FujiFilm enters the race for processless plates

The Brillia PRO-T is a thermally imaged processless plate that is due for international release in the first quarter of next year, hailed by FujiFilm as the first ‘no compromise’ processless solution.

Speed is emphasised as one of the biggest compromises made in the shift to processless, but the company insists its Brillia PRO-T will match the swiftness of its traditional processed plates. Fuji claims the sensitivity of the PRO-T is remains the same as its wet processed Brillia plate, meaning exposure speeds are matched with run lengths of up to 100,000.

The next big step in CTP, processless violet plates, is not yet ready for release. The Brillia PRO-V violet sensitive plate is marked for release at ‘some point’ in 2007, and will require treatment in a gumming unit prior to imaging due to safelight requirements.

The plate is set to work with UV inks without the need for baking, and will be good for up to 200,000 runs. FujiFilm has indicated that is working on the sensitivity of the plate, which will require violet diodes more powerful than those in current platesetters, but claims such technology will be available by the time the product nears release.