UK printers will be able to get an early look at the new 4pp Screen TruePress 744, when the company's UK facility takes delivery of a test machine in the autumn.


The DI machine is due to arrive at Screen's Milton Keynes base in late September or early October, said UK managing director Brian Filler.


Launched at Drupa 2000 and scheduled for shipping in 2002, the machine will be tested at Milton Keynes, which is also home to Screen's EPSG (European Product Support Group) division.


It will also be used for training engineers from all over Europe.


But prospective customers can come and have a look too, said Filler. "We'll ask them to sign confidentiality agreements because they're getting an early look," he said.


The 744 is a double-cylinder press with twin imaging heads. Plates are imaged simultaneously as opposed to sequentially as on the smaller A3-plus 544 model.


Like the 544 the new machine is suitable for runs of up to 5,000 sheets, but it's faster. "From pressing the button it can produce 1,000 sheets in 20 minutes," said Filler. The 544 takes around 45 minutes to print 1,000 sheets.


Story by Lauretta Roberts