Tansleys experiences efficiency boost with Screen CTP

Together with Screen's Trueflow 3 software, a newly installed PlateRite 4100 thermal platesetter has doubled productivity at Seaford-based Tansleys Printers, since the company upgraded its prepress division in July this year.

The Screen CTP system, which has been brought in to image processless plates, replaces a Scitex Dolev imagesetter. ‘Upgrading from a film to a processless operation has meant we are now a chemical-free company, which has improved our working environment in a number of ways,’ said Bob Tansley, owner of Tansleys. 

‘For instance, we no longer have to dedicate man power and money to legally dispose of the chemicals we once needed.  This, together with the fact that our new platesetter requires very little maintenance, means our time can be spent far more productively.  We can now turn more work around in less time for our customers.’

Already owners of Screen's B2 FlatRite 1050 visible light CTP system, Tansleys chose Screen as its supplier because it is confident of receiving a first class service as well as reliable, state-of-the art technology.  The company, which employs 18 people, opted for the PlateRite 4100 model because of its small footprint and compact size, which fits comfortably into the company's pre-press suite.  Tansleys has also maximized space as its processless operation no longer requires a separate processor. 

Tansleys' PlateRite 4100 offers inline punching, whereby the system automatically punches the plates quickly and accurately so that the image area is always in the same place in relation to the punch when on press.  Mr Tansley continued, ‘I am very impressed by the PlateRite 4100's automated capabilities, which helps us provide precise, high quality work every time.  We are experiencing barely any waste as a result, which has had a positive impact on our bottom line.’

The Screen system at Tansleys is producing on average 13 processless B2 plates per hour for a range of general and full color commercial print applications on two-color, five-color and GTO presses.  Mr Tansley said, ‘The PlateRite 4100 is able to image 21 plates per hour but its speed is hindered by the capabilities of the plates offered on the market today.  We are waiting for processless plate technology to improve so that they can be imaged faster and we can run the machine to full capacity.’