The announcement follows the launch of CTP plates specifically designed for FM screening, including the Brillia HD violet photopolymer and thermal plates, as well as the FLH-Z range of processors and a MKII version of the FLP-1260.

The new CTP products are part of Fujifilm's plan to become the world's number one CTP manufacturer.

A new plate line at its Netherlands factory, which cost 27m will begin production from September. Another CTP factory is due to open in China next year.

"We're focusing on meeting the growing demand for CTP in the shift to digital," said Fujifilm Graphic Systems deputy general manager Naohiro Fujitani.

The Luxel V-8 HD will ship in June. Fuji claims it combines the latest in violet laser technology with advanced optical capabilities for a sharper dot.

"We are raising the bar with high definition," said Fujifilm Graphic Systems UK director Keith Dalton.

Used with the new Brillia HD LP-NV2 plates, the fully automated V-8 HD can produce 32 plates per hour at 2,400dpi.

The high-speed version (available from July) outputs 50 B1 plates per hour at 2,400dpi and 70 plates at 1,200dpi.

Fujitani said the company had future plans to invest in the development and production of processless plates.

The thermally imaged Brillia Pro-T processless plates, first announced last September, are available from April, with the violet sensitive version (Pro-V) due to be shipped next spring.