• Continued drive towards offset efficiencies and environmental responsibility
• New "Emerald" plate range includes:
• World's first UV low chemistry plate
• Process-less thermal plate

CRON is adding two new plates to its portfolio at drupa. They are the result of continued investment in plate production which saw two new production lines opened in 2015. The new plates, sold under the Blackwood brand, are designed to not only improve efficiency but also enhance profitability, whilst enabling a higher level of environmental responsibility.

New – Emerald-UV low chemistry plate

The new Blackwood Emerald UV plate is unique. It minimises the consumption of chemicals and water for UV exposed plates. With a simple 'wash out' bath, plates are press ready in seconds and exhibit perfect dot reproduction from 1-98% for either stochastic screening (20 micron) or conventional screening up to 200 dpi. Run length is up to 50,000 impressions without baking (20,000 for UV ink).

The developing solution of the 'wash out' bath is non-toxic and non-corrosive. The plate will be available in the second half of 2016.

New – Emerald-TP process-less thermal plate

The new Blackwood Emerald-TP thermal plate is compatible with all thermal platesetters and requires no processing or post-image washout. Mounted directly on the press after imaging, it delivers exceptional printing characteristics with a tonal range of 1-99% in both conventional (200 dpi) and stochastic screening (20 micron), fast run up, minimum dampening solution and low carbon footprint. Run length is up to 150,000 impressions without baking. The plate will be available in the early part of 2017.

"CRON's investment in plate technologies is intended to position us as one of the foremost suppliers in the world," says Mike Xiang, CEO and Founder. Using the latest technology from Germany, we now runs two parallel lines which incorporate stringent data collection and management control systems to monitor a multitude of plate production characteristics. With samples taken for imaging tests every ten minutes and an automatic rejection system for defects, customers can be sure of ultimate quality and reliability from all of our Blackwood range of plates."