CreoScitex is pushing the ability of its stochastic screening software, Staccato, to produce a 10-micron dot which it claims is the smallest available as a way for printers to cut waste and costs.

"The point of it all is not quality that is a given. What we're bringing is latitude in the pressroom and more sellable copy," said CreoScitex UK sales director Mark Nixon.

The firm claimed that its SquareSpot imaging technology, originally used in the Trendsetters and now available in Lotem Quantums, was the key to success for stochastic screening.

This is especially the case when used with the newly introduced 10-micron dot, which it says is twice as fine as rival screening technologies and produces a virtually continuous tone result.

"People didn't run stochastic, even on CTP, because of process control," said Nixon. "Guassian dots are ragged edged and therefore inconsistent. The only way of guaranteeing quality is SquareSpot."

As well as the long argued benefits of stochastic of no moir, even with special colours, higher ink weights and bigger latitude on press, CreoScitex also claims it extends useful press life and allows the use of cheaper stocks.

"It allows older, looser presses to print tighter and more consistently, that's the point," said Nixon. "I've been in the industry since the beginning of stochastic screening, and this is the way to go."

Story by Barney Cox