June 2008
Presstek Introduces New Vector FL52 CTP System and Chemistry-free Freedom Pro Plates

Easy-to-use small format chemistry-free metal platemaking solution supports a wide range of printing environments

Hudson, NH – May 30, 2008 Scott Champeau, Presstek Product Marketing Manager, CTP Hardware. “Small commercial, in-plant and quick printers can now address a wide range of small format presses with the print performance benefits of a chemistry-free, grained aluminum plate imaged on one of the most cost-effective and easy-to-use 2-up CTP systems on the market.” The Presstek Vector FL52 chemistry-free platemaking solution features a fiber laser imaging system that is engineered to deliver excellent dot quality and high reliability. The Vector FL52 supports a wide range ofplate sizes. New chemistry-free Freedom Pro plates are optimized to work with the Vector FL52. Their grained anodized surface, based on Presstek’s exclusive Pro graining technology, provides superior print performance, improved roll-up, better ink and water latitude, overall colour consistency throughout the press run and excellent on-press handling.

Freedom Pro offers true chemistry-free performance, which does not require any gumming, baking or chemical processing, taking time and cost out of the process, and supports run lengths of up to 25,000 impressions. With chemistry-free metal plates, print service providers can achieve both cost savings and confidence in the quality of printing they produce, positioning them to more competitively meet the growing demand for fast turnaround printing produced in an environmentally responsible manner. The new Vector FL52 easily integrates with Presstek’s Momentum Pro workflow. The Vector FL52, with Freedom Pro plates, is available for ordering at drupa 2008, with shipping commencing during the third quarter of 2008. “Vector FL52’s small footprint and competitive price makes it ideal for small printing operations,” commented Champeau. “The new Vector FL52 and Freedom Pro plate demonstrate our commitment to providing integrated solutions for this segment of the market.”

June 2008
Presstek Launches New Compass Series of CTP Solutions at drupa 2008

Presstek Compass provides environmentally friendly platemaking solutions with Presstek chemistry-free Aurora Pro plates

HUDSON, N.H., June 4 , the leading manufacturer and marketer of digital offset printing business solutions, is now announcing Presstek Compass, a new family of computer-to-plate (CTP) solutions, which will be showcased at drupa from May 29th through June 11th, 2008, at the Messe Dusseldorf in Germany.

"We are delighted to announce a brand-new family of highly automated, open platform platemaking solutions that will be on display for the first time at drupa," said Scott Champeau, Presstek Product Marketing Manager, CTP Hardware. "As the inventor of chemistry-free platemaking, Presstek is not resting on its laurels. We continue to bring innovation to the industry, as visitors to our stand at drupa (Hall 04, Stand A55) will see when they view the new line of Presstek Compass thermal platesetters with Presstek Aurora Pro chemistry-free plates."

The Presstek Compass family of platesetters includes the Compass 4000 Series, 4-up platesetters, and the Compass 8000 Series, 8-up platesetters. This highly productive platesetting family is ideal for a wide range of printing environments. Presstek Compass platesetters, imaging up to 250 lpi (100 l/cm), are offered for use with Presstek's Aurora Pro chemistry-free plates and also image a range of low energy (830 nm laser) third-party thermal plates. Aurora Pro plates, supporting run lengths up to 25,000, require only a simple water wash prior to mounting on press and have strong resistance to UV inks and solvents.

These new systems build on Presstek's dedication to making the offset printing process more capable, profitable and competitive. System features include:

-- Compass 4000 Series.
The Compass 4015 and 4038 are 4-page platesetters
capable of imaging of a wide range of plate sizes, up to 685 x 669 mm
(26.96 x 26.33"), at a rate of up to 15 and 38 plates per hour respectively.

-- Compass 8000 Series.
The Compass 8022 and 8030 are 8-page platesetters
capable of imaging plates up to 1162 x 950 mm (45.7 x 37.4").
Compass 8022 and 8030 image up to 22 or 30 plates per hour, respectively.

Compass systems are modular and easily upgraded in the field as needs and requirements change. The base model design features continuous loading, moving plates through the system in tandem. While one plate is being imaged, another is already loaded and waiting. At the same time, queue management controls all of the plates in process. Inline registration is automatic. Optional single- or multi-cassette autoloaders are available to improve productivity even more. Each cassette holds plates of different sizes and can be reloaded without interrupting production. Multi-cassette autoloaders can be installed on the right or left for optimum utilization of production floor space. An inline standard or customized punch option is available with autoloader cassettes.

Compass systems easily integrate with Presstek's range of workflows, and are also compatible with other workflow solutions.

"Our goal is to provide high quality, fully integrated digital solutions and services that are innovative and boost our customers' business capabilities and profitability," added Champeau. "The terrific CTP line-up we will be showing at drupa is just one example of how Presstek is meeting that goal."

