ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. — In a move that not only expands the scope of its computer-to-plate (CTP) solutions but also redefines the large-format plate-making market, Screen (USA) has introduced the industry’s fastest 16-page thermal platesetter. The PlateRite Ultima 16000 incorporates a 512-channel laser diode head based on Grating Light Valve (GLV) imaging technology. The result is a platesetter that delivers high-performance, high-quality CTP production in a format that meets the needs of 16-page presses. With a minimum plate size of 25.6 inches x 21.6 inches and a maximum plate size of 57.9 inches x 45.9 inches, the PlateRite Ultima 16000 can accommodate four-page plates all the way up to the largest 16-page plates. This makes the PlateRite Ultima 16000 the ideal output device for multi-format four-, eight- and 16-page presses. The most productive platesetter in its league, the PlateRite Ultima 16000 can image 23 plates* an hour when outputting 57 x 45-inch plates at 2,400 dpi. Recognizing that a high level of automation is a key factor in maximizing CTP production and user profitability, Screen offers a range of scaleable automated options. The PlateRite Ultima 16000 can be configured with various plate-handling solutions, including inline plate punching, allowing users to choose a system to suit their specific production needs. The standard semiautomatic PlateRite Ultima 16000 system features an inline preload plate delivery table that enables the next plate to be punched and ready to be loaded while a plate is being imaged. After imaging, each plate is automatically unloaded and passed to the online processor. For those requiring automatic and high-capacity plate loading, the PlateRite 16000 features an optional dual-cassette plate autoloader that comes standard with interleaf paper removal. Each cassette can hold up to 100 plates. Users can choose to integrate two dual-cassette systems to provide an impressive 400 plates online to the platesetter. Screen will demonstrate the PlateRite Ultima 16000 in booth #3601 at Graph Expo 2004. * Plate output may vary depending upon the sensitivity of the plate media.