SCREEN, a leading Japanese manufacturer of high-tech printing equipment, will soon launch its new PlateRite HD 8900N II series of 8-page thermal Computer to Plate (CtP) systems. The lineup includes the latest models of SCREEN GA’s PlateRite HD 8900N series, a highly successful range that delivers class-leading productivity.

SCREEN plans to transition from its PlateRite HD 8900N series, originally launched in May 2016, to its new PlateRite HD 8900N II replacement lineup, due for release in the near future. Like the current series, the new range will include E, S and Z models, with each targeting specific needs.

The high-end Z model, featuring a 1,024 channel imaging head, is capable of outputting 70 plates per hour, while the E and S models, each with 512 channels, can process 36 and 48 plates per hour, respectively. The imaging head of each model uses GLVTM optical technology to produce more uniform distribution of illumination, ensuring higher quality. Its high-precision auto-focus mechanism also enables output of SCREEN’s proprietary Spekta 2 screening and Randot X FM screening.

All models are able to handle a wide variety of plate sizes, ranging from 304 x 305 mm up to 1,165 x 950 mm. As with the current series, each model can also be combined with both MA-L8900 and SA-L8900 autoloaders, enabling the plate supply to be fully automated. In addition, when they are linked with AT-M8001N units on the discharge side, plates can now be output in up to five different directions. This extended control further improves both automation and efficiency.

The new series has also been specifically designed to be more environmentally friendly. With the Z model, for example, power consumption during operation has been reduced by up to 43% per plate. It is also equipped with a new energy saving mode that can cut power use by 90% while the system is idle.

The launch of the PlateRite 8900N series is SCREEN’s response to industry trends. In recent years, the commercial printing market has undergone a major shift toward diverse, small lot jobs with short turnaround times, opening up new opportunities to utilise digital presses. At the same time, the ever-improving performance of the latest offset presses has significantly reduced the time required for job changes and colour adjustments on these systems.

This has led to offset presses being used in many different scenarios, thanks to their excellent print quality, paper compatibility, and the number of copies they can print, among other factors. Their use is expected to remain particularly strong in the package printing segment. As a leading manufacturer of CtP systems, SCREEN’s upcoming launch of its new PlateRite HD 8900N II series is expected to make a major contribution to the continuing growth of the printing industry.