When was the machine launched? The latest in Screen’s PlateRite range of thermal platesetters was unveiled at the end of March, and they started shipping from Japan instantly. Screen UK managing director Brian Filler says a number of potential customers were forewarned about the release, so they wouldn’t miss out. Currently available are the HD 8900 E and S models, which are capable of imaging up to 34 and 43 B1 plates per hour respectively. Plate testing is still ongoing for the high-speed 8900 Z, which will be able to image up to 65 plates an hour, but expect the machine to be available sometime in July. It’s also worth noting that Agfa announced two additions to its Avalon thermal platesetter range, the N8-60 and N8-80, on the same day. Screen is the OEM for both machines (see alternatives).

What market is it aimed at? As you would expect with this high-end piece of kit, the PlateRite is designed to help printers achieve faster turnarounds, while at the same time reducing running costs and environmental impact. According to Filler, the HD 8900 is all about improving productivity and, with many existing platesetters coming to the end of their typical 10-year lifespan, he believes now is a good time for printers to look for a replacement.

How does it differ from previous PlateRite models? The previous PlateRite model, the 8800N, was able to image up to 51 plates per hour. As well as being faster, the HD 8900 has been improved in a number of areas. Plate size has increased to 1,165x950mm (from 1,160x940mm) to make the machine compatible with a wider variety of presses. The Z model now features a 1,024-channel imaging head based on Screen’s Grating Light Valve (GLV) technology, which maintains quality when running at top speed. There is a 9% reduction in power consumption per plate during operation, and a power-saving standby mode cuts power usage by 85% when the machine is idle. Last but not least, a 3D lenticular output mode will soon be available as an option.

What’s its USP? It’s difficult to get away from just how advantageous having such a fast machine can be. If the machine’s speed lives up to its billing, Filler believes there’s no reason why one new PlateRite cannot replace two or three older platesetters. "Some of the machines out there run at 12 plates an hour. Just think of the space, energy and time savings that can be made by swapping three old machines for a new one," he adds.

What’s the quality like? In addition to GLV imaging head technology, the HD 8900 comes with a number of screening options, ranging from Screen’s own Spekta and Spekta 2 AM/FM hybrid screening through to high-end AM and FM screening. Standard resolution is 2,400dpi, while 4,000dpi is optional with the S and E models. Screen says the higher resolution option is suitable for fine art printing and where accurate reproduction of small text sizes are needed, such as with bond and certificate printing. An auto-focus function also means image quality is more reliable.

How easy is it to use? Screen says a new plateloader makes life easier than ever before. To reduce downtime, the multicassette MA-L8900 allows plates to be loaded into the cassette on the fly to enable continuous operation and comes with three plate cassettes as standard with the option of up to five cassettes. Each cassette holds up to 100 plates, and one of the best features of the new loader is that it’s able to switch between different plate sizes in different cassettes without having to stop the machine. The SA-L8900 single cassette loader is also available. Again holding up to 100 plates, it comes with automatic detection and removal of interleaf paper. Manual loading is also possible, if required.

What level of service and support can customers expect? Screen provides Remote Monitoring Software (RMS) as standard with the HD 8900. RMS enables Screen to interrogate the machine from its UK base in Milton Keynes. Everything from the condition of the lasers to the number of plates imaged can be monitored. Should anything go wrong with the machine, Screen says one of its around 15 directly employed engineers will endeavor to reach you within 24 hours. For those who wish to take up the Platinum service package, Screen guarantees a six-hour response time. The Japanese company keeps a full range of spares in Milton Keynes, a site that also serves as its European training headquarters.

SPECIFICATIONS
Max plate size 1,165x950mm
Min plate size 304x305mm
Speed
8900 E: 34 plates/hour
8900 S: 43 plates/hour
8900 Z: 65 plates/hour
Plate thickness
0.15-0.3mm
Imaging technology
Thermal
Light source
1,024-channel laser diode (Z model), 512-channel laser diode (S, E models)
Price
8900 E: £139,000
8900 S: £154,000
8900 Z: TBC
Contact
Screen UK 01908 848500

ALTERNATIVES
Agfa Avalon N8-60/80
Although the Avalon is built using Screen’s HD 8900 series technology, Agfa is keen to stress it is able to provide a "complete CTP solution", which includes its Apogee Control workflow and ThermoFuse, chemistry-free Azura TS or Amigo TS plates.
Max sheet size 1,165x950mm
Min sheet size 304x305mm
Speed 7-65 plates/hour
Price base model from £99,000
Contact Agfa Graphics 020 8321 4929

Heidelberg Suprasetter 105
The Suprasetter is available in a number of plate handling, plate format, punching and plate loading configurations. Plate production can be controlled at the press via Instant Gate, a Prinect feature. The platesetter can also be combined with a preset link and press reporting mechanism.
Max sheet size 1,160x930mm
Min sheet size 370x323mm
Speed 15-38 plates/hour
Price from £137,955
Contact Heidelberg UK 0844 892 2010

Kodak Magnus 800 Quantum
Like the PlateRite, Kodak’s 8-up machine has speed on its side, being capable of producing up to 60 plates per hour. All Magnus 800s can be equipped with inline punching, while Kodak’s Variable Mainscan Resolution technology makes lenticular printing possible.
Max sheet size 1,162x950mm
Min sheet size 330x305mm
Speed 15-60 plates/hour
Price £101,365 (dependent on specification)
Contact Kodak UK 0870 0500 204