The thermal negative and solvent-resistant plate, which also boasts minimal chemistry use, can be baked, giving a "conservative" possible run length of 500,000.

Unbaked, the plate, which joins the Azura chemistry-free plate in using the ThermoFuse technology, is capable of up to 200,000 impressions.

Amigo uses a wash-out solution in the processor where the developer would normally be, with replenishment rates around 30-50ml/sqm.

Beta tests for the plate have been carried out in Europe and the US, but there are no UK users as yet.

- Kodak's plate prices are to rise by 5-7% in the new year, according to Terry Baber, UK managing director of the giant's Graphic Communications Group. The rise will be in line with hikes already revealed by rivals Agfa and Fuji.