With the expensive main laser needing replacement the company instead opted for a new device, ordered along with an auto-loader and StudioRIP workflow and installed by Marlowe Graphic Services.

The B2 device uses processless Thermal Direct Kodak plates, imaging them at resolutions up to 2,800dpi.

K&M Impressions director Simon Kearns said: "We urgently required a replacement CTP system. Our previous machine was in need of expensive spare parts. We were introduced to HighWater CTP and found that we were able to purchase a new Cron for not much more than the savings on repairs and trade-in of our old Trendsetter. It was the ideal solution."

The processless plates also boosted the business's green credentials and means the company doesn't have to buy and store chemistry.

The buy also marked the company's debut with workflow software and it said the StudioRIP had already proved itself. "The imposition software is probably the part of the package that we have benefitted from most of all at this stage," said Kearns. "Automated imposition can save significant amounts of valuable studio time."