Presstek, Inc., a leading supplier of digital offset printing solutions to the printing and communications industries, today announced that it is featuring PearlDry Blue, a next generation waterless thermal printing plate, at drupa 2012, scheduled for May 3-16, 2012 at Messe Dusseldorf. Presstek is located in Hall 4 Stand 4B03 at the show.

"PearlDry Blue extends the benefits of previous generations of Presstek's waterless plate technology by offering superior on-press performance and enhanced imaging characteristics," said Axel Thien, Presstek's President of Europe/Africa/Middle East Region. "This new plate will provide an opportunity for us to gain market share in the European waterless printing market, especially within the newspaper segment, where chemistry-free platemaking has not yet been widely adopted. Utilization of waterless printing already delivers many advantages. By combining those with the cost, efficiency and environmental benefits of true chemistry-free platemaking, printers can enhance their operations even more, this is especially critical in today's highly competitive marketplace."

PearlDry Blue Plates PearlDry Blue is a true chemistry-free plate that can be imaged on 830nm thermal CTP systems from a range of manufacturers. Its fast and efficient imaging allows qualified thermal CTP systems to operate at maximum speed. PearlDry Blue provides daylight handling and operation for up to 8 hours. The non-ablative plate requires only a simple water wash after imaging. No chemistry, baking or gum is required. It outputs resolution of 1% to 99% dots at 200 lpi (80 l/cm), and stochastic (FM) screening is easily handled. The plate is rated for run lengths up to 100,000 impressions and is ideal for both web and sheetfed applications.

Thien adds, "This enhanced plate is designed to appeal to printers currently utilizing waterless printing technology. PearlDry Blue offers users the opportunity to realize the benefits of waterless printing and at the same time utilize a true chemistry-free platemaking system. Successful testing has been completed on KBA Cortina presses at several European sites in conjunction with our partner Illies Graphik."