HANOVER PARK, Ill., February 2004 – San Diego-based Press Plus, Inc. recently installed a complete computer-to-plate system, going from zero prepress to a full line of prepress capabilities and services, with the help of Enovation Graphic Systems, Inc. “We decided to do it to stay competitive and to be able to offer something a little different,” explains Arthur Hill, president of Press Plus, Inc. “And, the quickness and turnaround that we were going to be able to achieve with CTP was a big advantage. “We started from a vacuum frame and an analog proofer and went totally digital,” adds Hill. As part of the company’s prepress overhaul, Press Plus installed a Fujifilm 4-page Saber violet laser platesetter, a Fujifilm PictroProof digital proofer, an Epson 9600 and an Epson 9600 VersaProof, a Rampage workflow, server, three Macs and one PC and a Hewlett-Packard black-and-white printer. “We spent about nine or ten months looking at different equipment and ended up deciding to go with Fujifilm,” he says. “It’s a little more environmentally-friendly and that’s something we’re concerned with. We’ve always been proactive in finding new ways to be more environmentally-friendly and we wanted to make sure and keep that in mind when we were installing this new equipment.” Plates used with Fujifilm’s Saber violet laser platesetter, Fujifilm’s Brillia LP-NV plates, do not contain any silver, simplifying compliance with various state and local environmental regulations. The Brillia LP-NV photopolymer plate is a high-speed photopolymer plate and is rated at 200,000 impressions and will hold halftone dots ranging from 2% to 98%. Another advantage to the Saber violet laser platesetter is the speed. “Overall it’s been wonderful,” Hill comments. “We’ve been able to promise our customers virtually anything. If they bring their material in my 10 a.m., they can see a proof by 4 p.m. that afternoon. If they’re in by 4 p.m., they’re able to review a proof by 10 a.m. the next morning. That’s a big advantage for them.” Hill says that’s also resulted in easier scheduling in the pressroom. “We’re not losing so much time on the front end and then having to make it up in the pressroom,” he explains. “If you’ve got three days to do a job, we’re no longer having to spend one or two of them just trying to get a proof.” Additionally, the Fujifilm PictroProof requires no chemistry, inks or toners – only distilled water – and eliminates any concern over silver halides. The two-page PictroProof is a two-page digital contone proofer with an ultrafast output speed – only 93 seconds for the first proof – and high-quality color results. Press Plus is a medium-sized commercial printer, the 11th largest in San Diego, and boasts six color presses as well as digital printing capabilities. The company’s been in business since 1991 and has maintained an unwavering dedication to quality and service since the doors first opened. That includes a dedication to Press Plus’ customers as well as to the graphic arts industry. Hill is a longtime member in several industry organizations and was recently honored with the Ben Franklin Award by the Printing Industries Association of San Diego (PIA-SD) for his 22 years of service and contribution to the graphic arts.