When ECRM's Knockout imagesetter was launched in the early 1990s, it was snapped up by the newspaper market. Its popularity was high in the lower end of that sector thanks to its competitive price. Another reason for its popularity, according to Michael Stephenson, head of sales at independent dealer Fastek, is that the newspaper and flexo markets prefer working with imagesetters, unlike many in the UK print industry, who have fully embraced CTP.
"People like it because there are many engineers trained on the machine and it's reliable and easy to use," he says.
Advanced front-end
The Knockout features a Harlequin front-end, which Stephenson claims is the best in the graphics market. Files are sent to the RIP, which separates out the colours. The imagesetter then images this onto the film, which is sent to an online processor. This, in turn, drops it into a basket at the back of the machine when the process is completed. Spot sizes range from 10-35 microns, which are measured at the film plane. A dual buffer exit system is provided to cut the right size for plate-ready films and polyester plates.
The machine is capable of imaging 21in per minute and resolutions range from 1,000-3,556dpi. There are three versions of the machine: the Knockout 4550, with head and tail punches; the punchless 4550; and the Knockoout PRF, with plate ready tools. According to Stephenson, ECRM is up against only one other player in the imagesetter market, namely Screen.
"We export a lot abroad, but the Knockout is still used in the UK flexo and newspaper market with an inline film processor," he adds. This is because the machine can handle visible red or infra-sensitive film, paper or polyester plates.
Since its launch, the machine has been further developed. In 1994, it was re-branded as the Stingray at Ipex and then, in 2001, its successor and current model the Mako was released. In 1998, dancer rollers and online bridges were introduced to the processor of the Stingray. The dancer roller took the pressure off the film.
Through its lifetime, there have been several software upgrades and all these can be retrofitted.
Fastek will take in models on a part-exchange basis and all machines are refurbished with a new RIP upgrade. "Parts are still available and machines, with a new RIP and PC, cost £6,000," says Stephenson. When buying a secondhand model, check on the laser and RIP plus rollers. "The drive rollers can get soft and spongy," says Stephenson.
According to Ken Tucker, international sales manager at ECRM, the Knockout's successor, the Stingray 63 is also a popular option for customers in the secondhand market. The manufacturer refurbishes and resells around 20 of those a year going into India, and Africa, and a few in the UK.
Specifications
Max speed 21in per minute
Resolutions 1,000-3,556dpi
Imaging width 460mm
Footprint 813x889mm
Weight 156kg
Price
4550 with new RIP & PC: £6,000
What to look for
Laser & RIP
Drive rollers
