As the smaller version of the earlier 800 machine, its diminutive footprint and reliable thermal technology made it a popular purchase when it debuted in 1999. There have been around 65 installations in the UK since its launch and the B2 platesetter is extremely popular on the secondhand market. It is worth noting that the machine has also gone through a name change since Kodak bought Creo in 2005, from the Creo Lotem to the Kodak Lotem.
The Lotem 400 is semi-automatic and has a load system that holds one plate on standby while imaging another. When the first plate has been unloaded from the drum, the plate on standby is then immediately ready to launch onto the drum. When it was first unveiled, there were three versions of the machine – the S, F and the V, which could produce 10, 15 and 25 plates an hour respectively.
Wide plate range
The platesetter uses 830nm diode lasers, which provide a variable resolution of between 1,524 and 3,556dpi. When developing the machine, Scitex ensured that a wide variety of thermal plates from different manufacturers could be used and plate sizes range from 381x318mm to 750x622mm.
Extras include increased automation, a conveyor and single or multi-cassette options. With a single cassette, the 400 can hold at least 50 plates with slip sheets and more than 150 plates in three cassettes with the multi-cassette option.
The Lotem Quantum was introduced to the market in 2002, increasing the Lotem’s screening from 250 to 450lpi. The Quantum also used SquareSpot technology, which means the plate is exposed with a laser energy swath that is non-gaussian. There is very little energy variation across the width of the exposed laser spot so the dot maintains its shape and size on the plate even if there are changes in the location of the exposure threshold.
New generation
Kodak replaced the Lotem in 2005 with the new generation B2 Magnus 400. This has an improved throughput, better screening quality, can handle processless plates and can fit 2-up, 4-up and 6-up plate sizes.
Pre-Press Direction locates and sells on Lotems. Managing director Mike Spellacy says: “Lotems have always been, and continue to be, extremely popular as a secondhand purchase. They are highly sought after and I have customers currently waiting for one to come onto the market.” Secondhand models can be bought from pre-press dealers or as refurbished machines from Kodak. “It is especially popular for those just changing over from film and is also a good stop-gap purchase for those entering the B2 market,” Spellacy says.
Spellacy says potential buyers must check that newer RIPs are included with their purchase. “Often, if a firm upgrades they keep their RIP and you can’t use other RIPs with the Lotem,” Spellacy explains. Older RIPs will fit but then a user would have a limited choice of workflow. With a new RIP, a used Lotem 400 would cost around £30,000, depending on its specifications. Expect a discount of up to £8,000 for an older RIP. A refurbished model bought from Kodak costs around £35,000.
Kodak offers three types of service contracts for kit: full service, a contract that excludes labour costs and a telephone support option. There are 40 trained Kodak engineers currently working in the UK.
SPECIFICATIONS
Plate size
• Min 381x318mm
• Max 750x622mm
Laser
• 830nm thermal diode
Speed (plates per hour)
• S 10, F 15, V 25
Resolution
• Variable from 1,524dpi to 3,556dpi
Screening
• 400 250lpi
• 400 Quantum: 450lpi
Price
• Used £20,000-£30,000
• Refurbished by Kodak £35,000
• New Magnus 400 £55,000
What to look for
• Age of the RIP
• Has it been kept in an air-conditioned environment?
Lotem 400
When platesetters began their slow but steady ascent, the earliest devices were generally aimed at B1 printers. By the late 1990s, smaller printers wanted to move into CTP and this prompted Scitex to launch a B2 Lotem, the 400. With a 1.28sqm frame, it was the ideal choice for 4-up printers with limited space on their factory floors.
