Luscher and Polytype SA sign distribution deal

CTP manufacturer Luscher has signed a "global distribution partnership" with Polytype SA, the South American arm of packaging print systems manufacturer Wifag Polytype.

Polytype SA will benefit from the addition of Luscher's UV platesetters to its product range, which includes dry offset printing systems for plastic containers, decorating systems for plastic tubes, and production lines for metal packaging.

Polytype SA's portfolio includes dry offset, waterless, heat transfer, flexo, screen and digital print technology, in addition to hot and cold stamping and various finishing options.

At Drupa, Luscher launched the XDrum! UV, a new 8-up CTP system combining its imaging technology with a Heidelberg Suprasetter chassis that was billed as an "economical" platesetter for printers producing mid-format offset plates.

This was shown alongside the Swiss pre-press manufacturer's Accent coating plate for offset applications and its large-format MultiDX! 240 system, which can process plates up to 1,300x1,100mm and is designed for use with rigid and flexible screen printing forms.

The machine can expose both flexographic, offset and letterpress plates at a resolution of 5,080dpi for use in hot foil, embossing and punching applications.

Anton Tanner, chief operating officer at Luscher, said: "In Polytype SA, we have an exceptionally well-established partner whose international market leadership in a sector in which we have not previously been active will open up long-term opportunities for us."