Look for a new thermal printing plate announcement from Presstek (Hudson, NH) at PRINT 09. In addition to its direct imaging presses (see Quick Thinking) the company will showcase the following:

Aurora Pro Chemistry-Free Plates, true chemistry-free open platform daylight-safe metal plates that can be imaged on a variety of thermal platesetters.

The Compass Series of open platform 4-page and 8-page platesetters support up to 250 lpi printing with production speeds ranging from 15 to 38 plates per hour.

The Dimension Series is available in 4- and 8-page formats. Mounting up to 20 pre-punched Presstek Anthem Pro chemistry-free plates for continuous operation, the Dimension450 Excel-Autoloader allows continuous chemistry-free platemaking at a throughput speed of 17 plates per hour. Dimension450 Excel-Autoloader has a cost-effective, automated plate loader that is fully integrated with the Dimension450 Excel four-page thermal CTP platesetter system.

Presstek Dimension Pro 800 is an 8-page CTP system that supports up to 2,400 dpi at 200 lpi on Presstek's Aurora Pro and Anthem Pro chemistry-free plates. With a throughput of 11 to 15 plates per hour, it offers semi-automatic loading with automatic registration.

The Presstek Vector FL52 small-format platesetter images Presstek's chemistry-free Freedom Pro plates, which are automatically water rinsed in the Vector's integrated plate washer and rated to support up to 25,000 impressions.

The Digital PlateMaster 34 SC/HSC is a high-resolution polyester platesetter designed for use with small-format portrait presses. It features a fully integrated Presstek Momentum RIP and internal plate processor. It can support screen rulings up to 175 lpi and run lengths up to 20,000 impressions.

Presstek workflow solutions

Presstek PathWay Web-to-Print Solution allows print providers 24/7 access to a wider audience, while streamlining the order entry and job management processes.

Presstek Latitude PDF/JDF workflow offers a wide range of prepress tools from preflight, PDF certification and automated document correction as well as trapping and integrated imposition options.

Presstek Momentum Pro, a fully-integrated RIP and workflow solution, automates the production process using certified PDF tools.

See www.presstek.com.