About Presstek
Presstek, Inc. is the leading manufacturer and marketer of high tech digital imaging solutions to the graphic arts and laser imaging markets. Presstek's patented DI(R), CTP and plate products provide a streamlined workflow in a chemistry-free environment, thereby reducing printing cycle time and lowering production costs. Presstek solutions are designed to make it easier for printers to cost effectively meet increasing customer demand for high-quality, shorter print runs and faster turnaround while providing improved profit margins. Presstek subsidiary, Lasertel, Inc., manufactures semiconductor laser diodes for Presstek's and external customers' applications. Sole distributers in Australia for Presstek are Grafikalinks, For further information visit www.grafikalinks.com.au or send an e-mail to Cameron@grafikalinks.com.au

June 2008
Presstek Announces UV Printing Option for Presstek DI(R) Presses

Dramatically expands DI press capabilities by switching between waterless offset and UV waterless inks

Presstek, the leading manufacturer and marketer of digital offset printing business solutions, today announced that it will be introducing a UV printing option for the Presstek 52DI and 34DI digital offset presses at drupa, the world's largest printing trade show scheduled for May 29th through June 11th, 2008, at the Messe Dusseldorf in Germany. More than 400,000 visitors from 122 countries are expected to attend this show where Presstek will be showcasing the UV option on the Presstek 52DI in Hall 04, Stand A55.

"Printing with UV waterless inks on Presstek's DI presses expands Presstek's opportunity to provide the highest quality lowest cost four colour offset solution for a wider range of markets including consumer packaging, point-of-purchase and direct mail," said Klaus Schleicher, Presstek Group Product Director, Digital Printing Business Unit. "It will also dramatically increase the services our customers can offer their clients."

"This new UV option for DI presses will open new doors for Grafikalinks, our customers, and their clients by offering a 'best of both worlds' scenario," adds Schleicher. Presstek DI presses are designed to produce fast turnaround short-run, high quality colour work on a wide range of substrates. By adding the UV printing option, the already flexible Presstek 52DI and 34DI presses can switch between standard waterless inks and UV waterless inks for an increased competitive advantage.

UV printing represents a significant growth opportunity for print service providers. With the DI implementation, even faster turnaround is achieved with the UV waterless inks drying instantly as each sheet exits onto a transport ramp, under UV lights and into a high-pile delivery system. UV waterless inks have the potential to achieve greater densities than conventional waterless inks and provide superior printing on a full range of plastics and specialty substrates, including lenticular. Faster drying times and high-fidelity reproduction on non-porous materials and uncoated stocks result in faster turnaround times and a higher quality process for the production of labels, direct mail, packaging, point-of-purchase materials and general commercial printing. These lightfast inks also offer increased durability and quality when printing on foils, vinyls, films and plastics.

"In line with our overall strategy," added Schleicher, "UV waterless inks are environmentally friendly, with no VOCs, reduced energy consumption, less make ready waste and faster drying times. The already wide range of applications that can be cost-effectively produced on Presstek DI presses just got wider, making it easier for printers to differentiate themselves in a very competitive marketplace, with even faster turnaround times."

Two UV printing options will be available for both the Presstek 52DI and 34DI, including field upgrades. The breakthrough hybrid UV option that allows for switching between standard waterless and UV waterless inks will be available in the fourth quarter of 2008. The UV option for operating the DI as a UV waterless press will be available in the third quarter of 2008. 

Presstek 52DI and 34DI: Profitability, Speed, Quality and Environmental Benefits
Presstek 52DI and 34DI digital offset presses deliver environmentally friendly, fast turnaround, high quality short run colour printing, economical in run length quantities as low as 250. Presstek DI bridges the strategic gap between conventional offset and digital toner-based presses. According to InfoTrends research, the Presstek DI delivers a 50 percent cost savings on average per letter-size page when compared to a high-volume production colour digital press and job profitability is 13 percent higher on a DI press when compared to a conventional offset press. The Presstek 52DI is a 52cm press with a maximum sheet size of 510 x 360 mm; and the Presstek 34DI is a 34cm press with a maximum sheet size of 340 x 460 mm. 

Sole distributers in Australia for Presstek are Grafikalinks, for further information please visit www.grafikalinks.com.au or send an e-mail to Cameron@grafikalinks.com.au

June 2008
One Step to Step CTP Solution

Kimosetter 525
The Kimosetter 525 is the latest model in the Kimosetterseries. It maintains the same concept of earlier Kimosetter models, chemical free and one-step to press, while adding more advanced features; screen ruling of 150 lpi and print run length of 10,000 or more.

To achieve these targets, Kimoto has adopted UV inkjet imaging technology as well as a newly developed plate.

