Thermal Metal CTP Platesetter In Reach For All

Presstek has made its Vector TX52 thermal platesetter available globally through its A B Dick distribution arm.

Presstek has made its Vector TX52 thermal platesetter available globally through its A B Dick distribution arm.

The Vector TX52 is a two-up (52cm) chemistry-free metal CTP system.

Susan McLaughlin, the president of A B Dick North America, said: "The Vector TX52 thermal platesetter and Freedom chemistry-free plates raise the bar for innovation in the metal CTP market and put metal CTP within reach of any printing establishment, regardless of size." The Presstek Vector TX52 thermal platesetter and Freedom chemistry-free plates are claimed to provide the short-run, small format (52cm and under) printer with a metal platemaking system for higher productivity, cleaner operation and lower materials and production costs.

The system is designed for maximum ease of use to streamline the entire plate making operation, whilst delivering the speed, quality and performance required to meet customer demands.

Its affordability, compact size and ability to operate under normal environmental and lighting conditions allow the CTP unit to fit in to virtually any print operation, claimed Presstek.

Handling and imaging plates under normal daylight conditions eliminates the costs and special provisions required for safelight and darkroom processing, added the company.

The platesetter is said to output up to 20 plates per hour and the system features a small footprint, with the plate washer built directly in to the device rather than requiring two separate units.

The Freedom plate is inserted at the front, imaged and water-rinsed inside the unit before being discharged as a finished, press-ready plate.

The Freedom thermal metal plates are claimed to be designed for run lengths up to 25,000 impressions.

With its self-contained water wash and no need for a processor, the Vector TX52 is said to fit comfortably in any size printshop.

It also eliminates the image variability that can be associated with chemical processing of plates, as well as the need to purchase, manage, maintain and dispose of chemicals traditionally used in the imaging of metal printing plates.

"The Vector TX52 thermal platesetter with Freedom chemistry-free plates is the first of many anticipated next generation products that we expect to bring to market as a result of our expanded capabilities and economies of scale," said Michael McCarthy, Presstek's senior vice president of operations.

"Blending our industry-leading chemistry-free thermal plate and laser imaging heritage with our innovative internal Thin Drum technology has resulted in the most affordable metal-based and compact platesetter in the market.

The Vector TX52 removes barriers to entry and makes exceptional productivity available to the small to mid-size quick, commercial and in-plant printer," he added.

Presstek will demonstrate the Vector TX52 at Print '05 on stand 6112.

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