SKOKIE, IL -- Great Lakes Graphics, a full-service commercial printer serving the greater Chicago area has completed installation of an eight-up thermal computer-to-plate (CTP) system from ECRM Imaging Systems of Tewksbury, MA. The DesertCat 88 can produce imposed, eight- or four-page digital contract proofs that replicate the actual dot shapes, structures, and color densities that will appear on the final printed piece. When making proofs, the DesertCat 88 images the proofing media, one color at a time, to form a composite, CMYK proof. It offers resolutions of up to 2540 dpi and can image plates or proofs from 20" x 15.8" to 44.5" x 35.4." In addition, the DesertCat 88 images its plates and proofs using the same thermal light source and the same RIP, ensuring consistency between the proof and the final printed piece. In order to ensure the earliest possible implementation of state-of-the-art CTP technology, Great Lakes Graphics traveled to the international Drupa printing exhibition in Germany last May. After analyzing the latest CTP products at Drupa, the company ordered the DesertCat 88 and had it installed and running at their Skokie facilities before the device was introduced in the US. Great Lakes Graphics has been creating customer materials with the DesertCat 88 since September. The company utilizes the device to increase the quality of packaging, brochures, annual reports, posters, and a variety of other printed materials.