The Vector TX52 uses an internal drum architecture, which is 30% cheaper to make, than external drum designs normally needed for thermal.

It uses a new imaging head from Presstek to enable it to deliver the power needed to image processless plates.

"It's an absolutely stunning machine, we're delighted," said UK general manager Ray Hillhouse.

It uses AB Dick's Freedom plate, which is a thermal processless plate that needs a water rinse after imaging. The plate is similar to the Presstek Anthem, it will be the first time AB Dick UK sells the Freedom, which was launched in the US last year.

Included in the machine is a water wash, cutting down on the floor space needed.

Productivity is 20 B3 plates per hour. Imaging quality is good enough to hold a 1% dot on a 200lpi screen.

Hillhouse is hoping that the first UK installations will be at the end of the summer, and is talking to potential customers for the machine. The firm will be taking orders at the show according to AB Dick vice president of marketing Scott MacKenzie.

MacKenzie said the machine opened up the market for AB Dick worldwide. It has been successful in the UK and US with its polyester platesetters, but other markets have demanded metal plates.

AB Dick has combined its ThinDrum internal drum technology as used in its platesetters with Presstek's SureFire imaging system to develop an internal drum thermal machine that can deliver the high energy needed to expose processless plates.

"We have a one of a kind product in terms of technology and price, which is ideal for small- and medium-sized printers," said MacKenzie.

Asked about whether the firm would bring out larger format machines based on the technology he said "stay tuned".

Story by Barney Cox