Presstek launches new plate technology

Zahara is a new thermal offset plate engineered for waterless press platforms. The Presstek Zahara plate can be imaged on any 830nm thermal platesetter and can be cleaned in the users existing processor with its same chemistry – however for customers who prefer a true chemistry-free workflow, the plate need only be rinsed with tap water in the user’s existing processing device.

Zahara is engineered for small, half- and mid-size sheet-fed and narrow web label presses. Presstek is marketing Zahara as an alternative for printers using competitive waterless plates, as well as looking to convert their wet offset presses to waterless.

‘We are happy to offer waterless press users an easy-to-use option for plate production,’ said Yuval Dubois, product marketing manager for the waterless market segment at Presstek.

GemPlate is an eco-friendly open platform thermal CtP plate, and can also be imaged on any 830nm platesetter. After imaging, GemPlate runs through a low-cost, low-maintenance cleaning unit that utilizes a pH neutral biodegradable solution. Financial and environmental benefits are extended even further with low replenishment rates and a long bath life. 

Streamlining plate production, GemPlate is rated for up to 100,000 impressions and does not require any pre- or post-baking processes. GemPlate has been engineered for many press platforms including those with Delta dampening systems.

Ralph Jenkins, Presstek’s worldwide sales and marketing director, said: ‘Now printers have an even more robust offset plate to choose from that minimizes plate production costs and retains a high image contrast from a 1-99 percent dot at 200lpi.’

Both Zahara and GemPlate were shown on the Presstek stand at Ipex 2014.