HUDSON, N.H., May 7 -- Presstek, Inc., a leading provider of direct digital imaging technology, today announced that it will exhibit its award-winning, thermal laser imaging and innovative plate technologies in a variety of DI and CTP applications for the print and publishing markets at the Northprint tradeshow. The Northprint show is scheduled to take place from May 13th through May 15th in Harrogate, United Kingdom. Presstek's new process-free Applause plate is scheduled to run live at the show in chemistry-free CTP workflow demonstrations by both A.B. Dick and Sakurai. At the A.B. Dick stand, Presstek will feature its award-winning Dimension CTP platesetter imaging the commercially available chemistry-free Anthem plate, as well as the process-free Applause plate, which is still in beta-testing. The plates will then be printed on a Hamada press. Sakurai will image both the Anthem and Applause plates on the Dimension400, and then print on their new 5-color SRA2 566 SIP press. This will be the first time this press will be shown in action outside of Japan. As a truly no-process plate, Applause has received significant anticipatory interest in the marketplace during its testing phase. Applause, a wet offset, ablative plate is designed to go from platesetter to press with no intermediate treatment or processing. For the small commercial printer looking to adopt CTP technology for the first time there are two key attractions to Presstek's solution - no processing chemistry and the small footprint, which allows the system to easily integrate into their facility. Other key benefits are excellent ink/water latitude, high resolution, and compatibility with existing press chemistries. The Applause plate is engineered to run on any press with run lengths up to 100,000 impressions. "Applause is a revolutionary product that is designed to set the standard for digitally imaged plates for the future," said Presstek's General Manager, David Ventola. Ventola continued, "Our experience with on-press imaging has given us tremendous insight into what the smaller printer needs to be more productive and profitable. The direct benefits of Presstek's process-free CTP are apparent -- lower cost of operation, efficient repeatability and environmentally friendly standards. Many printers don't realize that the chemistry involved in traditional platesetting is a hidden cost -- typically adding 20% -30% above the cost of the plate itself. Labor costs on the maintenance of the processor, and chemistry disposal costs would also be eliminated with process-free CTP."