KENNESAW, Ga., October 29, 2007 – Heidelberg USA today announces the launch of its new Saphira Thermoplate PN plate technology, a positive-working offset aluminum plate designed especially for the Suprasetter line of computer-to-plate (CtP) devices.
“The Saphira Thermoplate PN plate is designed for 8-up Suprasetter customers who are looking for the highest quality plate,” said Don Rogers, manager of product management, consumables, Heidelberg USA. “It supports FM and Hybrid screening up to 400 lines per inch, producing extremely high resolution day in and day out.” 
Available in 6, 8 and 12-gauge thicknesses, Saphira Thermoplate PN does not require pre-heating, is UV ink compatible and is highly resistant to pressroom chemistries. The plate is capable of more than 500,000 runs without baking, and more than one million impressions when baked. The new plate delivers fidelity for 1 – 99% at 200 lpi, 20 micron FM and up to 400 lpi 20 micron Hybrid screening.
The Brandt Company, a general commercial printer in Davenport, Iowa, has been using the Saphira Thermoplate PN plates in a controlled release for the past three months, and is reporting strong results.
“We’re running 350 hybrid screening and the plates are producing incredible image sharpness,” said Marc Brandt, The Brandt Company president. “They work with the Suprasetter’s imaging engine better than any other plates we’ve tried.”
Saphira Thermoplate PN plates support a wide range of sheetfed commercial printing applications and provide press operators with fast roll-up with excellent ink and water balance. They boost productivity by running at the maximum Suprasetter speeds. Designed with a patented two-layer coating technology, PN plates can be handled in normal white-light conditions.
To offer customers the broadest set of options for their CtP needs, Heidelberg provides an extensive line of thermal plate offerings, including both Violet and Thermal CtP plates.  The Saphira Thermoplate PN is the newest addition to Heidelberg’s plate portfolio for the Suprasetter line, which also includes the Saphira Chemfree, Saphira Thermoplate PA and Saphira Thermoplate NA plates.
Saphira Thermoplate PN plates can be ordered along with other Heidelberg Consumables online at http://www.us.heidelberg.com.  In addition to plates, Heidelberg offers a full range of consumables, such as film, contract proofing paper, blankets and other press room supplies.  All Heidelberg Consumables are selected and certified in conjunction with the world's leading consumables manufacturers.