It has taken on the Screen PlateRite 2055Vi and the Esko-Graphics PlateDriver Compact, both of which are violet diode machines.

Apex joint managing director Bob Usher said the company wanted to offer a full B2 package, the same as it had provided for its B3 customers. The Screen PlateRite 2055Vi will be available from September. It marks a return to the B2 market with a visible light product under the Screen brand. It's previous product the FlatRite 1050 was discontinued, although a violet version is the basis of Agfa's Palladio. Apex already sells Screen's smaller violet machine the B3 Micra.

Screen's PlateRite has a maximum plate size of 635x760mm and is available in either semi- or fully automatic loading format, and is priced from 69,950. The Esko-Graphics PlateDriver Compact, which is based on HighWater Design's Python is available with immediate effect. The Esko-Graphics Plate-Driver Compact is priced from 47,586.