HUDSON, N.H., Jan. 12 -- 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 the achievement of a number of important milestones in 2004 that position the company as the market leader in the small format offset market. Long recognized as a graphic arts pioneer through the delivery of innovative digital and chemistry-free technologies, Presstek and its products are now clearly in the mainstream with the announcement of 2004's achievements. "Fiscal 2004 was quite a year for Presstek," said Edward J. Marino, President and CEO. "Not only did we complete two strategic acquisitions -- A.B.Dick Company and Precision Lithograining -- but 2004 also saw our installed base reach critical mass, confirming our technology leadership position in the small format market." 500th Dimension Series Chemistry-Free CTP System Shipped In 2004, Presstek shipped its 500th Dimension Series chemistry-free CTP system. Dimension Series systems have been installed in both North America and internationally, in in-plant, commercial print and quick print establishments. The latest Dimension Excel CTP systems use Presstek's process-free Applause plates and chemistry-free Anthem plates. Based on Presstek's award-winning ProFire Excel imaging technology, Dimension Excel platesetters produce extremely high quality plates with less operator intervention thanks to a new load-ahead plate pre-staging feature. Presstek's General Manager of Off-Press Products, David Ventola, said, "Presstek pioneered chemistry-free CTP imaging in the graphic arts, and it is very rewarding to see the Dimension Series reach such a milestone. I am looking forward to bringing this efficient, economical, and environmentally responsible solution to an even broader market." Over 450 ProFire-Based DI Presses Installed Also in 2004, Presstek grew the installed base of its ProFire and ProFire Excel enabled direct imaging (DI) presses to over 450. This new generation of DI presses has experienced exceptional market acceptance due to its small footprint, ease of use and high quality-supporting up to 300 line per inch imaging and stochastic screening. "Customers are telling us that the ProFire enabled presses from Ryobi, KBA, and KPG are delivering high profits. With the 300 line screen and FM output capabilities of the new ProFire Excel presses, we have further expanded this margin opportunity for our customers," said Peter Bouchard, Presstek's General Manager for On-Press Systems. "The new presses' capabilities and strengthened channel partner performance continue to expand the market opportunity for Presstek's ProFire enabled presses." More than 3,500 ABDick DPM Units Sold The award winning ABDick Digital PlateMaster (DPM) product line will be ten years old in September 2005. As technology has advanced over that time, so has the DPM, from the original DPM2000 to the latest Digital PlateMaster 34 SC/HSC, an easy-to-use, high-resolution platesetter designed for use with small-format portrait presses. This affordable direct-to-plate solution features a fully integrated Harlequin RIP and internal polyester plate processor. Stu Gallup, ABDick's Director of Digital Systems, said, "For the last ten years, we have focused on bringing the ease of use and quality improvements that go with CTP to the small format printer. In so doing, we have always kept an eye on producing an affordable solution for our customers that is easy to use. The fact that we have sold more than 3,500 units worldwide in that time shows that the market agrees with our approach. Now that we are a Presstek company, we look forward to leveraging other technologies to bring even more solutions to our target market." "It is certainly safe to say that 2004 was a pivotal year for Presstek," concluded Presstek's Marino. "The company has reached important milestones that establish us as a leader in the small format offset market. We are committed to continuing to deliver innovative, high-tech products into a broader base of printing establishments as they migrate to a more digital model."