ECRM Introduces 2-, 4- and 8-Up Platesetters for Chem-free Plate Offerings

TEWKSBURY, MA—May 8, 2008—Following up on their new campaign to help graphic arts professionals conserve energy and be more aware of ecological benefits (announced in early February), ECRM today announced plans to feature three new platesetters at DRUPA 2008. Exhibiting in Hall 9, Stand C56, ECRM will showcase the new platesetters enhanced with the aim towards developing more eco-friendly CTP prepress workflows. In addition, ECRM will be providing a live technology demonstration of the new chemistry-free digital plate, Azura V, for violet platesetters from Agfa. For more information about ECRM and their offerings, go to www.ecrm.com .

ECRM Quotes

“For many printers, the advent of chem-free plate technology is a breakthrough which will enable them to enhance the ecological and economical benefits of violet CTP,” notes Derek Sizer, Vice President, Eastern Hemisphere Business. “The new plates require a reliable and cost-effective platesetter with the laser strength to image them. With the dominant acceptance and use of violet CTP technology, customers will now benefit from the many advantages and cost-savings of chem-free technology without having to sacrifice throughput speed.”

Enhanced 120 Milliwatt Laser Diode MAKO Platesetters

ECRM is introducing three new platesetters that have been upgraded with the new and more powerful 120 milliwatt laser diode. Utilizing the new 120 mw violet laser technology, printers can make a smooth transition to current and future violet chemistry-free plate technology:

• MAKO 2x: Ideal for a first transition to CTP, the MAKO 2x system delivers high quality, 2-page platesetting at a price comparable to an imagesetter. Offering a full resolution range of 1200 to 3556 dpi, it is one of the fastest 2-page CTP units in its class, imaging over 27 GTO plates per hour at 2400 dpi. By combining simplicity, versatility and proven imaging technology, the MAKO 2x brings maximum CTP benefits including reduced operating costs and improved quality on press to 2-page printers;

• MAKO 4x: The MAKO 4x utilizes ECRM’s latest technological breakthroughs, including next-generation patented optical technology that, with ECRM e-circuitry, delivers high quality imaging. The MAKO 4x also employs an auto-pinch/auto-image feature for true hands-free operation after initial plate positioning. Combining reliable MAKO 4 design with ECRM’s patented optical system, the MAKO 4x features an expanded format capability. The MAKO 4x can image formats from 228 mm x 252 mm (8.9” x 9.9”) up to 660 mm x 960 mm (26.0” x 37.8”), offering resolution sets from 1200-3556 dpi and imaging over 20 Speedmaster 74 plates per hour at 2400 dpi;

• MAKO 8x: Breaking the price barrier for 8-page CTP, the MAKO 8x makes 8-page CTP affordable for all commercial printers. It covers all formats for 2, 4, 6 and 8-page signatures with resolutions from 1800 dpi to 3556 dpi, with the lowest operating cost in the industry. With a maximum format of 32.4” x 45.0” (824mm x 1143mm) and production speeds up to 20 Speedmaster 102 plates per hour, the MAKO 8x keeps multi-press environments efficient through flexible, fast and trouble-free performance.

ECRM Platesetters Conserve Energy and Costs

For years, ECRM has engineered their violet CTP platesetters to be both economical and energy-efficient. For example, the MAKO CTP platesetters are designed to draw as little energy as it takes to light three 100-watt light bulbs. In an internal research study comparing various CTP offerings (based on product rating label, using lowest rated voltage and rated current), the MAKO platesetters were as much as 19 times more energy-efficient than some popular thermal CTP solutions.

About ECRM
ECRM Imaging Systems is a global leader in imaging technologies for the graphic communications industry. For over three decades ECRM has successfully applied a broad range of optical, imaging, laser, and digital-electronic technologies to meet the business needs of its customers. The Massachusetts-based company has sold and supported more than 5,000 computer-to-plate devices and over 27,000 imagesetters in 110 countries around the world. ECRM’s Tewksbury, MA facility is ISO 9001:2000 certified and is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in research and development, design, manufacturing, service, and support.