CTP - Computer to Plate
A revolutionary breakthrough in CTP technology
Tuesday 18. May 2010 - VIM announces JT Direct Plates - The industrys most cost-effective CTP system
Worlds first printing plates that can be imaged on a standard Epson inkjet Printer make their UK debut at IPEX 2010.
Live plate imaging to be demonstrated at VIM Technologys exhibit
at IPEX 2010 (Hall 11, Stand E220).
VIM Technologies, a leading innovator in digital plate technology, has launched a new CTP system at Print 09 that images VIM polyester and
aluminium plates on a standard Epson inkjet printer. Called VIM JT Direct Plate System, the
breakthrough technology provides small- and medium-sized printers with an affordable
Computer to Plate (CTP) solution that streamlines their offset printing workflows to
make printing more profitable.
The advancement means for the first time printers can cash in on all the cost- and timesaving advantages of CTP technology, without having to invest in an expensive
dedicated platesetter and without employing any chemical processing or special inks.
The VIM JT Direct Plate System allows printers to significantly reduce their production
costs without compromising quality at a time when they are increasingly under extreme
pricing pressures. “Printers worldwide have to compete against digital media while they
are still reeling from the financial crisis,” says Avigdor Bieber, founder and CEO of VIM
and a successful innovator in the digital imaging and printing industry. “VIM-JT Direct
Plate makes printing more cost competitive, so it helps printers win more jobs and
improve profits at a time when that matters most.”
The JT Direct Plate System
The JT Direct Plate system is composed of the customers choice of an Epson Stylus
Pro printer, a VIM RIP, a curing unit and a starting kit of JT Direct Plates.
The Epson Stylus Pro printers supported include the popular 3800, 4880, 7880 and
7900 models. No modifications to the inkjet systems are required. The plates are imaged using Epsons Ultrachrome K3 or HDR aqueous pigmented ink and then heated
in a simple curing unit for two minutes before going to press.
The JT Direct Plate VIM RIP software includes all the controls needed for an efficient
and flexible workflow system. It supports multiple printers, printer and press calibration,
integrated soft and hard copy proofing, a range of high quality screening options, digital
archiving, and networked production. The VIM RIP is a customized version of
Wasatchs SoftRIP SP, and is a comprehensive package, including VIM Documentation,
Utilities and Imaging configurations.
Available in a wide range of two-up and four-up sizes, the VIM-JT polyester and
aluminum plates can be used on virtually any small- to medium-size offset press with
conventional dampening. The polyester plates are available in 40-meter rolls now and
the aluminum VIM-JT Direct plates will ship in Q4 2009. Both plates use the VIM
proprietary coating technology to provide high quality, process-free printing results.
Customers Report
Ken Bauman, Print Shop Production Supervisor for Boise State University, one of the
first users in North America, commented:
“We installed the JT Plate system in April and it has met all of our expectations.
It was easy to install and use, required no changes on our presses, and meets all of our
printing needs at a fraction of the cost of the other systems we looked at. It also
eliminated chemistry, and the plates are recyclable, assisting us reaching our
environmental goals of a zero waste stream. Overall, it has reduced our printing costs
significantly.
“The JT Plate system is innovative, flexible, uses off the shelf equipment, and gives us
the capability of proofing and poster work as well as creating our offset plates. It has
performed reliably and consistently and the VIM support has been excellent. A great
system.”
Key Advantages
“This is a technical breakthrough! Other suppliers inkjet-imaged plates require that a
special imaging ink is used,” says Bieber. “Imaging the VIM-JT Direct Inkjet Plates is
both easy and completely free of hazardous chemicals and solvent based inks.
Because we use Epson inks, the inkjet units warranty is preserved. It also means that
the same inkjet printer can still be used for conventional full-color proofing, so it can
provide proofs for the plates, saving time, space and money.”
Since the same VIM RIP and inkjet printer that create the plates also produce the proof,
the accuracy and efficiency of every job is enhanced.
The VIM-JT plates are engineered for durability. Both the polyester and aluminum
products can produce up to 20,000 impressions per plate, fully covering the production
volume needs of small- and medium-sized printers.
The print quality produced by VIM-JT plates is equally impressive. They can produce
great 150 lines per inch results with halftone screening and apparent 175 lines per inch
quality using stochastic or frequency modulated screening techniques.
The JT Direct Plate System was designed for ease of use. If an operator knows how to
run an Epson inkjet printer, he or she can quickly be trained to image VIM-JT plates.
The VIM RIP is easy to install and integrate and has a simple, intuitive user interface
that is designed to be an integral part of the printers existing workflow.
VIM-JT Direct Plate conserves space by eliminating the need for bulky platesetters,
darkrooms, stripping tables and other devices associated with plate making. The same
device that makes the proof also creates the plate, conserving floor space.
Green Gains
VIM-JT plates are environmentally sound and easily recyclable, delivering a long list of
eco-friendly benefits. They are not light sensitive and are imaged like any other inkjet
media. They are waste free; no circulators are required and there is no disposal of
anything. They are solvent free and process free, negating the need for cleaners,
washes and other potentially harmful chemicals.
VIM-JT plates require no water. That means there is no plumbing, no draining, and no
rinses or baths to affect the workplace or the environment.
And in production, VIM-JT plates are compatible with soy, metallic and UV inks and
alcohol-free dampening solutions, further strengthening their environmentally friendly
nature.
“Printers who were waiting for Computer to Plate to become affordable can now join
the CTP revolution and take advantage of all the benefits that go with it,”
Bieber says. “VIM-JT plates make printing more cost competitive and that will make
printers more successful.”
The VIM-JT Direct Plate system, with polyester and aluminum options, is being
distributed through VIM Technologies network of North American dealers.