TEWKSBURY, MASSACHUSETTS -- ECRM today announced their planned introduction and launch of the MAKO 800 at the upcoming China Print 2009 exhibition. The MAKO 800 is an 8-up platesetter which offers all the benefits of ECRM 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 be unveiling the MAKO 800 at China Print 2009 Beijing in booth #E2-081. ECRM will also be exhibiting a MAKO NEWsmatic HS plus with a Heights Maya 85P Processor in the booth of their local dealer, The Second Film Factory of Lucky Group (booth #E2-096). China Print 2009 will be held at the New China International Exhibition Center in Beijing from May 12th to the 16th. 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.
 
CHINA PRINT 2009
 
CHINA PRINT, an international printing trade fair, originally sponsored by the Printing and Printing Equipment Industries Association of China (PEIAC) and the China International Exhibition Center Group Corporation (CIEC Group), was established in 1984. Today, the organizers of this quadrennial event are China Print Show Company Limited. CHINA PRINT 2009 will be held from May 12 to 16, 2009 at the New China International Exhibition Center in Beijing. The exhibition will use all halls of this new exhibition ground, occupying a 120,000 square meters of total show area. It is estimated that over 1,000 exhibitors will participate, attracting over 160,000 visitors to attend the event. Growth Beyond Limit is the theme of this years event. This event is authorized by Chinas state department.