Pre-press Direct is selling secondhand platesetters for the first time.


The Norwich firm, which specialises in secondhand imagesetters, has two platesetters on its latest list - a
visible light B2 HighWater Platinum and a B1 Heidelberg Trendsetter thermal machine.


"I've had several enquiries about the CTP and one was very keen," said sales director Mike Spellacy. "It proves that there are people out there looking for this kit at the right price."


The equipment is becoming available as three-year finance deals are completed or firms go to the wall.


Both machines, like much of the firm's equipment, came from printers on the continent.


The firm expects buyers will source their own plates and processor. "Getting consumables is not a problem if you go to local dealers," said Spellacy. He also said that finance firms were happy to support CTP as they do with the more expensive imagesetters.


"With the level of enquiries, it looks likely I'll do more," he said. Sales of new imagesetters are in decline and in the secondhand market demand for machines below B2 is drying up.


"I can see firms stopping making imagesetters - especially in smaller formats," said Spellacy. "Within two years I reckon secondhand CTP will make up at least half the business."


As well as metal plate CTP, the firm is selling used imagesetters to expose polyester plates to smaller firms that want to go CTP. "I've had one customer who's just gone exclusively polyester CTP," Spellacy added.


Story by Barney Cox