Why UV ink?
The inks of inkjet printers have different dry-up times depending on the media and on the drying system for each ink. By the time the ink dries and looses its liquidity, each droplet spreads or bleeds to some extent. This makes it hard to generate a constant dot size on the media. The UV ink is hardened immediately by the exposure of UV light after imaging on the media.

This ensures a consistent dot size to create high frequency halftone screens.

Another compact design
UV exposure units are traditionally large and difficult to accommodate in a small machine. Kimoto's challenge was to make the Kimosetter 525 as compact as possible allowing users to operate the machine in a studio environment.

150 lpi halftone screen
The Kimosetter 340/410 provides halftone screen rulings of up to 100 lpi. Now the 150 lpi halftone capability of Kimosetter 525 fits the requirements of more and more short run jobs for 2-up presses.

Kimoplate Ze
Kimoplate Ze is a non-sensitized polyester plate newlydeveloped to be imaged exclusively on the Kimosetter 525. As an inkjet imaging plate it is designed under the same concept as the Kimoplate e2 but it also has advanced features as well.

True one-step to press
Kimoplate Ze is designed to create be best image using UV ink while maintaining the same features of the Kimoplate e2; it requires no special chemicals, etch or fountain solution and does not require post washing or post fusing. The plate is ready straight from the Kimosetter 525.

Stability for longer run lengths
The UV image has an extremely strong adhesion to the plate and together with the base film thickness of 0.188mm the plate has excellent stability for print runs of more than 10,000 impressions. This ensures good registration for multi color or four color jobs as well.

June 2008
Presstek’s New Aurora Pro Plate Broadens Its Portfolio of Chemistry-Free Plates with Open Systems Product

Aurora Pro plates build on history of quality, efficiency, environmental sustainability.

Hudson, NH – May 30, 2008 – Presstek Inc., the leading manufacturer and marketer of digital offset printing business solutions, today announced that it will be featuring Aurora Pro, a new chemistry-free thermal printing plate, at drupa, the world’s largest printing trade show scheduled for May 29th through June 11th, 2008, in Dusseldorf, Germany. Aurora Pro is designed for use on a range of thermal CTP imaging platforms and brings the advantages of Presstek’s true chemistry-free platemaking technology to the large installed base of thermal CTP platesetters.

“Presstek created the category of chemistry-free digital printing plates,” said John O’Rourke, Presstek’s Director of CTP Products. “Aurora Pro extends the benefits of Presstek’s true chemistry-free plate technology to the large population of existing third-party thermal platesetters, offering the unmatched quality, productivity and environmental sustainability that the market has come to expect from Presstek.”

Presstek Aurora Pro Plates
The Aurora Pro provides a true chemistry-free plate that can be imaged on a range of thermal platesetters, including several models distributed by Screen and Kodak (Creo), as well as Presstek’s new Compass series of CTP platesetters.

“The current worldwide installed base of thermal CTP platesetters is estimated at over 25,000 units,” said O’Rourke. “Aurora Pro offers owners of these systems the opportunity to realize the benefits of Presstek’s true chemistry-free platemaking.”

Aurora Pro’s fast, efficient imaging allows qualified thermal CTP systems to run at maximum throughput. Aurora Pro is a daylight-safe, non-ablative plate that requires only a simple water wash after imaging. No chemistry, no baking and no gumming are required. Aurora Pro outputs resolution of 1% to 99% dots at 200 lpi (80 l/cm) and stochastic (FM) screening is easily handled. Once imaged and washed the plate displays a high contrast image that can be examined and measured—providing significant cost savings by making error correction possible before going on press.

Aurora Pro’s grained anodized aluminum surface provides excellent ink/water balance properties for superior pressroom performance, including fast roll-up performance for reduced makeready time and waste. The plate is rated for run lengths of 25,000 impressions and is suitable for a wide range of short run commercial printing applications. In addition, Aurora Pro plates have strong resistance to UV inks and solvents, resulting in the ability to use a single plate for both conventional and UV printing.

“This expansion of our line of thermal chemistry-free metal plates places Presstek squarely in the mainstream of the short run plate market,” added O’Rourke. “Printing establishments of any size can now eliminate expensive, labor-intensive, and environmentally harmful chemistry from their platemaking operations without sacrificing quality. This is another example of how Presstek’s print business solutions are designed to integrate into a wide-range of print businesses.”

