Screen launches ‘green’ CTP technology

Screen has launched a range of B1 thermal platesetters, PlateRite 8000N, that consumes less electricity and is compatible with chemistry-free plates.  

‘This new generation is better for the environment, better for production and better for your pocket,’ said Screen Europe marketing manager Tim Taylor. ‘The trend is towards lower run lengths but more jobs with more color. This leads to a need for even greater plate volumes so Screen has increased productivity on all new models and ensured that the full range of automated options that support high plate volumes is available.’ 

The PlateRite 8000N series models range from entry level to advanced, and are claimed to offer better specifications than the previous generation of the PlateRite 8000 series. As well as enhancing environmental features, the development of the new models concentrated on improving speed and reducing power consumption not only in the recorders themselves, but also in the peripherals such as autoloaders. The capability of the PlateRite 8000N-S to produce 36 plates per hour is a 12.5 percent increase in productivity on the previous model and also uses up to 28 percent less power per plate. This means a reduction in running costs and a reduction in its carbon footprint, says the company.

Many of the features which were previously options are now available as standard on the new range. A signal light has been integrated in the new design, making it easy to monitor the operation status and for all models the minimum plate size is 304 x 370mm for greater flexibility. Spekta2 AM/FM hybrid screening is said to give quality comparable with 650lpi, which gives highly detailed, moiré-free results with the ease of printing a standard AM screen and can also reduce the overall amount of ink that is required.