Screen has launched a new version of its thermal platesetter for the flexo and letterpress markets. The PlateRite FX870II features high-quality imaging technology that enables output up to 4,800 dpi, significantly improving the smoothness of curves and diagonals, and the reproduction of fine lines and small text. Gradations appear smooth especially in the highlights.
The use of combination presses is becoming more widespread in the packaging and labels industries in order to deliver fast turnaround products at high speed. Therefore there is an increasing need for prepress equipment that offers both better quality and increased productivity. Designed to meet these growing needs, the PlateRite FX870II is a high-quality, high-productivity unit that features a newly-developed high-output recording head, as well as an auto-balancing function that ensures stable drum rotation.
Screen\’s advanced thermal laser technology can image digital plates from a variety of manufacturers, producing consistent quality. Plates can be loaded in any size from 100 x 100mm up to 870 x 762mm without any extra handling or masking of the drum. The elimination of intermediate production steps involving film frees the operator from time-consuming tasks such as preparing the film, step-and-repeat operations, and imposition work. The PlateRite FX870II reduces the number of stages required before printing and improves the resin plate quality. All of this allows the efficient use of press time.
To further improve productivity, the PlateRite FX870II also features a clamp that makes plate loading simple and efficient, as well as a variety of other mechanisms that make the unit extremely easy to operate.
Flexo Dot halftone system
Flexo Dot is a new system of halftone dots from Screen, specifically designed to improve the highlight areas in flexo and letterpress printing. It features a minimum halftone dot size of several dots, as opposed to the conventional halftone dot comprising a single dot. By applying a reinforcing pattern to the base halftone dot shape, the relief patterns in the highlight areas are more consistent, allowing more control and crisper images. It also provides a greater range of gradation, as the minimum halftone dot shape can be selected from three available types to suit the specifics of the highlight printing according to the platemaking environment and the inks and media.