About Presstek
Presstek, Inc. is the leading manufacturer and marketer of high tech digital imaging solutions to the graphic arts and laser imaging markets. Presstek’s patented DI®, CTP and plate products provide a streamlined workflow in a chemistry-free environment, thereby reducing printing cycle time and lowering production costs. Presstek solutions are designed to make it easier for printers to cost effectively meet increasing customer demand for high-quality, shorter print runs and faster turnaround while providing improved profit margins. Presstek subsidiary, Lasertel, Inc., manufactures semiconductor laser diodes for Presstek’s and external customers’ applications. For further information visit www.presstek.com, send an e-mail to info@presstek.com or call +44 20 8745 8000 (Europe) or +1 603 595 7000 (North America).

March 2008
Road shows demonstrate environmental and productivity benefits

Educational sessions in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland by Presstek and its New Zealand distribution partner Printing Supplies & Machinery Ltd highlighted the benefits of Presstek’s portfolio of digital offset solutions.

“The environmentally-friendly Presstek 52DI press and the chemistry-free Vector TX52 CTP system were key highlights,” said Steve Brower, director of ROW sales for Presstek. “All of the sessions were well-attended with participants showing strong interest in these products as they look for ways to reduce their environmental footprint, while at the same time improving productivity and enhancing their competitive advantage.”

Presstek’s DI digital offset presses offer on-press chemistry-free platemaking, waterless printing and substantially less waste than conventional offset printing processes. The DI's ability to go from file to sellable colour within 20 sheets greatly reduces paper waste. The Presstek 52DI delivers superior quality printing of up to 10,000 impressions per hour at 300lpi and supports FM screening without incurring additional time or expense. The waterless technology of the landscape format 52DI press, in addition to the unique 2:1 roll out ratio of the 52DI's ink train, provide the benefits of excellent ink coverage and the ability to print solids more easily.

Ideally suited for small commercial and in-plant printers, the Vector TX52 CTP solution with Freedom plates provides an affordable, chemistry-free CtP solution. Freedom plates only require a rinse in water, which eliminates the time and steps other plates require for processing, baking, special cleaning fluids, and gumming. The plates can be imaged up to 200lpi with run lengths of 25,000 in 6 or 8 mil.

“Attendees were particularly interested in the Presstek 52DI press,” said Rhys Daubé, managing director, Printing Supplies & Machinery. “Its high level of auto-mation means an efficient workflow from graphic designer to sellable sheets on stocks up to .5mm thick. Its compact footprint means it easily fits in almost any sized shop. We expect to see the enthusiasm about both of these products continue to grow as more printers learn about their availability.”

September 2007
An economical choice with an ecological approach

When Stewart Winterbottom of Tasmanian print company Whatsinaname first considered the change to CtP, his criteria was an entry level system at an affordable price which would permit his 17-year-old company to handle the increasing number of digital files submitted by clients. For advice he turned to David Parr of Small Offset Platemaking Equipment, the Tasmanian agent for Grafika Links, who recommended the Kimosetter 410 thermal transfer platesetter.

Comparable in size and style to an A3 inkjet printer, the compact Kimosetter 410 is the ideal choice for small offset printers and copy shops as it fits comfortably on a desktop in a studio environment. With a resolution equivalent to 1200dpi, the Kimosetter 410 gives exceptional image quality resulting in smooth crisp text, sharp line work, high density solids and clean halftones.

The unique combination of Kimoplate e2 polyester plates and the Kimosetter 410 platesetter sets new standards in image quality and ease of use in the small offset CtP market. The Kimosetter 410 is capable of imaging full bleed A3 with crop and register marks on all popular plate sizes up to 410 x 510mm. “The plates are perfect for the majority of our work which is one- and two-colour short run, quick turnaround types of jobs. We have had runs of up to 10,000 without any problems,” Stewart Winterbottom observes.

Kimoplate e2 plates require no special chemicals, etch or fountain solution and do not require post fusing. The plate is press ready straight from the Kimosetter 410. This environmentally-friendly approach enables operators to work in daylight conditions. The platesetter uses its own special ink ribbon cassettes, and because no toner is used, the thermal transfer unit cannot create unwanted image in the background of the Kimoplate e2.

“We specialise in small business stationery such as business cards, letterheads and flyers, and the time saved in platemaking has improved our efficiency and output,” notes Stewart Winterbotton. “Since the installation we have also been able to provide a faster turnaround for our customers, which has been a further plus.”

August 2007
West coast dolphins free to frolic in pure water

Shane Hastie and Terry Hardy of Bunbury Print in Western Australia reckon that their purchase of Presstek Vector TX52 platemaker was one of the easiest installations they have experienced in their 12 years in business. The sale was made by Graham Wood of POP On-Line, the WA agents for Grafika Links who are the Australian representatives for Presstek. Not only did Grafika Links deliver and install the unit a day earlier than promised, but the two technicians – Steve Frankiewicz and Cec Dahl – had it up and running the very next day, so there was no downtime.

