Heidelberg Expands Suprasetter Range with a New CtP Entry-Level Model |
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| 23-02-2006 |
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Suprasetter A105 makes it easier for print shops to use innovative thermal technology
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is expanding its successful range of thermal CtP Suprasetter platesetters by adding a new entry-level model, the Suprasetter A105. This gives print shops the opportunity to utilize the cost benefits of thermal platesetting and the modular concept of the Suprasetter range. The Suprasetter A105 is also a low-cost, high-quality backup solution for print shops with peak production times.
The device is able to image printing plates of all popular print formats (both sheetfed and web) up to 70 x 105 centimeter (27.56 x 41.34 inches). A plate throughput between eight and 15 plates per hour, depending on the format and sensitivity of the plate, allows users to produce up to 120 top-quality plates per shift. The new Suprasetter A105 features a Heidelberg laser module; aside from that, this new version differs only slightly from the other Suprasetter 105 models which operate in three configuration levels with up to six laser heads.
Like the other models, it boasts functions such as the Intelligent Diode System, Plate on Demand, smart plate handling, Single or Multi Cassette Loader and optional punching and suction systems. Integration in the Prinect workflow from Heidelberg and use of the new Prinect Hybrid Screening and Prinect Stochastic Screening technologies are assured.
"Smaller print shops are also increasingly investing in their own CtP production, thereby making themselves independent from suppliers, boosting their flexibility to customers, and enhancing the reliability of their production workflow. The new Suprasetter A105 addresses the needs of this target group exactly and provides a cost-effective entry-level introduction to innovative thermal platesetter technology," says Andreas Forer, Head of CtP Product Management at Heidelberg, summarizing the unit's benefits.
Features of the Suprasetter A105 in detail:
Integration in the Prinect workflow
The Suprasetter A105 integrates perfectly into the Prinect workflow from Heidelberg. This enables all the status information from the CtP unit to be transferred to the JDF-based Prinect Printready System prepress software. The Prinect MetaDimension RIP software is the interface between the Suprasetter A105 and the prepress system. The Suprasetter is controlled from a graphic user interface that is easy to operate. This RIP solution has a modular design and can be perfectly tailored to each print shop’s require- ments. When used in tandem with the new Prinect Hybrid Screening and Prinect Stochastic Screening technologies (see separate press release), the Suprasetter A105 can also meet the highest demands on the quality market.
Intelligent Diode System (IDS)
The Intelligent Diode System (IDS) ensures the unit continues to operate if a diode fails. The IDS automatically looks to the left or right of the failed diode to locate the largest possible grouping of active diodes and then continues with these. This significantly reduces the risk of equipment failure and a resultant production stoppage.
Plate on Demand
Plate on Demand makes the integration of pressroom and prepress a reality. The Suprasetter A105 integrates into a work?ow with the Prinect CP2000 Center press control system. This allows the operator in the pressroom to launch plate production without any prepress knowledge by selecting the plate for imaging from the list on the CP2000 touchscreen. The output sequence can be changed at any time. What's more, the CP2000 operator can always tell at a glance which printing plates are currently being worked on.
Manual and semi-automatic production with the Suprasetter A105
Users can select Suprasetter A105 operation ranging from manual and semi-automatic up to fully automatic. In the manual version, the operator inserts the plate he wants to image into the insertion shaft. After the process has started, all subsequent steps are automatic and the plate is output after imaging and punching on the operator's side. In semi-automatic production, the online processor connected at the rear takes the imaged plate and develops it automatically. Inside the platesetter, the plate is transported by the swiveling table. It picks up the plate, moves it to the correct position for imaging and punching and then outputs it. Once the plate has left the platesetter, the next plate is fed in, allowing a speed of up to eight plates per hour in eight-page format. For smaller plate formats, even faster imaging is possible.
Automatic production with the Suprasetter A105
Plate handling options also boost the unit’s flexibility, thus allowing manually operated equipment to be automated with the addition of a Single Cassette Loader (SCL) or Multi Cassette Loader (MCL). Upgrading to these automa- tion levels is possible on site at any time, thereby protecting the investment in the long term.
Single Cassette Loader/Multi Cassette Loader
The Single Cassette Loader, which docks onto the back of the Suprasetter A105, is the first step toward automatic plate production. After removing the slip sheet, it loads the plate into the Suprasetter for imaging and then outputs it via the online processor connected to the side of the device. The Multi Cassette Loader consists of a Single Cassette Loader and a docked plate container. It can take up to four cassettes, each holding 150 plates of different formats. Plates are selected automatically according to the particular job. If the Suprasetter A105 is set up to include a Single Cassette Loader or Multi Cassette Loader, slimline processing units can be attached to the side of the SCL, helping to save installation space.
Smart plate handling
The Suprasetter A105 can also be operated manually with a Single Cassette Loader or Multi Cassette Loader attached. Unlike other CtP systems, the Suprasetter A105 has a rear-docking loader, leaving the plate shaft on the Suprasetter freely accessible for manual plate loading and unloading. This means that fully automatic and manual production are also feasible.
Internal punching system
The optional internal punching system is a further key addition to the Suprasetter A105. The system ensures that punching is performed with maximum register accuracy for printing presses from Heidelberg and many other makes of press. Additional punch types can be added in the future.
Debris removal system
The optional debris removal system is a dust filtering and suction system for removing loose particles and dust produced by the plate material. This option allows the Suprasetter A105 to deal with "processless" plates.
Image:
The new Suprasetter A105 provides print shops with an entry-level gateway to thermal CtP workflows.
| Technical Data: Suprasetter A105 |
| Number of laser modules |
1 |
| Min. plate format (height x width) |
370 x 323 mm (14.6 x 12.7 in) |
| Max. plate format (height x width) |
930 x 1,055 mm (36.6 x 41.5 in) |
| Plate thickness |
from 0.15 to 0.3 mm |
| Non-imagable area |
2 x 6 mm |
| Throughput with max. format |
up to 8 plates/hour |
| up to 8 plates/hour |
up to 15 plates/hour |
| Internal punches |
optional; can be retrofitted |
| Debris removal system |
optional; can be retrofitted |
| Intelligent Diode System |
yes |
| Single Cassette Loader |
optional; can be retrofitted |
| Multi Cassette Loader |
optional; can be retrofitted |
| Online processor connection |
possible |
| Smart plate handling |
possible |
| Register accuracy |
+/- 25 µm |
| Register accuracy |
17° to 27° C (62.6° to 80.6° F)
40 to 70% rel. humidity |
| Workflow integration |
via MetaDimension or MetaShooter |
| Plate on Demand |
possible |
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