HUDSON, N.H., April 7 -- Presstek, Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of environmentally responsible high tech digital imaging solutions for the graphic arts and laser imaging markets, announced that, effective immediately, ABDick will begin selling Presstek's innovative Dimension Excel CTP systems and chemistry-free plates. "Smaller commercial printers and in-plant organizations are investing in CTP in greater numbers than ever before," said Susan McLaughlin, President of ABDick North America. "ABDick is a full service provider offering equipment, service, and consumables to these markets. By adding Presstek's Dimension Excel CTP systems and chemistry-free plates to our product portfolio, we are able to better support these customers as they transition to digital workflows. And, by offering a broader range of system formats, price points, and productivity levels, we are positioned to serve a larger segment of the market than we have traditionally been able to address." Presstek Dimension Excel CTP systems are available in both standard and high-productivity configurations. The four new Dimension Excel models include: * Dimension225 Excel, a two-page platemaker featuring semi-automatic plate loading and unloading, and plate production at up to 11 plates per hour. This model is field upgradeable to the Dimension425 Excel. * Dimension425 Excel, a four-page platemaker with semi-automatic plate loading and unloading, plate production up to 11 plates per hour, and a larger image size than previous models. * Dimension250 Excel, a two page high-productivity platemaking system featuring automated loading with plate pre-staging. This allows an upgrade path to full automation when the Dimension is equipped with an automated plate handling system (output conveyor/wash unit/stacker). An optional automated plate loading system for unattended operation is scheduled to be available in the second half of 2005. The Dimension250 Excel supports platemaking at up to 17 plates per hour and is field upgradeable to a Dimension450 Excel. * Dimension450 Excel, a four page high-productivity version of the Dimension250 Excel. The new Dimension450 Excel features a larger image size than previous models. All Presstek Dimension Excel models feature a small footprint that is ideal for smaller shops. ABDick will offer the systems with an annual maintenance service agreement. Dimension Excel CTP systems are optimized for Presstek's Anthem, Applause, and PearlDry chemistry-free thermal plates. These and other consumables can easily be purchased through ABDick's on line store at http://www.shop.abdick.com/. "One of the key challenges facing smaller printers in today's market is the need to extract cost from print production operations in order to better meet competitive market challenges," said McLaughlin. "These high-productivity Dimension Excel systems are designed to bring new levels of productivity to ABDick customers by delivering up to 17 high-resolution plates an hour. Combined with the elimination of chemistry-related costs, these new systems are a win/win for our customers and for the industry at large."