When searching for a platemaker to complement the output from their Heidelberg GTO 52 presses, the proprietors’ main criteria was for an eco-friendly, chemical-free system with daylight operation. The new unit which uses straight water has replaced four machines that required chemical developers. “The business has become very close to being totally chemical-free and is proud to be looking after the environment,” stated Shane Hastie.

“We were also concerned about the size of the new unit as we have a small workshop where space is at a premium. Our research showed the Presstek Vector TX52 applied well to our size operation, and after contacting companies that currently have the Vector, we were more than convinced this was the machine for us,” observed Terry Hardy.

In the two weeks the machine has been in operation Bunbury Print has been able to offer its clients faster turnaround, quicker download from files and sharper quality. “The plates are re-usable; it’s simply a matter of washing the ink off and storing them for repeat jobs. Potentially we hope to get 40,000 impressions from one plate. This equates to big savings!” noted Shane Hastie.

“The machine is so simple to use, even our bookbinder can use it!” he added. “We are based on the west coast, and because the system is online, support can be provided by simply logging in remotely and checking its status. We are very satisfied with the Vector TX52 and would recommend the product and the services of Grafika Links to anyone.”

Click here to see Vector in action view video

July 2007
BB Print appreciates the value and brilliant quality of chemistry-free CtP

Roy Brunke and Gary Bye of BB Print have long recognised the benefits of chemical-free CtP and after reading about the Presstek Vector TX52 contacted the manufacturer direct, as at that time there was no local agent. Once Grafika Links was appointed as the Australian distributor, they had the opportunity to see the machine in action at Pacprint ’05 and consider the favourable feedback from a number of companies already using it in the field.

Since installing the unit in their Queensland workshop, which runs a SM52 two-colour, GTO52 two-colour and two GTO52 single colour presses, the pair have found additional benefits to the original confirming factors of chemical-free CtP and price. “Definition on the plate was greater than first expected. Our customers appreciate the more defined dot on screen and the clearer, cleaner images overall,” says Gary Bye. “The installation has increased our ability to service a bigger and broader market so we can now print for anyone around Australia more efficiently.”

A further advantage is the specially manufactured chemistry-free thermal plates. Presstek is the only company in the world that manufactures its own CtP plates as well as the unit itself; therefore, there is no ‘middleman’ and the cost savings can be passed on to the customer. There is no need to gum plates and there is no oxidation because the plates are covered in silicone. This makes it ideal to store the plates for reuse at a later date if required. Eliminating chemistry is better for the environment and water waste can be recycled in a settling tank where solids can be separated and the water used accordingly.

“Since we have finetuned our process we can achieve run lengths in excess of 50,000 impressions per plate,” notes Bye. BB Print has been one hundred per cent happy with the sales and service from Grafika Links. “Any questions and queries have been answered accurately and promptly. The system can be assessed on-line. Grafika Links had a great attitude with the lead-up, installation and follow-up. They are efficient and prompt to respond to all our requirements.”

Click here to see Vector in action view video

March 2007
Chemistry-free platesetter makes for easy transition to CtP

Ballarat printing and stationery company Waller & Chester has seen major evolution in the industry since it commenced operation 75 years ago. From letterpress, the company progressed to the installation of its first offset press in 1958. It now undertakes a complete range of A3 commercial printing and has recently embraced the latest computer-to-plate technology.

Clark Chester, the second of three generations of Chesters in the business, was quick to recognise the benefits of truly chemical-free CtP without the need for a separate processor and found that the Presstek Vector TX52, distributed by Grafika Links, answered all Waller & Chester’s needs. “I was impressed by the unit’s compactness, its ability to operate in daylight conditions and the fact that it is chemical-free, makes it so environmentally friendly,” he stated. “The Vector TX52 offers an exceptionally quick turnaround, with the economy of metal plates at a similar price to polyester plates.” Waller & Chester pass this cost saving onto their customers, who also benefit from the higher level of service and quality. “We have found we can now compete price wise on many ‘small run’ jobs that previously have been the domain of the digital print market.”

Quality service has been paramount in the printer’s long history and something on which Waller & Chester’s local client base places great value, so it is not surprising that Clark Chester was looking for a supplier with a similar service ethic. “We currently use three different plate sizes so the prerequisite was for a company that could understand and act on our needs to maintain this level of service to all press sizes. We found Grafika Links obliging and pleasant to deal with. The members of staff are technically savvy and receptive at all times.”

Clark has also been impressed with the performance of the chemistry-free thermal plates which require no baking, special cleaning fluids or gumming. Since the installation of its first offset press, Waller & Chester has used tens of thousands of metal plates, but Clark believes that the Freedom metal plates on the Vector are the easiest to handle. “We had in excess of 20,000 impressions from our four-colour press in the last week, and we still cannot detect any deterioration in the image of the plate. I don’t think we could have had an easier transition into metal CtP than we have had with the Vector and Grafika Links.”

