CTP - Computer to Plate
Marstan Press makes CtP decision for closed loop colour
Thursday 22. January 2009 - Integration was the main criteria for Marstan Press buying a Suprasetter 74 and Prinect workflow from Heidelberg. The CtP device replaces two Presstek Dimension platemakers.
The Bexleyheath company was one of the first UK printers to achieve FSC Certification and it was quick to move first to chemistry free film-making and then chemistry-free platemaking. This ecological element was a prerequisite to its latest CtP selection and a number of systems were reviewed. Saphira Chem-free plates are being used with the Suprasetter. Marstan Press also runs alcohol substitutes, an ecological range of inks and uses hybrid fleet vehicles.
“We came down in favour of the Heidelberg Suprasetter because it can fully integrate with our ImageControl colour management device which runs across our two Speedmaster 74s, a ten- and a five-colour,” says managing director Martin Lett. “This integration should lead to even better efficiency and higher quality in both the reprographics department and pressroom. These areas are linked using Prepress Interface which helps preset ink ducts, leaving the press minder to handle the fine adjustments. He can be confident that the job will be colour accurate to ISO12647 standards. “
The company handles a wide range of quality print to charities, publishers, blue chip organisations and other, generating sales of £4.5m with a staff of 50. Its run lengths vary widely but it uses about 700-800 plates a week.
“The system is operated by the reprographics department and the feedback s very positive,” says Mr Lett. “Load the 100 plate cassette and with a couple of clicks of the mouse plates are being produced at a rate of 20 an hour. Because it automatically removes the inter-leaves we can potentially load the cassette in the evening and come back in the morning to 100 press-ready plates.”
The Suprasetter marks a year of continual investment. Other Heidelberg items installed in 2008 included two Stahlfolders, a Polar 115 Autotrim Flowline, Image Control and additional Prinect workflow products as well as a Cylinder for cutting and creasing. Other finishing items were also added during the year.