek’s four-page thermal computer-to-plate (CTP) platesetter system. The Dimension450 Excel-Autoloader is a cost-effective, automated plate loader that is integrated with the Dimension450 and mounts up to 20 pre-punched plates for continuous operation. The Autoloader enhances imaging productivity, allowing continuous chemistry-free platemaking at a throughput speed of 17 pph.

ABDick Digital PlateMaster 34 HSC: Designed for use with small-format portrait presses, this polyester platesetter supports screen rulings up to 175 lpi, and is ideally suited for a range of applications, from simple spot color jobs to more intricate two- and four-color process work.

Mitsubishi Imaging

DPX 4 is an automated four-up polyester platesetter for the small to medium printer. The DPX 4’s internal drum imager outputs high-resolution process color plates from 12x12˝ to 26.77x29.5˝. A built-in processor and two online material magazines reduce turnaround times and offer greater production flexibility. With the DPX 4, plates are automatically loaded, punched, exposed, processed, dried and ready for press.

DPX 2 is an automated, internal drum CTP platesetter providing high precision imaging for two-up print shops. The DPX 2’s built-in processor and two online material magazines streamline your workflow and offer greater production flexibility. With integrated punches and the unique image-to-punch feature, the DPX 2 provides accurate registration in a small footprint.

SDP-Eco1630IIIR is an automated, two-up platesetter capable of producing up to 81 plates/hour at 1,200 dpi. Offering variable resolutions, this versatile and cost-efficient platesetter is designed to increase your CTP capabilities, while decreasing your chemistry consumption and costs. The SDP-Eco1630IIIR’s patented Eco Processing technology delivers stable plate development, while using up to 2⁄3 less activator and stabilizer than other comparably sized platesetters.

Xanté

VM CTP systems are affordable two- and four-up violet metal solutions that deliver reliability, productivity and quality in imaging plates at 2,540 dpi and over 200 lpi.

SpeedSetter 300 polyester plate and film production with accurate registration, repeatability, sharp screens and simple operation. Images 121⁄2 x183⁄4˝ format at 1,000-4,000 dpi resolutions and up to 300 lpi film or 225 lpi plate.

SpeedSetter 400 adds a larger imaging area of 14.95x183⁄4˝ to the features of the 300 model.

Impressia metal platesetter is a chemical-free, process-free solution for two-up portrait presses. With Z-7 technology, it outputs one plate/minute at up to 2,400 dpi.

PlateMaker 5 images paper proofs, film and polyester plates. Chemical-free and process-free system producing sharp images and halftones. Maximum plate size of 133⁄8x25˝ at up to 2,400 dpi.

Screen (U.S.A.)

PlateRite 4300E and 4300S (four-/six-up) platesetters for plate sizes from 12x14.6˝ to 32.7x26˝. 4300E features an external drum with 16-channel laser diode head that supports resolutions of 2,400, 2,438 or 2,540 dpi and can output 11 plates/hour at 2,400 dpi. 4300S has a 32-channel head, supports resolutions from 1,200-4,000 dpi and outputs 20 plates/hour at 2,400 dpi.

PlateRite 6600E and 6600S (six-up) platesetters handle plates from 12x14.6˝ to 38.5x26.9˝. 6600E has a 32-channel head and produces 18 plates/hour. 6600S has a 64-channel head and images 30 plates/hour. Both devices support resolutions of 1,200, 2,400, 2,438 and 2,540 dpi.

PlateRite 8300E and 8300S (eight-up) platesetters support media sizes from 12x14.6˝ to 45.6x37˝. 8300E’s 16-channel head supports resolutions of 2,400, 2,438 or 2,540 dpi and can output eight plates/hour at 2,400 dpi. 8300S has a 32-channel head that supports resolutions from 1,200-4,000 dpi and outputs 13 plates/hour at 2,400 dpi.

PlateRite 8600E, 8600S and 8600Z handle plates from 12x14.6˝ to 45.6x37˝. 8600E has a 32-channel head, supports resolutions from 1,200-2,540 dpi and outputs 14 plates/hour at 2,400 dpi. 8600S has a 64-channel head, supports resolutions from 1,200-2,540 dpi and outputs 22 plates/hour at 2,400 dpi. 8600Z has a 64-channel head, supports resolutions from 1,200-4,000 dpi and outputs 22 plates/hour at 2,400 dpi.

PlateRite 8800E, 8800S and 8800Z handle formats from 12x14.6 to 45.6x37˝, feature a 512-channel laser diode head with Grating Light Valve technology and support 1,200-2,540 dpi resolutions. 8800E outputs 30 plates/hour using a 40.5x31.4˝ plate at 2,400 dpi. 8800S outputs 35 plates/hour 8800Z outputs 42 plates/hour.

PlateRite Ultima 16000IIE, 16000IIS and 16000IIZ handle formats from 25.6x21.6˝ to 57.9x45.9˝.