Click here to see Vector in action view video

March 2007
Presstek's man on a mission down under

Stephen Brower, Presstek’s director international marketing, paid a visit to Australia late last month on a two-fold mission. Firstly, it was an opportunity to meet with satisfied customers who have purchased the popular Presstek Vector TX52 chemistry-free platesetter or one of the highly successful ABDick-branded 9900 series offset presses, which are all marketed in Australia by Grafika Links. His second reason was to visit the newly expanded facilities of Grafika Links as well as assist in the preparation for the upcoming PrintEx 07.

“My observation is that the challenge here is to cut costs and increase productivity. It is a market that is looking for effective ways to produce a CtP metal plate within their shops. The printers have to look at options to improve or shorten the workflow on the services they provide to their customers, while at the same time maintaining a profitable business,” Brower said. “The Presstek TX52 is the ideal solution to meet these demands. Not only is it truly chemistry-free - only requiring a simple water rinse - it provides an affordable, small-format CtP solution that has the added benefit of imaging high quality metal plates for about the same price as polyester.”

Michael Malone, managing director of Grafika Links, says that the TX52 is proving to be a workhorse in the market today and is glad that it is a part of the company’s portfolio of products. “If I go by the level of enquiries, then this product is the right product for the Australian market. My biggest surprise has been the type of companies that have shown high interest.”

Stephen Brower hopes to return downunder in May for PrintEx07. “We are looking forward to exhibiting at PrintEx where we will have an opportunity to hear more from printers about their emerging requirements and then demonstrate how our products can enable their success,” he told Printers Post.

Click here to see Vector in action view video

November 2006
Compact clean desktop platesetter checks the right boxes for Click Print

Ask Tony Stama of Click Print what he likes best about the Kimosetter 410 and he offers four good reasons for installing the desktop CtP solution. “It’s cost-effective, chemical-free, easy to use and, as it’s much smaller in size than our previous platesetter, we can use our office space more efficiently,” he said. Click Print’s customers – mostly local businesses from SMEs to larger organisations – appreciate the fast turnaround and quicker download from files.

Click Print has been in business for 25 years and operates a mix of predominantly digital equipment with a smaller proportion of small offset. Tony Stama knew exactly what he wanted to achieve with the unit and reports an output of 2,500 to 3,000 impressions per plate. “The half tone reproduction of the recyclable Kimoplate e2 polyester plates is excellent,” he noted. Since it uses no toner, the thermal transfer unit cannot create unwanted image in the background of the plate, while a resolution equivalent to 1200dpi ensures smooth crisp text, sharp line work, high density solids and clean halftones.

The Kimosetter 410 accommodates all popular plate sizes up to 410 x 510mm and is capable of imaging full bleed A3 with crop and register marks. Another significant benefit is the ability to bundle both plates and platesetter from the one supplier. Kimoto has long experience in producing graphic arts film and successfully transferred its knowledge to plate production with the introduction of the first Kimosetter in 2000. Its manufacturing plants in Japan are all ISO 14000 rated.

Since purchasing the solution through Grafika Links in May last year Click Print has not experienced a single problem. “From the beginning, Grafika Links were excellent,” Tony stated. “The service was constant, and as we became more familiar with the system we needed less attention. They were always on standby and offered helpful knowledge which they willingly passed on to us. This has been a wise investment for the application we required and we are now looking forward to the next generation Kimosetter!”

November 2006
The Presstek Vector 52 Chemical free Metal Plate CTP to the Victorian Print Market
15 – 16 November 2006
In conjunction with Small offset & Platemaking Equipment
Unit 10 – 39 Barrie Road, Tullamarine, Victoria
There will be morning, afternoon and evening demonstrations and discussions.

October 2006
POP ONLINE and GRAFILINKS are Proud to Release
The Presstek Vector 52 Chemical free Metal Plate CTP to the South Australian Print Market at

Hurley's Arkaba Hotel
150 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton
25th & 26th October 2006
From 12 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Mr. Michael Malone a recognised authority on Work Flow systems will speak at 5.00pm. on the composition and implementation of a good workflow system.
Mr. Graham Wood of Pop Online will be available to talk about anything else you may need.
Also on display the Kimosetter affordable CTP System.
Digifoil Block free Foiling
SpeedClamps for GTO

Please RSVP TO Christine on 0892465100 or pop@pop.net.au

Viable CtP Solutions for Small Format Printers on Show in SA - Overview

Grafika Links in conjunction with their WA distributor POP On-Line held a two-day show in Adelaide in late October to demonstrate the Presstek Vector TX 52 chemical-free metal plate CtP solution to the South Australian print market. Michael Malone, managing director of Grafika, spoke about the composition and implementation of a good workflow system. The show was well attended, with a constant stream of people viewing regular demonstrations of the thermal Vector TX 52 platesetter and the Kimosetter 410, both chemical-free CtP solutions.

