Kodak’s acquisition of CTP manufacturer Creo in 2005 resulted in an overhaul of the latter’s Lotem range of machines. The result was the Magnus 800, which launched at Ipex 2006. This new platesetter replaced the Lotem 800 and, although much of the core technology remained the same, productivity increased.
The change was needed in order to establish a modern platform, based on newer components, both hardware and software, with enhanced capabilities, says David Tulipman, future product marketing manager, for pre-press offset technology at Kodak.
These enhanced capabilities resulted in a modular system that could grow with the printer’s needs and automated options were available, from semi-automatic to single or multicassette units.
Multiple cassette option
The standard model has a maximum of 250 lines per inch (lpi), while the Quantum version goes up to 450lpi. A single cassette can hold up to 100 plates, while a multicassette holds up to 500 plates in five cassettes. Optional models support staccato screening technology in 10, 20, or 25 micron.
An automatic pallet loader (APL) was released at Drupa 2008 and was available from last year. It allows the printer to load up to 600 plates into the APL bay.
Plates enter the loading system at intervals, so you don’t have to wait for one plate to complete the cycle before
starting the next one. Furthermore, if job priorities change, there is the option to bypass the autoloader and insert a
new plate directly into the imaging device from the loading conveyor.
Using former Creo technology Squarespot, the thermal imaging heads provide tonal uniformity across the plate. Auto recovery has also been introduced on the machine, which allows the platesetter to diagnose and calibrate itself.
Additional standard features on the machine include automatic punching. There’s also Kodak’s Dynamic Autofocus, which resolves hot spots and provides robustness to plate process variations, such as dust, behind the plate. The technology tracks the surface of the plate to maintain laser focus, exposure, and pixel size as the drum rotates.
The B1 machine is semi-automatic as standard and is targeted at commercial, book and packaging printers. While its predecessor had one level of production at 40 plates per hour (pph) there are four speeds available on the Magnus: 15, 22, 30 and 40pph.
Screen and Heidelberg have CTP devices that target the same market segment, but with some deficiencies in screening quality, automation options and throughput levels compared to the Magnus, claims Tulipman. That said, alter-
natives could also include Agfa’s Avalon N8.
At Drupa 2008, the manufacturer launched the latest version of the machine, the Magnus 800Z Quantum, with a maximum speed of 60pph.
Kodak refurbishes its own CTP systems and part-exchange options are based on individual cases. New and used prices depend on configuration, plates and workflow packages, but a used Magnus 800-V will cost around £55,000.
Specifications
Speed 15-60pph
Registration ±25microns
Resolution 1,200-2,540dpi
Max plate size 950x1,162mm
Min plate size 330x305mm
Footprint 2.5x1.5m
Weight 1,040kg
Price
New Magnus 800 V-speed:around £90,000
Used Magnus 800 V-speed:around £55,000
What to look for
General wear and tear
Service history
