The Leicester-based business has installed aCron TP36 thermal CtP unit configured with single plate auto-loading and StudioRIP workflow imaging Kodak plates.

According to Neil Womersley, managing director of The Practical Printer, the company was previously producing film with an imagesetter system and exposing plates on a plate frame.

He added: "The imagesetter was beginning to show signs of age, and we knew that we had to take the step up to CtP.

"Having started by looking at used equipment, we were delighted to find out how affordable the Cron unit was, and that helped to finalise our decision."

The Practical Printer, which employs four staff, was established 20 years ago and offers a range of commercial print, design and project management services.

Womersley said: "The Cron and StudioRIP package has moved us forward significantly with regards to productivity and technology. We recently had to produce 50 plates for a booklet that we were printing.

"It took us just two hours. Using our previous equipment that would have taken at least two days. The imposition package on the StudioRIP really speeds up the whole process, in addition to the fast and accurate platemaking."

The Cron TP36 B2-format thermal platesetter, which will be serviced by Marlowe Graphic Services, can image plates at resolutions from 1800 up to 2800 dpi on plate sizes to a maximum size of 925 x 660mm.