Michael Malone believes these two CtP solutions provide a viable alternative for the South Australian printing sector. “Most printers in South Australia are struggling with print runs getting shorter. To compound this problem, there is only one major service bureau in the state for CtP plates. With each plate costing up to $40, it has become very expensive to use such a plate for short-run work,” he noted. “The plates for the Presstek Vector TX 52, on the other hand, cost around $5 per plate. When you also take into account the cost savings on chemicals and processors, this makes the Vector a very realistic option.”

The combination of Presstek Vector TX52 thermal platesetter and chemistry-free metal plates provides the short-run, small format (Speedmaster 52 and under) printer with a unique metal platemaking solution for higher productivity, cleaner operation and lower materials and production costs. The easy-to-use system streamlines the entire platemaking operation and achieves an output of up to 20 plates per hour. Its compact size – with the plate washer built directly into the device rather than requiring two separate units – and ability to operate in normal light conditions allow this CtP unit to fit into virtually any environment. The plate is inserted at the front, imaged and water-rinsed inside the unit before being discharged as a finished, press-ready plate. Handling and imaging plates under normal daylight conditions eliminates the costs and special provisions required for safe-light and darkroom processing. As one printer who attended observed, “There is nothing else like the Vector on the market!”

Grafika Links will also host a show in Melbourne on November 15 – 16 in conjunction with Small Offset Platemaking at Unit 10 – 39 Barrie Road, Tullamarine.

August 2006
Bulli Print Enjoys New Freedom with Chemical-free CtP Unit

For the past five years Brad Smith of Bulli Print has been on the lookout for a chemical-free CtP unit, visiting trade shows both here and abroad to find just the right unit. “We have been in business for 27 years and our market is small format 52cm and short to medium- run work, so we needed something that fitted our business needs rather than just a locked down A2 size unit,” he said.

Once he saw the Presstek Vector TX52, he realized his search was over. “The all-in-one process, with the plate washer built directly into the device rather than requiring two separate units, is chemistry-free, so there is no hazardous chemistry to breathe or handle. We didn’t want anything big, as space is a premium, and the small footprint fitted the size of our operation and application. The Vector TX52 is exactly what I required in a CtP unit!”

Since the installation of the unit two months ago by Grafika Links, Bulli Print has been able to offer its customers a faster turnaround, superior quality and consistency. "The Vector has given us more capacity and we have not had any of the problems we used to get with film, with fit and dust etc. Even the type appears sharper and the screens are smoother,” noted Brad. “I hadn’t really counted on any of those sorts of improvements, I was more focused on the production side of things.” he said.

The thermal imaging technology, which allows the handling and imaging of plates under normal daylight conditions, eliminates the costs and special provision required for safe-light and darkroom processing. While the plates achieve a high output of 20 plates per hour and are rated to a maximum of 25,000 impressions, on at least one occasion Bulli Print has successfully run over 50,000 on one set of plates.

“Any piece of equipment is only as good as the training, service and support you get!” observed Brad. “We have been extremely happy with the unit and the support that Grafika Links provide. Michael Malone and Cec Dahl have given us the benefit of their technical knowledge, and back up and support is also excellent. We can confidently recommend the Presstek Vector TX52 to anyone looking for this type of application.”

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July 2006
Top Class Performance From Thermal CtP Solution

More Australian companies are realising the benefits of chemistry-free metal CtP in the form of the Presstek Vector TX52 with its inbuilt plate washer and high output of up to 20 plates per hour. The latest company to install the unique solution is Sydney firm Printworks. Directors Steve Ryan and Stephen (Eddie) Edmunds recognised the advantages of streamlining their platemaking operation while delivering sharp, well-defined, consistent images with a fast turnaround to the four-colour, short-run market that has made up the bulk of their business over the past six years.

“What appealed to us were the lower materials and production costs through savings on chemistry and in set-up time, as well as the convenience of daylight operation,” Steve Ryan noted. “Handling and imaging plates under normal daylight conditions eliminates the costs and special provisions required for safe-light and darkroom processing.”

As Printworks already had a Heidelberg Quickmaster DI press the pair were familiar with Presstek plates and their ease of use. Freedom chemistry-free thermal plates are simply inserted at the front of the platesetter, imaged and water-rinsed inside the unit before being discharged as finished, press-ready plates. They require no baking, special cleaning fluids, or gumming, resulting in less waste material and a more environmentally-friendly print shop. Good for run lengths up to 25,000 impressions, the plates are competitively priced with polyester plates. “A further advantage is that they do not ‘scum up’ like polyester plates,” Eddie observed. “They also run with less water than polyester.”

