CTP - Computer to Plate

Graphicolor Plays It Cool with Suprasetter A52

Tuesday 06. April 2010 - Graphicolor Printing, Inc. recently replaced an existing thermal platesetter with a 2-up Suprasetter A52 CtP device from Heidelberg.

“Our old platesetter ran too slowly, diminishing our plate production capability,” said Mike Huebner, president of the nine-year-old commercial printer in New Berlin, WI. In contrast, the new Suprasetter A52 runs cleaner and cooler, consumes less power, and runs unattended, thanks to an optional Automatic Top Loader that reduces manual labor in plate preparation by removing slip sheets from between the Saphira thermal Chemfree plates used to feed Graphicolor’s 5-color Speedmaster SM 52 and 2-color Printmaster QM 46 presses. Best of all, Huebner said, “Our print quality has improved. We now print at 200-line screen, up from the 175 lpi we achieved with our older equipment.” The new machine integrates easily with Graphicolor’s existing prepress workflow, while its compact footprint and ease-of-use were important factors in its selection. Standard equipment includes a debris removal vacuum and filtration system that removes loose particles and dust.

Graphicolor Printing serves a primarily local clientele including freelance designers, nonprofits and schools, although the company also handles online ordering for a number of national franchise operations. According to Huebner, Graphicolor is distinguished by its collaborative approach to customer service, as well as by its reliance on Heidelberg as a valued supplier partner. “Heidelberg equipment absolutely does what Heidelberg says it will do,” he said, “The quality and reliability are second-to-none.”