Want to reduce your pollution footprint while speeding up plate production? Chemistry-free or processless plates can do just that.

By Bob Atkinson

• Last, but certainly not least, press giant Heidelberg offers the negative-imaging aluminum Saphira Chemfree plate, which uses thermal coalescence technology, requiring only a clean-out/gumming step. Launched just over two years ago, it’s designed to work with Heidelberg’s thermal Suprasetter platesetter line. These plates are suited for longer runs (up to 200,000 impressions, or with post baking, up to 500,000) and with UV inks. Look for an announcement from Heidelberg at Drupa regarding its upcoming Saphira Chemfree Violet plates. (www.us.heidelberg.com).