KENNESAW, Ga., November 27, 2006 - Heidelberg recently delivered its 1,500th Prosetter violet platesetter to Allegra Print and Imaging in Orlando, Fla. According to Owner/Partner Ken Stoecker, Allegra's addition of the Prosetter P 74 represents the next logical step for the company, which moved to four-color printing three years ago with the installation of a Heidelberg Printmaster PM 52 and plans to expand into the midsize market. "The combination of our Printmaster PM 52 and Prosetter P 74 enable us to meet escalating customer demand for high-quality color in longer run lengths," Stoecker says. "Speed and quality make a big difference to our customers." The new Prosetter replaces an older polyester platesetter, whose limitations required the company to outsource metal plates for longer runs. With the installation of the Prosetter P 74, Allegra now retains more control over its jobs. "We no longer have to outsource metal plates for longer runs because the Prosetter uses longer-lasting metal plates," Stoecker says. "Not only are metal plates more forgiving, but they also print better at higher resolutions." Allegra's Prosetter P 74 is equipped with a Single Cassette Loader and is integrated into a JDF-based prepress workflow with Prinect Printready P, an entry-level system offering automated preflighting, color management and trapping tailored to the needs of smaller printers. At Allegra, the system also includes Prinect MetaDimension RIP and Signa Station imposition software. "We needed sophisticated preflight and imposition software to move our workflow forward," Stoecker says. "Printready P gives us the control we need." Heidelbergs Prosetter series uses violet light and internal drum technology for superior plate production at an attractive price performance ratio. These platesetters also offer customizable internal punching to ensure high registration accuracy. The Prosetter P 74 starts at 20 plates per hour, increasing to 24 with the high-speed version. It supports print formats from the Printmaster QM 46 to the Speedmaster CD 74 and is available with Single Cassette Loader (SCL) or Multi-Cassette Loader (MCL). "It's all automated, once you load the cassette," Stoecker says. With the Prosetter P 74 in place, he adds, "We anticipate an increase in productivity of up to 30 or 40 percent." "The Prosetter series offers small and mid-size commercial printers like Allegra an affordable way to benefit from a fully automated computer-to-plate workflow," says Ray Cassino, director, Prinect and CtP Product Management, Heidelberg USA. "The modular concept means that every model can be field-upgraded to meet customers changing requirements. The system is designed to grow as our customers grow."