Escher-Grad has launched a B2 version of its Cobalt violet laser CTP system aimed at the smaller printer.

The Cobalt-4 has a price tag in the US of 34,000 ($49,995) and can image a maximum size of 559x660mm to a resolution of 2,400dpi.

Escher-Grad chairman and chief executive Najeeb Khalid said: "The four-up market is huge with no other reasonably priced alternatives. The Cobalt-4 was designed to be the Model-T of CTP."

The Cobalt-4 can use both silver and photopolymer plates from Agfa, Western Lithotech and Mitsubishi Imaging Products.

Escher-Grad head of marketing and communications Linda Coburn said: "Its understood that the industry is moving towards violet laser technology. Western Lithotech and Mitsubishi used our technology when developing their plates. Its very competitively priced, so were hoping there wont be too much competition."

The Cobalt-4 is based on the same technology as its larger cousin, the Cobalt-8.

Last month Agfa launched a four-up violet laser CTP system, the Palladio, based on the engine of the Screen FlatRite 1050 (PrintWeek, 14 September). Pricing should be announced next week. The product is due to start shipping in January.

Story by John Davies