MIAMI -- ECRM today announced that they are imaging the first available violet chemistry-free plates at the Graphics of the Americas trade show in Miami Beach. Since 2005, ECRM has promoted its vision that for all the inherent benefits for printers, violet laser imaging technology would be the future of CTP. In conjunction with Agfas much anticipated release of their :N92-VCF chemistry-free plate, ECRM is imaging this new plate live on the MAKO NEWSmatic platesetter in their GOA booth. The exhibit marks the first live demonstration of violet chemistry-free workflow in the Americas.
 
ECRM is also demonstrating WorkMates, a complete workflow solution for small to mid-sized commercial printers. In addition, newspaper publishers looking for a digital prepress solution can see WorkMates NEWS demonstrated in the ECRM booth (#978). ECRM also announced that their authorized Caribbean dealer Intergraph (booth #974) will be demonstrating the MAKO 4x platesetter and will be imaging live on the floor. The GOA 2009 show is being held at the Miami Beach Convention Center from February 26-28, 2009. For more information about ECRM and their offerings, go to www.ecrm.com.
 
ECRM Quote
 
For many printers and publishers, the availability of violet chemistry-free plates is a critical breakthrough which finally enables them to take advantage of the ecological and economical benefits of violet computer-to-plate production, notes ECRM Latin American Business Manager Ed Millhorn. We have been prepared for this day since 2005. Our patented flatbed violet laser imaging technology has been honed to maximize the quality and productivity benefits of violet chemistry-free plates, while ensuring maximum cost and energy efficiencies. Were proud to have been chosen by Agfa for this historic introduction, and we view this as further validation of our status as the leader in violet laser imaging for CTP.
 
ECRM Platesetters: Engineered Green
 
For years, ECRM has engineered their violet CTP platesetters to be both economical and energy-efficient. For example, the MAKO CTP platesetters are designed to draw as little energy as it takes to light three 100-watt light bulbs. In an internal research study comparing various CTP offerings (based on product rating label, using lowest rated voltage and rated current), the MAKO platesetters were as much as 19 times more energy-efficient than some popular thermal CTP solutions.
 
The low-energy draw of ECRM platesetters can be attributed to its basic design, notes ECRM product engineering manager Dave Connor. Flatbed violet laser imaging technology has major advantages when compared to thermal drum designs. Many thermal systems require an external drum to spin up [and spin down] for each plate. This is inherently inefficient. Flatbed imaging technology allows the plate to be loaded onto the platen and imaged directly. The energy required to move the plate during imaging is but a small fraction of what it takes to start and stop a drum."
 
ECRM Offerings at GOA 2009
 
      MAKO 4x: The MAKO 4x is one of the first violet CTP devices in the world that offers customers a clear path for moving to chemistry-free plate imaging technology, when available. As a next generation product, the MAKO 4x represents the highest quality imaging output that ECRM has ever offered. Allowing a transition to a chemistry-free plate technology means that the MAKO 4x is future-proof, enabling customers to be ready to take advantage of those efficiencies achievable in cost and time savings, while still capable of imaging conventional violet plates.
 
      WorkMates: WorkMates 3.0, an entry-level workflow solution that has been expanded with six new optional production tools. The six new tools include TrapMate, CIPMate, ScreenMate, ProofMate, ColorMate, and ICCMate. Added to the original four WorkMates production tools, users can now choose from 10 different options to accelerate and automate tasks. There isnt a more affordable workflow solution to address these basic prepress needs. What customers like is that WorkMates is scalable, enabling printers to add modules as needed. WorkMates simplifies digital prepress issues and increases efficiency through significantly reduced prepress, make-ready and production times.
 
      MAKO NEWSmatic: The fully automated MAKO NEWSmatic provides enhanced levels of simplicity, versatility and economy. Its the ideal transition to unattended CTP production for newspapers. Optimized plate handling allows high-production performance of over 60 broadsheet plates per hour at 1270 dpi, while a straight-through plate path eliminates complex load/unload cycles. Ideal for all popular single-width newspaper presses (from Berliner to Goss), the MAKO NEWSmatic accommodates the widest range of web widths up to a maximum format of 635mm x 927mm (25 x 36.5).
 
      WorkMates NEWS: WorkMates NEWS is a complete, truly-open newspaper workflow solution that allows publishers to process PDF, PostScript, TIFF, PDF/X-1A, PDF/X-3, EPS, DCS, or DCS2 files, and is compatible with all standard models of prepress equipment. Working through hot folders or printing directly from the Apple or PC workstation, production managers can ROOM (RIP Once Output Many) while effortlessly creating, capturing, and outputting production pages to either a platesetter or imagesetter. WorkMates NEWS also enables production managers to automate defined tasks, while accelerating productivity. Its easily expandable, inexpensive, and user-friendly, allowing for fast implementation.