Fujifilm launches new thermal platesetters

Fujifilm's new platesetters come with a remote monitoring service to save time on repairs
Fujifilm's new platesetters come with a remote monitoring service to save time on repairs

Fujifilm has launched a new range of Luxel thermal platesetters for offset plate production, putting a total of five new machines on the market.

The platesetters, divided into two high speed Luxel T-X models and three standard speed T-S models, are available for purchase now.

Fujifilm said that while prices would vary with model and dealer channel, they had been able to offer an "extremely competitive" price to performance ratio.

The full range has been designed to fill out the manufacturer's offering with products that range from entry level to fully automated machines, with the fastest model, the T-X, producing 55 B1 plates per hour.

Each model will be available with manual loading, single and multiple cassette options, the last allowing operators to work continuously when cycling cassettes through the machine.

Both models come with 8mm clamps, and the T-X models can be fitted with 6mm clamps to suit a wider range of web and sheetfed presses, and are managed from a PC interface connected to the machine by fibre-optic cable.

The machines have also been designed to save printers time on repairs. Fujifilm offers a remote maintenance service that allows each machine to be monitored from off-site, giving printers guidance on maintenance requirements or the replacement of consumables.

Sean Lane, product management and support manager of Fujifilm’s offset product range, said the manufacturer was delighted to bring the enhanced range of platesetters to market.

He said: “With its compact size, easy operability, and imaging improvements, it’s designed to add value to offset print businesses and improve ROI. 

“We’re proud to continue to support offset print businesses and help them to boost efficiencies in a challenging market.”