ROCHESTER, N.Y. November 28--Whittier Graphics, Inc., reports reduced make-ready times and a streamlined production workflow after installing the KODAK THERMAL DIRECT Non Process Printing Plate last year. "Using the THERMAL DIRECT plate saves us space and time," said Wolfgang Hessel, owner, Whittier Graphics, Inc. "We have seen significant improvement in productivity, allowing us to offer our customers shorter turnaround times." Located in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., Whittier Graphics, Inc., has provided clients with design, prepress and large format inkjet printing services since 1984. The company specializes in printing brochures, catalogs and calendars. The KODAK THERMAL DIRECT plate is the industry's only non process plate featuring a traditional grained and anodized aluminum substrate, creating a true "drop in" plate product with the familiar look and feel of a presensitized aluminum plate. Based on fourth generation thermal technology, the new plate doesn't require the use of a processor or modifications to imaging devices or the press. In addition, THERMAL DIRECT plates are compatible with all popular thermal CTP imagers, and a wide range of inks and fountain solutions. Hessel noted the environmental benefits of THERMAL DIRECT plates as a key feature. "Sante Fe Springs is a very industrial city and therefore very environmentally conscious," said Hessel. "The THERMAL DIRECT plate allows us to reduce the amount of waste we create, which not only lowers costs, but is better for our environment." Capable of producing run lengths of up to 100,000 impressions under optimal press conditions, THERMAL DIRECT plates can hold 1 percent to 98 percent dots at 200 lines per inch. The plate features a proprietary, thermally-sensitive coating compatible with all popular thermal imagers without the need to install special debris removal attachments. A unique polymer resin permits the ultra thin coating--which is 70 percent thinner than photopolymer violet plates and 38 percent thinner than typical processed thermal plates--to be dissolved by the press fountain solution and completely carried out of the press by the makeready sheets. Kodak also reduced the coating colorant on THERMAL DIRECT plates. This virtually eliminates the potential for ink roller glazing while maintaining a visible image to determine press cylinder placement. THERMAL DIRECT plates feature one-hour white light handling and four-hour yellow light handling.