Colour Chiefs pioneer remote network production in Queensland

Two new Creo Lotem 800 II platesetters, linked through Prinergy, provide an innovative facilities management initiative for Platypus Graphics and Print Craft in Queensland.

The platesetters are owned and operated by two joint venture companies, with co-owner Colour Chiefs providing the technical skills and prepress experience while the respective printing companies continue to generate their own print business. The result is a go-ahead industry strategy that sees the printers and the prepress house concentrating on their core expertise, while forming secure alliances and gaining production efficiencies.

The first of the new Lotem 800 II’s was installed at PrintCraft in January, while the second is due to replace the existing Trendsetter at Paltypus Graphics in the near future. The two remote facilities are linked to Colour Chief’s main prepress hub by high-speed microwave communication for transmission of data.

The Print Craft Lotem 800 ll is an upgrade for a Trendsetter that has successfully operated in remote network production mode between the two companies for more than a year and a half. The Trendsetter will be brought into Colour Chief’s own premises where it will continue to output plates for the trade.

The CTP engines are linked by Creo Prinergy Networked Production. This allows Colour Chief’s operational experts to keep tabs on the operation of the remote sites, ready to intervene if required.

According to Matt Naughton, managing director, Colour Chiefs, this form of remote network printing is a logical extension of the prepress company’s operation.

““Printers often see prepress as a necessary evil, where we still see it as an extension of the creative process that requires a completely different set of skills. This way we continue to provide them with high quality printing plates and they are secure in having their own platesetter on site,” he said.

The facilities management initiative is part of Colour Chief’s continuing diversification of its operations in the face of the radical changes affecting the prepress industry. This includes the recent acquisition of a HP Indigo 1000.

Lotem 800 ll

The Lotem 800 II is the newest member of the renowned Lotem family of platesetters. It offers the full complement of Lotem features, including advanced automation, productivity and speed, optional digital halftone proofing and Staccato FM screening. In addition, it can grow with your business and be seamlessly upgraded to the Lotem 800 Quantum, delivering unmatched process control, automatic temperature compensation and 10 micron FM screening.

Thermal imaging for quality and convenience

Thermally imaged plates show superior results on press compared to conventionally exposed plates, and enable longer run lengths. Thermal plates, which are available from a large number of vendors, do not require a darkroom, making plate-handling efficient and convenient. In addition, thermal imaging enables additional CTP applications, such as digital halftone proofing, and support for chemical-free plates.


Choice of speed and resolution for greater productivity

The Lotem 800 II offers three speeds to suit your productivity needs, delivering up to 25 plates per hour. This versatile platesetter is also available in your choice of either 2400 dpi or 2540 dpi resolution.


Full automation enhances productivity and saves costs

The fully automatic sequence of the Lotem 800 produces press-ready plates without your intervention. Automation features include:

• Plate loading and unloading to inline processor



• Slip-sheet removal and disposal



• Inline punch, customized to automatically punches plates according to the press profile selected on the workflow system



• Plates are also automatically mounted on the drum for imaging and automatically unloaded directly into an optional inline processor

Optional inline punch assures precise registration

Inline punching, and imaging relative to the punch, assure precise image-to-punch and plate-to-plate registration. You can configure your Lotem 800 II to punch plates for just about any commercial press: 240 different punch heads are available to cover most punching requirements (single, dual, and triple punches), and up to nine punches can be installed and individually operated.


Single Cassette Unit provides standard automated loading

The Single Cassette Unit holds up to 100 plates with slip-sheets, for extended unattended operation. Dual Loading Cassette option boosts efficiency and productivity

The Dual Loading Cassette provides the flexibility of using two different plate sizes. The main tray holds up to 60 plates of one size, while the upper tray holds up to 10 plates of a different size. This option is ideal for printers with multiple press sizes, and for remakes or last-minute jobs requiring quick turnaround.
The Dual Loading Cassette also supports Spectrum digital halftone proofing. Proofing media are placed in the upper tray, and plates in the main loading tray.



Multi-Cassette Unit for unattended plate production reduces labour costs

The Multi-Cassette Unit has a 500-plate capacity, supporting up to five different plate sizes. Each of its five cassettes holds up to 100 plates with slip-sheets. The required cassette is automatically selected according to the plate-size defined for the job. When fully loaded, the Multi-Cassette Unit can easily supply plates for multiple shifts of continuous production.

Empty cassettes can be reloaded while the platesetter is running without interrupting operation. Reloading is easy and convenient, since the cassettes are positioned at a comfortable, ergonomic height. The Multi-Cassette Unit is also available as a field upgrade.

Lotem 800 with Multi-Cassette Unit

The Multi-Cassette Unit provides a loading capacity of 500 plates with slip-sheets. Each of its live cassettes holds plates of a different size.


More info at : www.creo.com