The manufacturer said a unique design means the new DD858 and DD870 can process two plates simultaneously, enabling them to produce up to 70 plates per hour.

The new machines are compatible with all offset plates including processed, processless, low-chem, and chemistry free, in sizes up to B1 and down to B3 with resolutions up to 9,600dpi.

Both machines come with a 500-capacity autoloader as standard, but are also available with a 1,500-capacity loader.

First shown at the All In Print Shanghai exhibition in October 2020, the machines are now available in the UK via Cron’s UK dealer Service Offset Supplies (SOS), with a lead time of four to six weeks. Pricing starts at around £127,000.

SOS CTP specialist Mike Ryan said: “It’s a niche market but these machines will appeal greatly to any high volume, high speed printer who needs high volume, high speed platemaking to match. It’s a reminder that litho is still around and Cron remain at the forefront of innovation.”

Separately, Cron has also updated the B1 versions of its H+ and G+ series machines, with a restyled appearance, more automation options, and a new touch screen interface. The 46H+ has three space-saving autoloader options.

The laser head transport system on Cron’s current range of CTP systems employs a frictionless magnetic laser carriage for greater accuracy and reliability, requiring no maintenance.

The manufacturer’s machines also feature patented automatic laser focusing, patented internal temperature control, and a patented side gauge system, which Cron said together enable reliable plate registration accuracy to within 10 microns.