ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA –– Printware, the longest-standing independent manufacturer of high quality, high performance and innovative CtP solutions, announced today it will preview at PRINT 09 the world's first chemistry free polyester CtP system which includes their new PlateStream CF platesetter and PolyStream CF plate in the Printware booth #6943.
 
Printware's new PolyStream CF plates provide customers with a plate that performs on press like a metal plate for run length and image quality but with lower operating costs more typical of traditional silver-halide polyester plates. The new PolyStream CF plate is based on violet technology and therefore not requiring the use of heavy metals and is finished with only heat and a plate gum.
 
The PlateStream CF platesetter, with an integrated finishing unit, utilizes a high quality internal drum imaging system capable of producing plates from 12" x 18" up to larger (4-up format/A4)
26" x 30" and will provide superior registration accuracy at full production speed.
 
The new Printware chem-free system is designed to meet daily production demands by providing:
- An environmentally friendly solution requiring no chemical processing
- An affordable long run polyester plate capable of producing 30,000+ impressions
- The highest quality (175-200+ lpi) polyester plate in the market
- The flexibility of both portrait and landscape formats (12" to 26" width range)
- +/- 0.0005" registration accuracy across four consecutive drum imaged plates
- An all-in-one platesetter that includes an integrated plate finishing unit
 
Tim Murphy, President of Printware, noted "Research has clearly indicated that our customers have an overwhelming desire to make two major improvements in their prepress operations.  First, they want to become better stewards of the environment by minimizing the chemistry required in their day-to-day operations; and secondly, they continue to look for lower cost alternatives to manage their critical four-color work especially for higher performance, landscape 4-up presses.  Our goal was to develop a ground-breaking chemistry free polyester CtP system with a high quality drum imager and chem-free plate that would deliver on both of these objectives."
 
Murphy further commented, "The PlateStream CF platesetter and PolyStream CF plates are the result of a multi-year effort in the development of a plate and a compatible platesetter that are better for the environment yet still delivers the performance of a metal plate at polyester plate prices".
 
Murphy concluded by stating, "Printware is committed to providing solutions that deliver high performance, lower costs and now, environmental alternatives, which we believe are unsurpassed by any other manufacturer."
 
The PolyStream CF plates have undergone extensive press-room testing and demonstrate a new class of high quality easy-to-use polyester plates designed for more demanding press environments and longer run lengths than traditional polyester plates. This new environmentally friendly approach to polyester platemaking targets the needs of most commercial print operations without the costs of metal CtP solutions.
 
During PRINT 09, Printware will demonstrate for selected customers the practical applications of its eco-friendly automated polyester CtP plate system.
 
Printware products are available directly from Printware or their authorized dealers. For more information about Printware visit www.printwarellc.com, call 800-456-1400 or 651-456-1404 or email us at [email protected].