ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. - The PlateRite FX1524, Screen's large-format flexo computer-to-plate (CTP) recorder, will be presented in the Screen (USA) booth at Print '09.

The PlateRite FX1524 streamlines processing and improves print quality for a wide range of flexo printing applications, including labels, flexible packages, cartons and corrugated cardboard packages. Equipped with an innovative high-output exposure head, this advanced CTP system handles flexo plates, letterpress plates and thermal ablative film up to 42 x 60 inches.

The PlateRite FX1524 is compatible with plates from a range of manufacturers. What's more, the easy-loading mechanism securely mounts large-size flexo plates, increasing prepress efficiency and productivity.

The PlateRite FX1524 features a 64-channel laser imaging head and newly developed screening technology. It can image at resolutions of 2,400 dpi or 2540 dpi. A high-resolution option enables imaging at 4,000 dpi. The platesetter images flexo plates at a maximum speed of 43.05 square feet (4 square meters) per hour.

Flexo Dot halftone dots for flexo and letterpress printing
In contrast to the conventional halftone dot made up of a single dot, Flexo Dot features a minimum halftone dot size of several dots. This novel approach applies a reinforcing pattern to the base halftone dot shape. This makes relief patterns in the highlight areas more consistent. The minimum halftone dot shape can be selected from three available types to produce the required gradations, from extreme highlights to the darkest shadows.

PageFit Flexo layout software
PageFit Flexo efficiently positions screened 1-bit TIFF data on the resin plate. Layout can be carried out automatically or using a drag-and-drop method. Fine adjustments can be made to the positioning of data after the initial positioning is complete. The operator can check the positioning on screen in real time, which reduces waste during platemaking by preventing the output of incorrect plates.

To learn more about Screen's diverse range of digital solutions, visit booth #6100 at Print '09, September 11-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago.