What is it?
The Fujifilm Brillia HD PRO-T3 thermal plate is a processless plate that does not require any form of pre-press processor or finishing unit, or any associated chemicals, chemical waste or energy usage.
Sean Lane, Fuji product manager for offset solutions, explains: "Its main selling point is the massive gain you get from removing the processor from the pre-press operation, which saves time and money and reduces the environmental impact."
By eliminating any form of pre-press development along with the associated chemicals and waste products, Fujifilm claims that the plate is ecologically efficient and can help printers to improve their environmental performance.
Who is it aimed at?
The plate is widely available and Fujifilm says its target market is broad – smaller printers can benefit from eliminating the costs of running a plate processor or finishing unit, while larger printers will be able to cut costs by reducing the chemical use and cleaning patterns associated with producing larger volumes of plates.
How does it work?
Fujifilm is confident that new users will not encounter any issues running the PRO-T3 plates, pointing out that the plate is imaged at the same settings as most normal processed plates and is put on the press and run in the normal way.
The press pre-dampens and pre-inks the plate when first started, a process which softens the non-image areas of the plate and allows the coating to ‘micro disperse’ into the ink and onto the paper. This process, according to Fuji, enables the coating to be removed from the press in a harmless way that avoids press contamination.
How does it differ from previous models?
The Brillia HD PRO-T3 is the third generation of Fujifilm’s PRO range. The company says this latest iteration has been improved with what it calls ‘fine particle dispersion’ technology (FDP) within the plate coating, which boosts on-press performance and gives the plate its widest ever press latitude. Lane says: "We have worked hard on improving and widening the on-press performance of the plate. It’s now a lot more tolerant on the press and more forgiving of all the variables you find in a print factory."
How fast is it?
Owing to its level of sensitivity, which at 120mJ/cm2 is comparable to most processed plates, the T3 can keep up with rival products, and the removal of any pre-press finishing of the plate means it’s ready for press the moment it leaves the platesetter, which speeds up the platemaking cycle.
What is the USP of the product?
The key selling point is the elimination of processing chemicals, equipment and associated costs. This enables companies to reduce their carbon footprint, streamline plate productivity and save money on equipment cleaning and maintenance.
How easy is it to use?
Fujifilm says that when used in normal circumstances, the plate is very simple to use and does not normally require any special or difficult treatment or handling.
What training and support is available?
Fujifilm has a support department with plate specialists who can help customers with everything from initial set-up to on-going support as well as resolving technical queries or issues.
How much does it cost?
Fujifilm says that pricing for the plates is "competitive" and available on application.
What is the sales target? How many are sold currently worldwide and in the UK?
Fujifilm would not give specific figures but says that demand for the PRO-T3 plates is currently outstripping supply, and that the manufacturer will be working hard this year to increase availability.
Lane explains: "We have had controlled sales for the past six months, a number of our existing customers were using it before allowing general sales. Now we are in a roll-out phase, existing customers are being moved over to the new plates when stock is available and new customers are starting immediately on the T3."
SPECIFICATIONS
Resolution 1%-99% at 200lpi conventional, 300lpi hybrid and 20 micron screening
Sensitivity 120mJ/cm2
Max run length 100,000
Gauge 0.15, 0.2, 0.3mm
Price On application
Contact Fujifilm Graphic Systems 01234 245245 www.fujifilm.eu
ALTERNATIVES
AGFA AZURA TS
The Azura TS plates require no chemical processing and are aimed at low- and medium-throughput thermal CTP users. They are available in sizes for 2-up, 4-up and 8-up printing applications.
Resolution 200lpi: 2%-98%
Sensitivity 200mJ/cm2
Max run length 100,000
Gauge 0.15, 0.2, 0.24, 0.3mm
Price On application
Contact Agfa UK 020 8231 4929 www.agfa.com
KODAK THERMAL DIRECT
Kodak’s non-process plates can handle run lengths of up to 100,000 with sheetfed presses and 200,000 with web presses. As with the PRO-T3, the user images the plate and then mounts it directly on the press.
Resolution 175lpi: 1%-99%, 200lpi: 1%-98%
Sensitivity 325mJ/cm²
Max run length 200,000 depending on press type
Gauge 0.14, 0.2, 0.3mm
Price on application
Contact Kodak 01442 846514 www.graphics.kodak.com
PRESSTEK AURORA EXP
EXP is the firm’s next generation of Aurora chemistry-free thermal positive plate. The plate requires a simple water wash and no development on press and is rated for run lengths of 50,000 impressions, double that of its sibling Aurora Pro, and is available in 2-up, 4-up and 8-up formats.
Resolution 1%-99% at 200lpi and also has FM screening capability
Sensitivity 120mJ/cm2
Max run length 50,000
Gauge 0.15, 0.2, 0.3mm
Price On application
Contact Presstek 020 8745 8000 www.presstek.com
