DuPont has unveiled its latest thermal developer for flexographic plates which the company claims will reduce plate production times by up to 75%.

The Cyrel FAST 1000 TD uses DuPont's polyester-based FAST plates which are formulated to be thermally sensitive. The company claims that because the FAST system uses a dry thermal process it eliminates the use of chemical solvents. DuPont technical representative, Graham Lambert, said: "It will revolutionise the flexo printing process, cutting times by around 75%."

DuPont FAST plates are exposed using a conventional UV exposure unit prior to being inserted into the thermal developer. Time is saved because the 1000-TD has no chemical drying process. DuPont also claims the new thermal developer is better for the environment because it bypasses the washout stage.