Prontaprint Grays Inn Road in London has become the first UK printer to install an AB Dick ScanMaster system.

It is using it to digitise hard copy originals for output on its DPM 2340 polyester platesetter. About 15% of the work we print is supplied as hard copy, enough that if we didnt have the ScanMaster it would be a problem, said proprietor Colin Gibson. The quality is superb, much better than the old SilverMaster.

The firm decided to go CTP after installing a two-colour Ryobi 3302 press. It found it needed to switch from paper plates and was looking for a more cost-effective way than getting metal plates made from film.

The ScanMaster provided the firm with a way to digitise hard copy and carry out editing, including combining separate elements and changing colour, without the job going through the design studio.

A new market for trade platemaking for printers in the area has also been opened up to the firm since installing the DPM 2340.