Fujifilm Graphic Systems UK has entered the VLF CTP market for packaging and magazine printing by adding the Lscher Xpose! thermal platesetters to its product line-up.


It has signed an agreement with Lschers UK distributor Turning Point Technologies to sell the Xpose! and expects to install 10 machines this year.


"We dont have a VLF machine and wont be making one, so we thought it was better to partner," said Fuji UK director Gordon McFarlane.


"Fuji has got more feet on the ground with its sales team, which should allow us to get more market share," said TPT CTP business developer Ray Ringsell.


TPT has put its demonstration machine into Fujis Bedford electronics showroom, where it was launched to a group of packaging and commercial printers this week.


One market where the firms hope they will succeed is in packaging. Fuji claims its Brillia plate is the only thermal plate suitable for UV inks without baking. "We recognised we had the plate, but we didnt have the engine," said McFarlane. They are also targeting commercial and web printers.


Story by Barney Cox