Hudson, NH – September 29, 2008 – Presstek, Inc., the leading manufacturer and marketer of digital offset printing solutions, announced today that it will be introducing to the North American market a wide range of chemistry-free CTP solutions that address the needs of the broadest range of customers in the industry. Now printing companies of all sizes can rely on a single supplier for the chemistry-free CTP solution that best meets their specific requirements for price point, productivity level and format size. Presstek will be showcasing these solutions in Booth 2811 at the Graph Expo trade show from October 26th through 29th at McCormick Place South in Chicago, Illinois.
 
"By expanding our CTP portfolio, Presstek is bringing the benefits of true chemistry-free CTP solutions to a wider range of print service providers; including larger commercial printers," said Kathy McHugh, Presstek's Chief Marketing Officer. "Presstek's chemistry-free solutions eliminate steps from the production process as well as the time, cost and errors associated with chemistry-based platemaking. These efficiencies are not only good for the environment; they also enable printers to be more capable, profitable, and competitive."
 
Presstek's new chemistry-free CTP solutions that will be on display for the first time in North America at Graph Expo 2008 include:
 
Presstek Compass Series Platesetters
Presstek's Compass 4000 and Compass 8000 Series are highly productive platesetters, ranging in production speeds from 15 to 38 plates per hour. These systems image up to 250 lpi and are ideal for a wide range of print businesses, including mid-sized to larger operations. Presstek Compass platesetters image Presstek's chemistry-free Aurora Pro plates and a range of third-party 830 nm thermal plates.
System features include:   
      
    •    Compass 4000 Series. The Compass 4015 and 4038 platesetters offer a true four-up drum size and image plate sizes up to 30.0 x 26.96 inches at a rate of up to 15 and 38 plates per hour, respectively.
    •    Compass 8000 Series. The Compass 8022 and 8030 are 8-page platesetters capable of imaging plates up to 45.7 x 37.4 inches. Compass 8022 and 8030 image up to 22 or 30 full-size plates per hour, respectively.
 
Compass systems are semi-automatic and feature continuous plate loading. Users can add several options to further increase automation and productivity; including single or multiple cassette autoloaders and inline standard or custom plate punches. Compass systems easily integrate with industry-standard workflow solutions including Presstek's Latitude and Momentum Pro.
 
Presstek Dimension 800 Pro Platesetter
The Presstek Dimension Pro 800 is the next generation Dimension eight-page platesetter. Imaging up to 200 lines per inch, this semi-automatic platesetter is an excellent entry-level to mid-range solution. It is capable of imaging plates up to 45.0 x 33.0 inches, at speeds of up to 11 plates per hour with Presstek's Anthem Pro plate and up to 15 plates per hour with Presstek's Aurora Pro plate.
 
Presstek Vector FL52 with Freedom Pro Plates
This new version of Presstek's easy-to-use small format chemistry-free platemaking solution features a new fiber laser imaging system that is engineered to deliver excellent dot quality and high reliability. The Vector FL52 supports a wider range of plate sizes and images Presstek's chemistry-free Freedom Pro plates, which are automatically cleaned in the Vector's integrated plate washer.
 
Presstek Chemistry-Free Plates
Presstek's grained anodized aluminum chemistry-free plates provide superior print performance, improved roll-up, better ink and water latitude, overall color consistency throughout the press run, and excellent on-press handling. These daylight safe plates are easy to read after imaging, which enables full inspection prior to mounting on press. Presstek plates do not require baking or other processing after imaging; only a simple water wash prior to mounting on press. In addition, they are resistant to the solvents used in UV ink. This capability means that the plates can be used for both UV and conventional printing, eliminating the need to stock two different types of plates.
 
Presstek Aurora Pro Plates
Presstek's new Aurora Pro true chemistry-free plate can be imaged on a range of thermal platesetters, including Presstek's new Compass Series and Dimension Pro 800 platesetters, and several models distributed by Screen and Kodak (Creo). Aurora Pro's fast, efficient imaging allows qualified thermal CTP systems to run at maximum throughput, while supporting run lengths up to 25,000.
 
Presstek Anthem Pro Plates
Presstek's Anthem Pro plates are optimized for Dimension Series platesetters and support run lengths up to 100,000.  They are designed to print cleaner, sharper images, with less dot gain and greater consistency than conventional offset plates.
 
Presstek Freedom Pro Plates
Delivering affordable metal platemaking to small commercial, quick and in-plant printers, Freedom Pro plates are optimized for the Vector FL52, and support run lengths up to 25,000.
 
For more information about Presstek environmentally friendly digital printing solutions, visit www.presstek.com or call 1-603-594-8585, ext. 3599.