The device, which cost the Broadstairs, Kent-based firm £55,000, was installed at its premises last week.
“The Screen PlateRite 8600N-S, with its 30 B1 plates-per-hour productivity and inline punch capabilities, replaces our slower Kodak Trendsetter, which has been sold on to a dealer. It was a commercial decision to move forward and get a newer bit of kit,” said managing director Wayne Yorath.
“It is a great addition; we can makeready a full set of Fuji Pro T3 plates in just three minutes and can be up-and-running on the press in 10 minutes. Plate quality is fantastic and the inline punching is fast and accurate.
“The icing on the cake is that I’m not forced into buying a particular brand of plates. I have the freedom and flexibility to source the best plate and deal that makes sense for my business.”
The business also operates a Miller B1 four-colour and coater, a Hans Gronhi GH524 and a secondhand B3 Heidelberg Speedmaster SM 52, which was installed earlier this year, as well as Heidelberg cutting and creasing kit.
"Offset delivers excellent quality and we can be competitive down to 360 copies against the digital (photocopy) people. This is because our production workflow is so streamlined and the PlateRite has delivered even greater efficiency,” said Yorath.
“Fast makeready and fast turnaround means we can be ultra-competitive and deliver top-notch quality too, which keeps our customers coming back.”
Lanes, which has 15 staff, serves a wide range of clients across the Kent and London area from the pharmaceutical, travel, construction, retail and healthcare industries. It handles a wide range of commercial work with run lengths ranging from 150 to more than 2m impressions.
