basysPrint will introduce its new family of Computer-to-Plate (CtP) UV platesetters for the digital exposure of VLF UV-sensitive offset printing plates at drupa 2012, taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany from May 3-16, 2012. Comprising three models, Manual (M), Semi-Automatic (SA) and Automatic (MCA), the new VLF series is capable of exposing plates of up to 1485mm x 2100mm (58 x 82 inches) in size. Each model is also equipped with the new flEXpo (Flexible Exposure) option, a unique method of exposing plates in a much more efficient way. Incorporating state-of-art optical modules, the new VLF family also delivers unsurpassed exposure quality with resolutions of up to 2400dpi.

Flexibility was at the heart of the design specification of basysPrint's new family of VLF CtP platesetters. Capable of exposing plates from 200mm x 200mm (7.8 x 7.8 inches) right up to 1485mm x 2100mm (58 x 82 inches), the new VLF family is the only product on the market capable of handling this range of plate sizes. The new flEXpo (Flexible Exposure) functionality, available as an option on the VLF manual version, offers customers the possibility of loading and unloading one 8-up plate (or smaller) while simultaneously imaging another 8-up (or smaller) plate. This new flexibility significantly improves productivity on the shop floor. The new VLF series offers customers the choice of exposure resolutions of 1500dpi or 2400dpi.

Choice of models to meet every need

The new VLF Series is ideal for print companies with very high plate consumption. It comes in three models. The VLF M is the entry level model where loading and unloading is a manual operation. Next in the series is the VLF SA model, where loading is manual and unloading is automatic. The unloading operation takes place on the left side of the platesetter in this model. The top-of-line model is the VLF MCA which offers automatic loading and unloading of the plates. With the possibility of having 4 different plate sizes on-line, the VLF MCA is the ideal solution for unattended and uninterrupted plate handling. In this model, the unloading takes place on the right side. The automation modules can be retrofitted directly on site to upgrade an existing system.

The system can store up to 320 single plates (format up to 1485 x 2100 mm, thickness 0.4 mm) or 800 dual-loaded plates (two plates in 8-page format, thickness 0.3 mm) as the basis for continuous unattended operation. MCA selects the appropriate plate format for the job in hand, removes the slip paper and transports the plates to the exposure unit.

Reliable registration

The new VLF series comes equipped with three-point alignment and/or an integrated punch to provide fast, reliable and register-accurate, customer-specific punching of the plates before exposure.

Flatbed design offers opportunity for multiple cross-applications

Just like the new Series 460x and Series 860x UV-Setters, the new basysPrint VLF platform offers unmatched substrate flexibility.

In addition to imaging UV plates for offset printing, customers can use the new platform to image coating plates for spot varnish printing, photo-engraving magnesium or copper plates of thicknesses up to 10 mm (4 inches) for hot-foil stamping or embossing, screen meshes for all kinds of screen printing applications, and even dies for flexible die-cutting.

UV-plate technology: offering a host of benefits

As with all basysPrint UV-Setters, the VLF Series offer all of the standard benefits of UV-plate technology. These include a stable, easy-to-maintain process with wide processing tolerances ensuring the consistency of exposure quality. The chemistry used in the processor has an extremely long lifetime - in some cases more than three times longer compared to digital plates. UV plates are known for their high run-length stability, even without baking. The chemistry used to process UV plates is ecologically friendly as it is a low alkali, soap-like solution which can be poured down the drain. In addition, the chemistry consumption can be as low as 20 to 50 ml/m².

All of basysPrint's UV-Setters have been developed respecting the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) standards so there is no use of heavy metals, silicones or other hazardous components.

Using the very best of industrial components and keeping energy efficiency in mind, basysPrint's UV-Setters are unique when it comes to energy consumption - only 2.3 kWh compared to 8 kWh or more, for thermal systems.

Freedom to choose plate type

Since the UV-Setters operate in the 405 nanometer wavelength range, operators are free to choose which UV-sensitive offset printing plates they wish to use. Over 60 plates from over 15 suppliers are already tested and approved with the new VLF series.

Come and learn more about the new VLF platesetters at drupa 2012

Customers visiting the basysPrint booth at drupa 2012 will have the opportunity to learn more about basysPrint's new VLF series of CtP UV platesetters. Drupa 2012 takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from May 3-16, 2012. basysPrint will exhibit in Hall 8A Booth B44.