BasysPrints UK distributor Flame has signed up the Independent Graphic Alliance (IGA) to sell the UV-Setter range of computer-to-conventional plate (CTCP) platesetters.

We have access to thermal CTP with Screen platesetters and Fuji and KPG plates, but we wanted something else in the portfolio, said John Buckingham, managing director of IGA member company Mayday Graphics. A conventional plate-based machine gives us an advantage over violet. Although CTP plate prices have come down theyre still nowhere near the price of conventional plates. This will appeal to the B2 market where finance is limited.

The five-strong group of resellers has committed to sell 10 B1 UV-Setter 710 and five B2 UV-Setter 57 machines over the next year as part of a deal worth 1.5m. The IGA has already had a lot of enquiries with seven or eight really hot prospects, said Flame sales director Graham Tucker.

He also claimed that Flame had had a high level of interest itself. It is forecasting 56 installations this year and is on the verge of signing its first UK user. After Ipex, Flame will install the BI UV-Setter from the show at its Kings Langley offices.

BasysPrint has signed a deal with GMG to sell GMGs ColorProof software with DotProof halftone proofing on ink-jet printer as an option with the UV-Setter.

The IGA, which includes Mayday Graphics, SOS Northwest, Inkland, SOS London and North East Graphics, will handle sales of the machines all over the country except Birmingham, the West Country and Wales, which will be handled by Flame.

Story by Barney Cox