CTP - Computer to Plate
Peterborough Printing Services to adopt unmanned plate production
Friday 18. September 2009 - Peterborough Printing Services is moving from a UV-based CtP device to a thermal Suprasetter A52 with Autoload, supplied by Heidelberg UK.
“Our original CtP device was supplied by Heidelberg and came up trumps over the past ten years but we wanted to move to a thermal system because it is lower maintenance and allows us to run without chemistry which fits with our environmental and Health & Safety stance,” says Marcus Brailsford, managing director.
The CtP device will run Fuji Pro-T processless plates which will feed a Speedmaster SM 52-4 and a Printmaster QM 46-2.
“As a small business with a low headcount we saw the Autoload as a real advantage, especially at holiday time,” says Mr Brailsford. “Lead times are getting shorter and so we need plates ready on time and with Autoload we can leave the CtP device running overnight and start work speedily from the start of the day. Staff are left free for their main functions.”
The company produces letterheads, brochures and general commercial work for a primarily local customer base. It hopes to increase its multipagination work so plate output is a key issue.
The strength of the 34 year old company comes down to customer trust (in quality, technology and delivery) and personal service. Having taken on someone who had run their own marketing service they are able to offer advice on promotional work generally and this, too, has generated work keeping the company in good health during the recession.
“We have tried to keep up with our technology and are driving forward our CtP and MIS systems so that we can work more intelligently and without taking our foot off the pedal. We see this investment as an opportunity to increase production without increasing our infrastructure,” he says.
The company has plans to extend its Tharstern MIS system in the next six months and then to look at its first JDF connection, between MIS and prepress, within the next 18 months.
The new CtP device will be delivered next month and origination staff will have five days training time before sharing their expertise with the press minders over the next six months.