TEWKSBURY, MA – March 29, 2006 – ECRM Imaging Systems today announced the introduction and launching of an integrated press punch system. The built-in press notch punching option is engineered for MAKO 4matic users with fully automated slip-sheet removal systems. Users can choose from either a Bacher (220 mm and 425 mm) or a Komori punching option (550 mm). This hardware option supports up to 4 different dies, though it can also be disabled on the fly to support non-notching presses. ECRM is exhibiting the new punch system for the first time at the IPEX 2006 show (stand no 07-B44) in Birmingham, England, beginning April 4th. For more information, visit www.ecrm.com. Patent Pending Innovation ECRM’s patent pending system is unique in several different ways. The plate punch employs precision image drives that move the plate, rather than the dies. This allows ECRM to achieve precision accuracy up to +/-10 microns. The plate punch upgrade also allows plates to be punched either in a landscape or portrait orientation. This accommodates both landscape and portrait oriented press owners. The system can also edge register by turning the punch option off. And users can easily load plates manually, in this fully automated system, for one-off plate interruption. The standard option is a two die set, but ECRM is also offering the choice of a 4-die set as well. The punches will accommodate plates with a thickness from 0.15 mm to 0.35 mm (0.0055 to 0.014 inches). A chaff disposal system is also provided for the MAKO 4matic system for capturing the punched aluminum chads for easy disposal. ECRM Quote “Our customers have demonstrated an increasing demand for automation in just about all facets of commercial prepress and press operation,” noted Mark Givens, Vice President, ECRM. “While automation is the goal, today’s workflows require the necessary flexibility to intercept automation and accommodate the one-off or rushed job. This patent-pending approach satisfies these needs by further accelerating plate-production via automation, while ensuring production managers maintain control of the process.” Field Upgradeable Field upgrades can be scheduled for MAKO 4matic SSRs shipped after January 2006. Custom punches and/or configurations are available. Units shipped prior to January 2006 can not be upgraded to include the punching option.