"This is just the first of a series of announcements that will also see our pressroom offering expand into B3 and B2 metal CTP systems, also with environmental advantages," said GAE managing director Tony Hards.

The SDP Eco was specifically designed to work with the Mitsubishi Silver Digiplate. It is designed to use a fraction of the chemicals used by conventional CTP systems by not immersing, but simply coating the plate's surface with chemistry. Not only does this keep chemistry costs down, but also speeds up access time and reduces cleaning.

Hards said GAE would be targeting the system at inplants and commercial printers.

The new kit will be seen in action at GAE's Perivale showroom next month, teamed with a Shinohara 52IV B3 press, when the firm holds a series of open days from 27 September.

Contact: 020 8997 8053, www.gae.co.uk.