Chemistry-Free CTP Extends Process Colour Market

Presstek has installed a new Presstek Dimension425 Excel chemistry-free computer-to-plate system at The Printed Word (TPW) in Horsham, West Sussex (UK).

Presstek has installed a new Presstek Dimension425 Excel chemistry-free computer-to-plate system at The Printed Word (TPW) in Horsham, West Sussex (UK).

The Dimension425 Excel CTP system will operate alongside an existing Presstek Dimension400 platesetter.

The new platesetter is already said to be providing an exceptional level of quality and will be used to expand The Printed Word's capabilities for process colour work.

The family-run business specialises in promotional printing and was an early adopter of CTP.

Five years ago, TPW was one of the first companies in the UK to install a Presstek Dimension400 CTP system in a strategic move that enabled the firm to establish a reputation for high quality workmanship.

Robert Pryer, managing director of The Printed Word, said: "It's always been our policy to invest in the latest technology and we originally chose the Presstek Dimension400 computer-to-plate system because of its environmentally friendly credentials.

The Dimension400 initially replaced an imagesetter and a developer and freed us of all the inherent problems of using and disposing of chemistry.

Now, once again, we are at the forefront with the new generation Dimension425 Excel platesetter." Robert Pryer was satisfied with the quality results that his Presstek Dimension400 produced, so his purchasing decision for the new equipment was based on the need to increase capacity.

However, he soon discovered that the Presstek Dimension425 Excel was no 'ordinary' CTP platesetter.

He commented: "Any thoughts that we were merely increasing our capacity and duplicating what we already had were quickly dispersed when we saw the fantastic results from the Presstek Dimension425 Excel.

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would never have believed the improvement in quality." And Pryer explained: "The gradation of tones on photographs produces more vivid and realistic results.

The tints are infinitely sharper and cleaner looking as well." TPW will use Presstek's new Anthem Pro chemistry-free thermally imaged digital plate.

The Anthem Pro is claimed to require only a simple water rinse after imaging to prepare the plate for printing.

Presstek's PRO graining, specifically developed for the Anthem Pro, works in combination with Anthem's thermal ablation coating system to provide improved ink and water latitude, greater colour stability and better overall print performance.

The Printed Word is benefiting from a versatile and reliable foundation in Presstek chemistry-free technology, said Presstek.

Its original Dimension400 effectively handles all line work and the new Dimension425 Excel with Anthem Pro plates has been exclusively designated for process colour work.

Robert Pryer commented: "The new Anthem Pro plate offers a huge improvement in quality over the existing Anthem plates, delivering a far superior dot, a greater colour stability and better overall print performance.

This investment also enables us to have solid back-up capabilities for our production - now we can ensure an uninterrupted supply to our customers.".

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