April 25, 2005 -- Mitsubishi Imaging’s DPX 4 platesetter brings the cost efficient performance of Silver DigiplateTM polyester plates to printers who run 4-up presses. Developed jointly by Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd. and Esko-Graphics, the DPX 4 produces press-ready plates, up to 26.7" x 29.5", with a minimum of operator intervention. The plates are automatically loaded, punched, exposed, processed, dried and ready for press. “Savvy printers who use 2-up presses have been saving on time, labor and materials for many years now by switching to Silver DigiPlate polyester plates,” says Dr. Hiroshi Tomimasu, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Imaging. “The DPX 4 enables facilities with 4-up equipment to reap the rewards polyester plates provide.” Small Footprint, Big Quality The DPX 4 has a footprint of about 54" x 42", making it a perfect fit for small commercial and in-plant facilities where space is at a premium. But the DPX 4’s compact size doesn’t stop it from delivering high quality results. It utilizes a precision internal imaging drum that spins at 62.5 rpm and a fiber optic red laser, producing spot sizes of 10µ to 26µ. The DPX 4 exposes at any resolution between 1200 and 3000 dpi, automatically and dynamically adjusting the spot size by varying laser intensity and focus. Optimum optical quality and precision reproduction are the results. During operation, the Silver DigiPlate is automatically loaded and positioned in the drum and held in place by a unique vacuum system throughout the exposure, ensuring perfect registration. To complement the platesetter’s capabilities, Mitsubishi Imaging offers an improved matte-backed Silver DigiPlate. Designed for the reproduction of high-resolution 4-up jobs, the improved matte-back Silver DigiPlate provides tighter registration, a high-contrast emulsion for superior tone reproduction, and a high water-retaining capacity to enhance on-press performance. Built for Speed The DPX 4 uses fiber optic cables to transmit each dot directly into its optics. It can output 35 four-up plates per hour at 1200 dpi, or 25 plates per hour at 2540 dpi. What’s more, the precision of the DPX 4’s computer-to-plate workflow produces plates that mount on the press in register. That accelerates pressroom make-readies. Easy Loading, Easy Going The DPX 4 utilizes 200-foot rolls of Silver DigiPlate mounted on a 6-inch core. It automatically cuts the material to fit the job at hand, producing plates ranging in size from 12" x 12" to 26.77" x 29.5". Changing the Silver DigiPlate material is as simple as swapping out the empty core for a fresh roll. The DPX 4 load system features two media compartments, one of which is optional. That allows the use of different width plates for feeding various presses. A new auto-centering system ensures precise placement of new media on the shaft every time a new roll is loaded. The plate material is punched with a built-in Bacher 425mm punch system, then exposed and cut to size. Field upgrades to a Bacher 220mm, a Komori 550mm and/or a custom punch are available. Up to three punch configurations can be available on-line at the same time. The CTP Flow The new polyester platesetter offers a choice of front-end connections, including complete RipMate and EFI OneFlow workflows. Both options are equipped with the new DotManager control interface, which makes the DPX 4 simple to learn and run, and provides real-time processor status. Automated Processing The DPX 4 utilizes a built-in twin-bath processor, consisting of a temperature controlled activator tank and a stabilizer tank. Both have sensors for controlling the chemistry level and active replenishment. This ensures that the correct concentration of new chemistry is automatically available for the precise activation of the polyester plate. A 30-liter waste container collects spent chemistry and alerts the operator when full. A built-in pump makes draining safe and easy. The processor is mounted on wheels so it can be easily rolled out, giving full access for maintenance and chemistry refills. “With run lengths getting shorter and print pricing getting tighter, Silver DigiPlate polyester plates provide printers with a much needed competitive edge,” Dr. Tomimasu notes. “The 4-up capabilities of the DPX 4 will let a whole new market segment capitalize on that advantage.”