Alden Press will be the UK beta site for Purup-Eskofots Dicon computer to conventional platesetter.


The firm has also invested 250,000 in Purup-Eskofot CTP, workflow, and copydot scanning equipment. Among the new kit is a DMX platesetter, NewAge workflow EskoScan 2636 copydot scanner and PERfection software.


We were very impressed with the DMX and Dicon at Drupa, said Alden managing director William Alden.


Purup-Eskofot UK managing director David Smith added: What really turns printers on about the Dicon is the plate costs. William was also impressed with the throughput the 30-50 plates per hour will keep his four presses stocked.


Oxford-based Alden is set to be up and running with the DMX by October when it will become a customer reference and demonstration site for Purup-Eskofot.


It is great when a forward thinking company wants our products. It means we are developing in the right direction, said Smith.


The two firms have been linked for several years, since Alden became the first site in the UK to install a Purup Magnum B1 imagesetter.


The Dicon is expected to be installed towards the end of next year, and will be one of the first beta machines to go in outside Scandinavia.


Story by Barney Cox