The units were purchased from quality control specialists Ripware.

The Microdot, which was launched at Ipex last year, connects to a PC via a USB connection for instant analysis of percentage dot values, screen ruling and screen angles. The device and software are suitable for measuring dots on film, plate or printed paper.

Unlike previous Centurfax products, such as the Easydot, which put everything into a single portable unit, the Microdot uses a standard PC for most detailed viewing tasks, making the device more affordable.

Simon Knights, pre-press program manager at Presstek Europe said: "The Microdot enables us to assure clients that the dots are accurate. It's like a handheld microscope that you put on the plate, which then links up to a computer so the image can go straight to screen if required.

"The Microdot costs a few hundred pounds each and they are well worth the investment. We have five at the moment and we are thinking of getting more. Being able to analyse the image on the plate in fine detail is invaluable to our support team."

Ripware and equipment manufacturer Centurfax have set up a new business, called Centurfax Customised Dotmeters (CCD) to sell the Microdot tool worldwide.