Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is expanding the entry-level segment for thermal printing plate production with high-performance versions for the Suprasetter A52 and Suprasetter A75. With this new generation, Suprasetter customers in the small and medium format sector will be able to increase productivity by up to 58 percent depending on the machine configuration.

With two throughput speeds to choose from, the systems can be converted to the faster plate throughput speed at a later date if required. As of now, the Suprasetter A52 is available with a throughput speed of either 20 or 27 plates per hour, and the Suprasetter A75 with a speed of 17 or 22 plates per hour. All models are also available with an optional auto top loader (ATL). In this configuration, they have a footprint of no more than 2.6 square meters. Users will now be able to respond more flexibly to changes in production conditions without having to invest in an entirely new CtP system.

All models can also be fully integrated into the Prinect printshop workflow. A comprehensive Systemservice package is also included in the scope of delivery.

Suprasetter entry-level models protect the environment
Compared to competitors' systems, the entry-level models of the Suprasetter series demonstrate above-average environmental credentials. Consuming 0.7 kilowatts per hour, the Suprasetter A52/A75 requires around five times less power and generates around five times less waste heat than comparable models from other manufacturers. As a result, there is often no need for an air conditioning system. Combined with the low power consumption, this generates savings of around EUR 2,700 per year compared to competitors' systems in the same market segment, and also protects the environment. As these machines are not generally sensitive to fluctuations in humidity - which can lie between 30 and 70 percent - there is often no need for an additional, energy-intensive air humidification system. All Suprasetter models can be operated using conventional and also chemical-free printing plates from the Saphira consumables range from Heidelberg.

Over 3,000 Suprasetter systems already installed
Since Suprasetter technology was launched on the market at drupa 2004, Heidelberg has already installed over 3,000 systems with this in-house laser technology.

The series began with the Suprasetter 75 and 105 models for the medium and large formats. The hallmark of these models was their modularity in terms of the potential they offered for automation. 2006 saw the introduction of the small Suprasetter A52 and A75 models, allowing smaller and medium-sized commercial printshops to gain a foothold in the high-quality thermal printing plate production segment while enjoying an attractive price/performance ratio. At drupa 2008, Heidelberg enhanced the top end of its portfolio by introducing the Suprasetter 145, 162, and 190 models for the very large format.

Figure: Heidelberg is boosting the productivity of its Suprasetter entry-level models considerably and also making them available in a variety of speeds.