HUDSON, N.H., Feb. 22 -- Presstek, Inc., a leading manufacturer and marketer of high-tech digital imaging solutions for the graphic arts market, today announced the first Presstek-branded Direct Imaging (DI) press, the Presstek 52DI, which will make its worldwide debut in Birmingham UK at IPEX 2006 from April 4th to 11th. "The new Presstek 52DI is a huge step forward in digital offset printing. It is not only the highest performing and most advanced two-page direct imaging press in the market but, by truly capturing the value of DI and zero transfer printing technology, this may be the best two-page press ever," said Edward J. Marino, Presstek President and Chief Executive Officer. Presstek's Vice President of Marketing Peter Bouchard said, "The 52DI is designed to be among the most efficient and profitable presses ever brought to market in the 52cm landscape-format size. The press is designed to efficiently produce the lowest cost per page for print runs of 250 to 10,000, while maintaining its cost advantage into much longer run lengths. We believe the level of speed, quality, ease-of-use, and productivity of the 52DI is a breakthrough for commercial printers and will have a very positive impact on shops that implement this new press." Bouchard continued, "The new Presstek 52DI press once again raises the bar. The press prints at speeds up to 10,000 sheets per hour on a wide range of substrates. The press is designed to deliver perfect first-sheet registration. Unlike conventional presses, where registration is challenged by the substrate being transferred from tower to tower, the 52DI achieves perfect registration through Presstek's unique Zero Transfer Printing (ZTP) process. With ZTP, all four colors are laid down onto the sheet without any sheet transfer between colors." "We believe that the Presstek 52DI press will better accommodate European print provider requirements," added Quen Baum, Presstek Europe's managing director. "Its sheet size assures compatibility with the European market in a press with a small footprint. It is designed to be just what the European market has been asking for." The Presstek 52DI press will be available for sale in Europe commencing at IPEX April 4th, and will be available in the U.S. later this year. Marino concluded, "With demands increasing, customers will now be able to take advantage of the growing market for high-quality, fast-turnaround, short- run superior color. The Presstek 52DI press is designed to enable printers to capitalize on a growth market, increasing the volume of business from existing customers, as well as positioning them to acquire new customers who are seeking these differentiated services. We believe the Presstek 52DI is the best press available today to meet the needs of this fast growing market." Personal demonstrations of the Presstek 52DI press at IPEX can be scheduled by visiting http://www.Presstek.com/events. For more information visit http://www.presstek.com, or email: [email protected], or call in North America 603-595-7000, or in Europe call +44 20 8745 8000.