Alphasonics launches PlaetoVPL plate loading system

Traditional plate cleaners can be operated either manually or via an infeed conveyor, but, says Alphasonics, neither is ideal: the former is labor-intensive and the latter is limited and dependent on the length of the conveyor. ‘The capacity of the conveyor is generally limited to 6-8 plates and where space is at a premium there may not be room for a conveyor in any event.’

The new system has been specifically designed to minimize the footprint while enabling up to 30 plates to be automatically fed into the PCX unit before re-setting itself back to a start position, ready for the next load. PlaetoVPL is suitable for printing companies with a high volume of plates to clean daily.

PlaetoVPL is situated in front of and coupled to the PCX plate cleaning system and features a fully automated loading mechanism, meaning there is no need for an operator. It is available in five widths, from 450mm to 1,400mm, offering a variable speed and minimum capacity between 15-30 plates (depending on width). Optional extender racks are available for greater capacity.

‘At drupa 2016, we were asked by a prospective customer if we produced such a device, which got us thinking,’ commented David Jones, managing director of Alphasonics. ‘The project went on the back-burner until lockdown when we resurrected the idea. I guess you could call Plaeto our “Lockdown Baby”’.