COLOR DIGITAL PRESSES--Decisions, Decisions . . .

The rubber blanket-coated form roller, which has a circumference equal to half the plate cylinder, meets the plate only when it carries a perfect layer of ink. The plates get an even supply of ink so that there is no mechanical ink ghosting, regardless of image or coverage during each revolution.

While the 74 Karat is configured for the short-run market, the manufacturer points out that it is versatile enough to compete in the medium-run market. "Our customers have found that the number of jobs per day they get off this machine is far superior to a conventional press operating in a conventional platemaking environment," says Bartram.