The thermal VLF platesetter has been designed to provide automation and to achieve high levels of productivity from large-format web offset machines.

The Ultima 480000 can output onto plates up to 2,900x1,350mm in size, the equivalent of A4 96pp.

The platesetter has been developed in co-operation with press manufacturers such as Goss and is designed for the production of material such as catalogues and periodicals.

Screen European marketing manager Tim Taylor told printweek.com the PlateRite Ultima 48000 "builds upon the automation that has made our VLF range of platesetters a success."

He said: "We've been working with a number of press manufacturers in the development of the new PlateRite and expect to see higher levels of productivity in large format more viable."

Taylor added: "The more you can plate, the more economic the operation becomes".

Screen has also revealed the PlateRite Ultima 40000, which can output onto 2,280x1,600mm plates.

The platesetter is designed for 80pp A4 presses and the production of catalogues and periodicals.

Both the PlateRite Ultima 48000 and PlateRite Ultima 40000 will be introduced at Drupa 2008 with Screen anticipating combined sales of more than 100 units in 2008.