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At Ipex 2002, Presstek unveiled the world’s first chemistry-free platesetter, and set out its stall to steal a march on its rivals and make its mark on the pre-press market.

The product replaced another of Presstek’s technological firsts: the PearlSetter – an off-press plate-imaging device. The new range included two-, four-, and eight-page models: the DI 200, 400, and 800.

Being chemistry-free, its 8pp B1 model, the Dimension 800, had the advantage of eliminating various steps needed in traditional film-based imaging. Namely, there was no need for a plate processor. Its daylight-safe thermal imaging process also offered higher quality resolution and eradicated the need for special lighting environments.

Reduced processing
Because it used thermal technology, the only processing the exposed plates required was cleaning through an automated wash with water after imaging, which prepared the plate for printing.

Presstek’s ProFire imaging technology was integrated into the platesetter. According to Presstek, the ProFire imaging heads “bring FirePower diodes and fast laser drives into a unified module, for fast high-quality production at reduced cost of operation and ownership”.

The platesetter’s initial reception in the UK was lukewarm, given its modest plate production output and the maturity of the UK CTP market. However, it achieved instant popularity in the European market, and was in high demand.

What made the Dimension 800 so popular was its compact footprint (just 1,850x840mm) and ease of use. Most B1 platesetters take up a large floor space, according to Ray Hillhouse, sales and operations director of Presstek Europe. “The Dimension 800 takes up no more space than a standard desk,” he says.

With semi-automatic plate loading, the platesetter supports Presstek Anthem Pro and Applause plates, as well as PearlDry thermal plates for waterless printing.

At 2,540dpi, the Dimension 800 can image a B1 plate in 5.1 minutes. Software enhancements and drive modifications were also made in 2005 to improve the machine’s performance.

Presstek is also able to part-exchange old models. “They are hard to come by on the used market because we buy them as soon as we can,” says Hillhouse. The manufacturer, which has around 30 technicians in the UK, refurbishes and resells used models, and provides full service contracts.

A new Dimension 800 will cost around £90,000 depending on configuration, while a three- to four-year-old model will cost in the region of £50,000. If buying from an independent dealer, Hillhouse advises that general cleanliness is a good indication of how well the machine has been looked after.