GATF Announces 2004 InterTech Award Winners
Applause No-Process Thermal Plates
Presstek, Inc.
Users of the Applause no-process digital printing plate consistently mentioned excellent press performance and print results along with significant savings in platemaking operations. The plate consists of a hydrophilic ceramic coating (titanium carbide) applied to an ink-receptive substrate (polyester film). A thermal laser physically removes (ablates) the coating to reveal the ink-receptive image layer. Plates go directly from the platesetter to the press. Besides eliminating multiple plate processing steps, the technology also eliminates all cost centers associated with purchasing, storing, using, and disposing of chemistry. As one judge said, "You can see the innovation in this truly processless plate."
