TEWKSBURY, MASSACHUSETTS -- ECRM today announced the North American launch of the MAKO 800 at the upcoming PRINT 2009 exhibition (Chicago, September 11-16). The MAKO 800 is an 8-up platesetter which offers all the benefits of the companys flatbed violet imaging technology with new ECRM patented enhanced imaging optics. ECRM, which has timed the launch with an expected industry-wide demand for 8-up platesetter replacements, will unveil the MAKO 800 in their PRINT 2009 booth (#6524).
 
At the show, ECRM will be demonstrating the enhanced quality of the MAKO 800 by showing high-quality commercially printed samples of traditional screened pages (200 lpi with AM screening), stochastic screened output (15 micron), and pages using hybrid screening. Each will highlight the quality easily generated with ECRM patented flatbed violet laser imaging. For more information about ECRM and their offerings, go to www.ecrm.com.  
 
An Aging 8-Up Thermal Market
According to a State Street Consultants report (March 2007), there is an increasing and significant shift towards a developing replacement market for currently installed metal CTP equipment. According to the report, demand for replacement systems is expected to grow by more than 20% between now and 2012, with the total installed base to grow by 40% over a six year span (from 2006 to 2012). The report also indicates that the replacement demand will increase 71% in the year 2012. With the many advantages of ECRMs patented flatbed violet laser imaging technology (lower total cost of ownership, greater reliability of lasers and imaging units, and superior energy efficiency), the MAKO 800 is now primed to become the ideal replacement option.
 
Analyst Quote
The replacement market for larger platesetters is big and is only going to grow in the next few years, as older systems become increasingly unable to image newer plate technologies, notes Andy Tribute, Managing Partner, Attributes Associates. One of the critical hurdles for commercial printers has always been a perceived quality issue favoring thermal technology. The truth is that violet plate imaging has advanced enough to eliminate this issue for all plate imaging up to a 300 line screen. This represents approximately 98% of typical commercial printing.
 
Tribute goes on to say that, with the quality issue for all intent and purpose eliminated, violet is an attractive option for the 8-up space. The advantages for violet plate imaging begin simply enough with cost. Violet platesetters are usually 25% to 30% less expensive. Add to this the productivity gains of flatbed technology, and violet CTP is ideal for todays cost-conscious printer. I believe ECRM makes the only 8-up flatbed violet system.