Speaking today (Saturday) at Drupa, Presstek president and CEO Edward Marino, said that the firm had been told about the development years in advance.
"Heidelberg told us in confidence over two years ago that they saw laser imaging as a core competence," explained Marino.
Although the German firm is currently Presstek's biggest customer Marino claimed that he was not unduly worried by the announcement.
"We are not threatened by it. Laser imaging on and off the press is where the market and the world is going to be in the future."
He added that Presstek would "welcome all comers" to what is one of the industry's fastest growing sectors and that "we don't want 90% of a small market we want 50% of a big market".
Heidelberg plans to introduce the new imaging head over the next 18 months and it is used in the new Suprasetter platesetter range launched at Drupa. Other firms that will be hit by the news include Screen and Creo who have existing OEM arrangements with Heidelberg.
As already reported by PrintWeek last month, Presstek unveiled its part in the creation of AB Dick's revolutionary new processless platesetter, the Vectron TX52, at Drupa.
The new CTP device uses an internal drum architecture, which is 30% cheaper to make than external drum designs normally needed for thermal and has a productivity level of 20 B3 plates per hour. It incorporates Presstek's new SureFire imaging head and can hold a 1% dot on a 200lpi screen. The Vectron TX52 will cost under UK50,000 pounds including RIP.
Story by Simon Creasey at Drupa
