Hudson, NH – May 30, 2008 – Presstek, Inc., the leading manufacturer and marketer of digital offset printing business solutions, is now announcing Presstek Compass, a new family of computer-to-plate (CTP) solutions, which will be showcased at drupa from May 29th through June 11th, 2008, at the Messe Düsseldorf in Germany. 

“We are delighted to announce a brand-new family of highly automated, open platform platemaking solutions that will be on display for the first time at drupa,” said Scott Champeau, Presstek Product Marketing Manager, CTP Hardware. “As the inventor of chemistry-free platemaking, Presstek is not resting on its laurels.  We continue to bring innovation to the industry, as visitors to our stand at drupa (Hall 04, Stand A55) will see when they view the new line of Presstek Compass thermal platesetters with Presstek Aurora Pro chemistry-free plates.”

The Presstek Compass family of platesetters includes the Compass 4000 Series, 4-up platesetters, and the Compass 8000 Series, 8-up platesetters. This highly productive platesetting family is ideal for a wide range of printing environments.  Presstek Compass platesetters, imaging up to 250 lpi (100 l/cm), are offered for use with Presstek’s Aurora Pro chemistry-free plates and also image a range of low energy (830 nm laser) third-party thermal plates. Aurora Pro plates, supporting run lengths up to 25,000, require only a simple water wash prior to mounting on press and have strong resistance to UV inks and solvents.
These new systems build on Presstek’s dedication to making the offset printing process more capable, profitable and competitive.  System features include:
•    Compass 4000 Series.  The Compass 4015 and 4038 are 4-page platesetters capable of imaging of a wide range of plate sizes, up to 685 x 669 mm (26.96 x 26.33”), 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 1162 x 950 mm (45.7 x 37.4"). Compass 8022 and 8030 image up to 22 or 30 plates per hour, respectively.

Compass systems are modular and easily upgraded in the field as needs and requirements change.  The base model design features continuous loading, moving plates through the system in tandem. While one plate is being imaged, another is already loaded and waiting. At the same time, queue management controls all of the plates in process. Inline registration is automatic. Optional single- or multi-cassette autoloaders are available to improve productivity even more. Each cassette holds plates of different sizes and can be reloaded without interrupting production.  Multi-cassette autoloaders can be installed on the right or left for optimum utilization of production floor space. An inline standard or customized punch option is available with autoloader cassettes.

Compass systems easily integrate with Presstek’s range of workflows, and are also compatible with other workflow solutions.

“Our goal is to provide high quality, fully integrated digital solutions and services that are innovative and boost our customers’ business capabilities and profitability,” added Champeau.  “The terrific CTP line-up we will be showing at drupa is just one example of how Presstek is meeting that goal.”