To All: A most interesting collection of recent posts on the Computer-to-plate Print Forum, regarding Presstek:
Alain Trahan Schrieb asks:
Does anyone have any info on the Presstek thermal plates? Anybody using them in production? How are they behaving?
Response from Michael Mittelhaus, PrePress Consultant: Most people are waiting for the PressTek Pearl Gold, esp. those ctp manufacturers who want to imagine thermally with 1064nm. But the Pearl Gold - although announced for June 20 1998 - is not commercially available.
Response from Mark Wendling, Presstek:
I thought I would take the opportunity for a quick update on Presstek, particularly the PEARLgold program. We have recently expanded our beta test through the installation of a number of additional new sites in Europe (we have had some U.S. beta sites operating for over a year now). All sites are going nicely, with steady expansion of sites And evaluations by imager manufacturers scheduled in the 3Q. To date, the plate rolls up quickly, runs true to color, leaves no dust or residue, is easy to handle and is perfect for short to medium run lengths.
We will keep you posted as new developments are announced for this truly revolutionary, process-free thermal plate for conventional, water dampened presses.
Mark Wendling
Presstek
CTPP: Presstek Plates
We have been using Presstek Pearl wet thermal plates in regular production for about 2 months now. So far we've been very happy with the results. We also have the Imation digital matchprint in tandem with the Presstek platesetter and are very happy with the proofs and the match on press. This is all new to our company so I don't have a measuring stick to compare Presstek plates to the other products out there. Besides getting the pressmen used to the different plate surface and adjusting the fountain solutions, everything has been great. The digital plate prints much cleaner and sharper and the fit is much more consistent than the film/stripping based workflow. We are a medium sized sheetfed printer that this product is supposed to be aimed at. It has performed very well so far. Our customers are excited about the all digital aspect of our workflow. I guess that surprised me. If there are any other Presstek users out there I'd love to hear what there experiences have been.
Dave Lundgren
Cooperative Printing
We are in the midst of installing our second PearlSetter 74. The first is imaging PearlGOLD and the second with make Horsell Electra DC plates for (much) longer runs. This baby is gonna be the death blow to film in our workflow.
I mentioned this to a former Lino salesman the other day, and he said: How much film are you running now? Oh, about 3 (200 ft) rolls a month, I said. He laughed and said, you used to run a roll a day didn't you? Almost, but that seems like ancient history now. We also have a Quickmaster DI. You could say that we are very happy with PressTek's products and not be overstating the point one bit!
Sincerely,
Jeff Wall,
Subject: : Presstek Plates
We purchased the Presstek plater/proofer combo along with a 5 color 28" Sakurai press. The Pearl Rip generates an ink profile while plating that the pressmen download direct to the press and automatically sets their ink fountains. It was the closed loop solution that was offered by the Sakurai/Presstek/Imation alliance that sold us on the Digital matchprint.We did look at other proofing options and liked some of the other products out there. We've had a very close relationship with 3M/Imation and have great confidence in their products and advice, and that had a lot to do with the decision also. If anyone is interested in a digital dotted proof, they should take a look at the Imation Digital Matchprint. It's a great product.
It will not be long before many printers, worldwide, will be owners of Presstek's consumables with many thousands of presses imaging Presstek plates.
It is now the responsibility of the Presstek Company to properly present that information with their firm belief they will obtain a large part of the market share to the shareholders and the street.
Neil |
