HUDSON, N.H., May 4 -- Presstek, Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of environmentally responsible high tech digital imaging solutions for the graphic arts and laser imaging markets, today announced that the A.B. Dick Vector TX52, using the new SureFire laser imaging platform manufactured by Presstek, sets new standards as the first completely integrated thermal metal CTP system with chemistry-free plates. The A.B. Dick Vector TX52, a 2-up (52cm) metal CTP system, will be introduced at Drupa (Hall 3, Stand B52) in Dusseldorf, Germany. Designed, engineered and manufactured by A.B. Dick, the new Vector TX52 CTP features a number of breakthrough technologies, including A.B. Dick's patented ThinDrum(TM) and Presstek's SureFire(TM) imaging. The combination of these two technologies results in a highly productive and economically feasible CTP solution especially well suited to small to mid-size commercial printers. David Ventola, General Manager for Presstek's Off-Press business, heralded the announcement by A.B. Dick Company, "I am extremely proud of this combined achievement by A.B. Dick and Presstek. In a very short time our companies realized that by combining our strengths and experiences, we could break down the barriers holding back many printers from adopting CTP." Ventola added, "A.B. Dick has decades of proven expertise in machine design and enviable success in catering to the small to mid-size commercial print shop. By joining Presstek's new SureFire laser imaging subsystem and proven chemistry-free plate materials with A.B. Dick Company's strong platform and channel, we believe that we have established a new level of price/performance that will make CTP even more compelling to a broader market." The Vector TX52 delivers the smallest overall footprint possible, with the plate washer built directly into the platemaker, rather than as two separate units. The Freedom plate is inserted at the front, imaged, and water-washed inside of the unit before being discharged as a complete, press-ready plate. Ken Newton, A.B. Dick Senior Vice President and COO noted, "The Freedom plate, manufactured by Presstek for A.B. Dick, makes high quality thermal technology available to all printers. Since our introduction in the fall of 2003, our experience with the plate has been exceptional. The low cost Vector TX52 platemaker, using Presstek's SureFire laser technology, is a perfect match with the proven benefits of Freedom metal plates. Affordable thermal metal plate technology will now be available for the 52CM and below market at traditional polyester system prices." Like most new A.B. Dick equipment, the Vector TX52 is compatible with the A.B. Dick's Momentum(TM) workflow. If a customer has a DPM product in the shop, they can use the same RIP and workflow modules such as IKE (Ink Key Estimator), which sets calibrated ink fountains. Visitors to Drupa will be able to see the new Vector TX52 in operation at Hall 3, Stand B52.