DIGITAL PLATES & PLATESETTERS -- Two Steps Forward

Different takes on digital exposure of conventional plates are starting to crop up, too. Having previously said it planned to introduce its own platesetter, plate manufacturer Citiplate Inc., of Roslyn Heights, NY, instead announced an agreement with Escher-Grad Technologies to co-market a version of the latter's Cobalt eight-up, internal-drum platesetter capable of imaging the high-speed, UV-sensitive Citiplate Aqua LHP plate. Citiplate reportedly is exploring similar arrangements with other equipment manufacturers. Montreal-based Escher Grad also has announced a 30mW violet laser diode version of its platesetter.