Newspaper creates platemaking process for the future with two fully automatic KODAK Systems
Hanauer Anzeiger, Germany's second oldest newspaper, has turned to digital platemaking after investing in two fully automatic KODAK TRENDSETTER NEWS Platesetters. The switch from traditional, film-based platemaking to computer-to-plate (CTP) has helped the publication improve quality, save time and reduce its environmental impact.
Installing Kodak's comprehensive CTP solution
The decision makers at Hanauer Anzeiger – which is produced in Rhine format – opted for a comprehensive, state-of-the-art CTP solution that was easy to operate. Its core components are two new KODAK TRENDSETTER NEWS Platesetters, S-AL models with fully automatic plate loading and unloading. The KODAK THERMALNEWS GOLD Digital Plates imaged by the thermal CTP systems are processed by KODAK MERCURY P-HD Plate Processors, which are then automatically punched and bent in a NELA ECOBENDER V900 with a video-controlled register punch and bending system.
The newspaper chose the TRENDSETTER NEWS Platesetters S Speed version, which offers an output resolution of up to 1270dpi. If single plates are imaged in pairs, productivity per system can reach 80 plates an hour. Each platesetter is equipped with an autoloader that holds up to 166 plates with a thickness of 0.3mm.
Harald Lenz, Technical Director at Hanauer Anzeiger, was convinced by the CTP systems’ excellent quality, robust design, high level of automation and the relatively low capital costs.
The quality is largely attributable to KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology. Its precision and reproducibility are pivotal to the accurate halftone dots on the plates, as well as the overall tonal stability during platemaking.
Advances in quality, productivity and process stability
"Eliminating the intermediate film step and the stability of our new CTP technology have made a huge difference to the quality and stability of our platemaking process,” says Lenz. “We've been able to switch from our 100lpi screen to a finer 120lpi, and this is reflected in the reproduction quality of pictures and ads. CTP means far less platemaking-related stress. Our page-close deadline is normally 11pm and the final finished plates are now ready just ten minutes later.
“Also, our prepress production is far more environmentally friendly since we abandoned film and film processing, plus our chemical disposal costs are considerably lower."
Harald Lenz, Technical Director at Hanauer Anzeiger
Hanauer Anzeiger creates its newspaper pages using a MarkStein production system and submits them as PDF files to a KODAK PRINERGY EVOWorkflow for processing. To avoid unnecessary waste, operators subject the print-ready pages to a final review with the KODAK PRINERGY Virtual Proofing System on the PRINERGY EVO Workflow before imaging the THERMALNEWS GOLD Plates.
One of the two KODAK TRENDSETTER NEWS Platesetters and downstream KODAK MERCURY P-HD Processor that have helped Hanauer Anzeiger bring its platemaking process up to date
The TRENDSETTER NEWS Platesetters supply the plates for printing Hanauer Anzeiger (with a daily circulation of 19,000 copies), Maintal Tagesanzeiger (6,400 copies), and the two ad journals Hanauer Wochenpost and MAINLEBEN (more than 90,000 copies each). They are also used for high-volume inserts for real estate companies and department stores etc, which are produced on a KBA Journal web press.
As far as platemaking is concerned, Hanauer Anzeiger's investment in the Kodak CTP solution has opened up an exciting upgrade path and created a strong platform for growth.
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