BACK TO BASICS / COMPUTER-TO-PLATE plate loading and unloading automation, CtP becomes a fully automated, streamlined process that requires almost no manual intervention and helps shorten turnaround times,” Goldbarg explains. “Plates are simply imaged in a fully automated process and can then be taken straight to the press. CtP with process- free plates also eliminates the defects and variability associated with conventional plate processing. This leads to more reliable press make-readies and no press downtime and paper waste due to plate processing defects. Ultimately, this means cost savings in the pressroom. “By updating their CtP equipment or making a new investment, printers can benefit from a variety of technology advancements.” From this, Goldbarg goes on to speak about some of the latest offerings from Kodak, namely the new Kodak Magnus and Trendsetter Platesetters, which she says offer increased plate throughput, more automation, plus significantly lower power consumption and less maintenance requirements. “This allows for both labour savings and lower energy bills,” Goldbarg says, adding: “In addition, replacing ageing CtP systems with new technology ensures that there are no unplanned platemaking interruptions, press stops due to the need of plate remakes, and service engineer calls due to platesetter malfunctions. “Thanks to the capabilities of state-ofthe-art CtP technology, jobs can also move faster than ever from prepress to press which reduces turnaround times.” Going into more detail about this technology, one of Kodak’s latest CtP developments is the Magnus Q800 Platesetter with T-speed Plus option, which images up to 84 plates (B1/ 8-up size category) per hour. According to Kodak, it is the fastest eight-page CtP device on the market and is supported by automation options such as a Single Cassette Unit, Multi-Cassette Unit, Single Pallet Loader and Multi-Pallet Loader. Also from Kodak is the automated ▼ Kodak’s Magnus Q800 Platesetter with T-speed Plus option images up to 84 plates per hour 78 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk Issue 342 - May / June 2023 Kodak Magnus Q4800 Platesetter, which is capable of imaging plate sizes up to 1,600 x 2,870mm for 96-page web offset presses at a throughput of 21 plates/h (at 2,870 mm plate width). Magnus Q4800 also supports dual plate imaging and, according to Kodak, is the only CTP device capable of imaging two 1,650mm-wide plates simultaneously, with a maximum plate size of 1,650 x 1,600mm at a throughput of up to 46 plates/h. “CtP is a cornerstone of efficient offset production today and in the foreseeable future,” Goldbarg says, adding: “The signs are pointing to more automation, a simpler operation, remote control, energy savings, and greater sustainability of CtP. Along with process-free plates, we continue to invest in CtP technology and improve our Prinergy workflow software platform. “Kodak will continue to provide all the components of a complete prepress solution for traditional offset because we are aware that our success depends on our customers' success.” With plenty of development in this sector, it is fair to say that there is plenty to get excited about when it comes to CtP. A tried and tested technique that is hugely popular with PSPs in markets around the world, CtP looks set for even more innovation as manufacturers look to address the everchanging demands of the wider market. Newer and more modern CtP systems will benefit from improved productivity, increased quality, in many cases a smaller footprint, and consume less energy ▲ Kodak’s Magnus Platesetters are supported by automation options such as a Multi-Pallet Loader
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