The machines will begin shipping next month at a similar price point to the manufacturer’s current PlateRite Ultima 24000 series, which the new series is set to replace.

Designed for plates up to 24-up, the series features grating light valve (GLV) imaging heads and comes in two configurations: the Z, which runs an output up to 35 plates/hr using 1,024 channel heads, and the S, which outputs up to 24 plates/hr using 512 channel heads.

Screen sales and operation coordination manager Yui Yamada said: “We see high demands for the use of large-format presses in order to efficiently handle multiple jobs in a single run.

“The 24000N’s reduced footprint saves the installation space more than 20% compared to the current 24000. Power consumption, which is always one of the important factors for a printing company, will be also reduced by around 40%.

“Considering the recent growth in the packaging industry, the 24000N is targeted for packaging printing and the supported size perfectly fits the required size in the market.”

Screen’s PlateRite Ultima 24000N series is designed to work with presses including the Koenig & Bauer Rapida 162 and 164, the Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 162 and the Manroland 900 XXL format press, according to Yamada.

Both models are built to handle plates sized from 650x490mm up to 1.652x1.325m, covering sizes used by large-format presses. The new series can be used with Screen’s MA-L40000 multi-cassette autoloader, capable of automatically supplying up to 300 plates.

According to Yamada, Screen is now undergoing the administrative work which is the final step required for the products’ international launch. She said the company is committed to the continued development of its CTP systems to “continuously support the industry”.