DIGITAL PLATE TECHNOLOGY -- Platemaking Loses a Step
The future of this product potentially could be impacted by A.B.Dick's recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, if Presstek is unsuccessful in its bid to acquire the assets of the company.
Agfa Azura is a new chemistry-free, non-ablative thermal plate based on the company's Thermolite technology. Imaging is accomplished via a physical, rather than chemical, process in which thermoplastic particles melt together and adhere to an aluminum substrate. A "clean out" or gumming step is required in non-image areas only.
Providing Lengthy Support
The plate supports run lengths of up to 100,000 impressions and holds a resolution of 2-98 percent dots with wide exposure latitude. According to the manufacturer, it is intended for medium-volume applications and offers good robustness for pressroom handling.
Agfa's announced acquisition of Lastra was still pending final approval at presstime. The companies have stated an intent to keep Lastra's products as an independent brand, but were constrained from making more definitive statements until after the deal had been completed.
In the meantime, Lastra has been proceeding with beta testing of its Cosmic no-process thermal plate, which is based on switchable-polymer technology. The plate reportedly will support runs of up to 100,000 impressions, has an image resolution of 1-98 percent dots at 150 lpi and produces a green to yellow latent image. It is designed to work with standard thermal (830nm) platesetters and should be available in early 2005.
Kodak Polychrome Graphics says its KPG Thermal Direct no-process plate supports up to 75,000 impressions, is compatible with thermal platesetters currently on the market and releases no debris during imaging. It offers a resolution of 1-98 percent dots at 200 lpi and is suitable for use with 20-micron FM screening. The plate is compatible with a wide range of inks and fountain solutions, including alcohol and the most popular alcohol substitutes.
