Single cassette loader and photopolymer plates combine to
optimize violet imaging
Heidelberg is once again expanding its range of Prosetter
platesetters. At Graph and Converting Expo 2002, the Prosetter will
be unveiled as a fully automatic unit with a single cassette loader
(SCL) and online processor. The cassette system supports violet
plate imaging in daylight conditions and means that no yellow light
is needed. Another new feature is the fact that the QM 46 plate
format is now also supported by the Prosetter 102. From the end of
the year, the Prosetter series will also be able to image
photopolymer plates with a 30 mW laser head and thereby support far
higher print runs and the use of UV inks.
Automation brings cost-effectiveness
Fast, reliable production and the most efficient possible use
of resources are what is needed today for successful print
production. The complexity of print jobs is increasing all the
time, while job runs are decreasing. The solution lies in
automating the various process operations, since this avoids
operator error, but first and foremost makes these operations
faster and more efficient. Consequently, end-to-end automation of
the print process is now a key factor in ensuring cost-effective
and reliable production. Previously, very few small- to
medium-sized printshops were able to achieve the level of
automation they wanted, due to prohibitive investment costs.
Heidelberg is now filling this gap by expanding the Prosetter
series to include the single cassette loader, which was announced
at Ipex and is now available for 52, 74 and 102 formats.
The main advantage, aside from the automation and the compact
design, is that the unit can be operated easily during daylight,
since the light-tight cassettes are loaded into the SCL via a
special cassette carriage. The carriage is designed to ensure that
the cassette is transported securely in upright orientation from
the yellow light source to the platesetter and can be loaded
effortlessly into the single cassette loader in horizontal
orientation. The tilting mechanism means that the cassette can also
be transported through confined spaces and standard doorways, a
particular advantage in smaller businesses where space is at a
premium. The individual cassettes can hold up to 150 plates of 0.15
mm thickness, or 100 plates of 0.30 mm thickness. Slip sheets are
removed automatically. Up to 400 sheets can be stored in the
collection tray. This allows up to eight hours of non-stop
operation with only minimum input by the operator.
In smaller businesses in particular there is often very
little space to spare when arranging equipment. A space-saving
90° configuration is achieved by the very compact design used
for the Prosetter and the SCL with integrated L-conveyor. Using the
narrower plate side means that the processor can be smaller and
also cuts the consumption of chemicals. An optional online
processor rounds off the fully automatic unit. The Raptor processor
from Glunz & Jensen can be integrated perfectly into the system
thanks to the close cooperation between the two manufacturers. The
Prosetter interface, for example, controls the entire process route
from SCL to Raptor processor.
Modular design
The single cassette loader supports all formats in the
Prosetter family and is compatible with all types of plates. The
spectrum of plates supported by the Prosetters has been augmented
by the Printmaster QM 46 format in the Prosetter 102. The Prosetter
series thus covers all formats up to 8-up like the Speedmaster SM
102.
At the end of the year, the Prosetters will be shipped with a
30 mW laser head for imaging photopolymer plates. Customers can
tailor their production to meet their needs - either using
photopolymer plates and UV inks to print longer runs, or imaging
the existing silver halide plates with a lower power of 5 mW.
The lower investment costs of the Prosetter series also make
it possible for smaller and medium-sized businesses to move into
the CTP market. High register accuracy is achieved through the
integrated punches. All Prosetters image using internal drum
technology. The Prosetter F 102 (F for fast) images up to 18 plates
an hour, while the Prosetter F 74 can image up to 24 an hour. The
modular construction ensures that models can be retrofitted to meet
rising demands. The Prosetter 52 can be upgraded to 4-up format on
site, while the Prosetter 74 and 102 can also be upgraded on-site
to the Fast versions in just half a day.
All Prosetters are optimally integrated into Heidelberg's
workflow system. Control is via the MetaShooter or older systems
such as Delta or Prinergy. The new Workflow Prinect Printready
System controls the Prosetter directly via MetaDimension.
Image:
Heidelberg is now also bringing automation to all formats of
the CTP entry-level market. The single cassette loader for the
Prosetter has a capacity of up to 150 plates and supports
production in daylight conditions. Heidelberg has also announced
that it will be possible to image photopolymer plates from the end
of the year.
For further information:
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Matthias Hartung
Corporate Communications
Tel.: +49 (0)6221 92 50 77
Fax: +49 (0)6221 92 50 46
E-mail:
matthias.hartung@heidelberg.com