On press the plates perform extremely well, delivering many of the familiar performance characteristics and stability of conventional aluminium plates without the inconsistencies inherent in conventional chemistry-based platemaking systems. A unique surface structure on the plate results in exceptionally fast makeready, greater ink/water latitude and excellent durability. In addition, Freedom plates accommodate a wide range of industry standard inks and fountain solutions with the added benefit of less pressroom chemistry consumption, as compared to conventional offset plates.

Setting up the new system in the company’s Seven Hills facility was accomplished in record time thanks to its compact, two-in-one design and technician Cec Dahl from Grafika Links, the Australian agent for the Presstek Vector TX2. As Steve and Eddie commented, “He’s extremely professional and a perfectionist. We’ve had experience with many suppliers and can highly recommend Grafika Links and its owner Michael Malone as top class.”

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May 2006
Applause Awards An A To Environmentally Friendly CtP Solution

When their aging imagesetter needed replacement, Kay and Michael Collett of Applause Press in South East Queensland researched alternatives that would eliminate the chemicals and messy processing associated with film making. They found the perfect solution in the Presstek Vector TX52, a unique metal platemaking solution which offers higher productivity, cleaner operation and lower material and production costs.

“What we really liked about this machine was the fact that it was chemical-free and didn’t require a darkroom,” Kay explained. Size was another consideration and the reduced footprint of the Vector TX52, with the platewasher built directly into the device rather than requiring two separate units, was an important factor for this small company where space is at a premium.

Another selling point was that the couple had dealt with Cec Dahl of Grafika Links, the Australian distributor, over a number of years. “I was happy and confident to work with him again. I knew he was very good at problem solving and felt a great degree of trust, particularly when it was such a large investment,” Kay commented.

The Colletts are delighted with the system, the first Presstek Vector TX52 installed in Australia. “It’s clean, the jobs RIP quickly and the preview system that allows us to check all four plates on the screen is very fast We don’t have to recalibrate the machine constantly, which comes back to time-saving – a really big thing for a small company.”

Kay also appreciates the ease with which plates are made for their two-colour and four-colour Ryobi and GTO presses. The Freedom plate is inserted at the front, imaged and water-rinsed inside the unit before being discharged as a finished, press-ready plate. “Compare that with masking a piece of film that’s punched, imposing the film, waiting for the plate to burn, then dipping it in the chemical and waiting to scrub it off. If you are making 40 plates for a job, there’s a huge amount of time saved,” Kay said. “And, if you happen to scratch one plate you can just run out one plate instead of making a complete set of film.”

The plate punch and registration system is so well aligned that Michael has found the plates are within half a mil of registration once they are loaded onto the press. “You don’t get such accuracy when imaging film,” Michael observed. ”It now takes only five minutes as opposed to 15 minutes. This is a great benefit in press set-up time.”

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May 2006
Chemistry-Free Solution Makes For An Environmentally Friendly Print Shop

In a world under pressure from man-made environmental contamination, Presstek is dedicated to making a difference by delivering environmentally-friendly printing solutions. Not only do its chemistry-free plates eliminate a significant source of toxic emissions associated with conventional offset printing, its platemaking process does away with the need for film and its associated environmental impact. The Vector TX52, a 2-up (52 cm) metal CtP solution, combines Presstek's industry leading chemistry-free thermal plate and laser imaging technology with its innovative internal Thin Drum technology producing the most affordable metal-based, compact platesetter in the market today.

It’s a solution which is readily being taken up by printing establishments in Australia, as Michael Malone of Grafika Links, Presstek’s Australian distributor, confirms. “The system is designed for maximum ease of use to streamline your entire platemaking operation while delivering the speed, quality and performance you need to meet customer demands. Its compact size and ability to operate in normal daylight conditions allow this CtP unit to fit into virtually any environment,” he states.

Able to output up to 20 plates per hour, the Vector TX52 thermal platesetter features a small footprint with the plate washer built directly into 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. This 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 Freedom thermal metal plate is designed for run lengths up to 25,000 impressions, and is priced competitively with polyester plates. As Freedom plates require no baking, special cleaning fluids, or gumming, there is less waste material and a more environmentally friendly print shop.

The Presstek Vector TX52 thermal platesetter and Freedom chemistry-free plates provide the short-run, small format printer with a unique metal platemaking solution for higher productivity, cleaner operation and lower materials and production costs. Stephen Brower, director international marketing, said at Ipex. "The Vector TX52 is the direct result of Presstek's dedication to delivering on its heritage of innovation and environmental responsibility to the market. It now puts chemistry-free metal CtP within the reach of any printing establishment, regardless of size.”

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