DIGITAL PLATESETTERS -- Growing by Twos and Fours

MetroWeb ultimately decided to install a PlateRite 4300 thermal platesetter from Screen (USA). Since the 65-employee shop doesn't staff its prepress department 24/7, automation was a primary factor, Bentham reports.

"We opted for the configuration with a multi-format, multi-cassette MA-L autoloader," he says. "It will hold three different plate sizes and automatically load the appropriate format for the job. All four of our presses are Didde VIP variable webs (to support direct mail and statement printing), so we regularly run four different plate sizes. If we preload the sizes they are going to be running, our night shift and weekend supervisors are able to make their own plates."