"It makes a lot of sense," said managing director Phil Hall. "When you install CTP and ask for a dotmeter to calibrate the system, most printers dont have one because of the price. Production managers can usually sign off up to 500, so at 499 LithoCam is a no-brainer."

LithoCam uses a modified PC webcam to keep the price down. The basic version can measure film, plate and printed copy in colour, while a Pro version adds plate analysis, dot gain calculation, screen angle and ruling calculation and direct connection to the RIP.

Troika Systems took 120 orders for the LithoCam at Ipex, of which about a quarter where from the UK. The firm is now focusing on meeting demands for the product, which will begin delivery in mid June.

Troika has also introduced new products to its range of double-sided imposition proofers, including a new version of the TechSage SpinJet automatic proof duplexing unit for the HP DesignJet 5000.

Troikas backed-up imposition software, VersoProof, has added support for Epson 10000 and Mutoh wide-format printers.

Story by Barney Cox