Fenn Print, Farnborough, has announced details regarding the installation of a Screen PlateRite B2-format thermal computer-to-plate system. The machine, which includes a 100-plate autoloader and plate stacker, is being driven by a StudioRIP software RIP product. Both the refurbished Screen unit and the StudioRIP software were purchased from Marlowe Graphic Services.

Commenting on the purchase decision, Nick Hall, Manager at Fenn Print, said: “Our previous system was beginning to show signs of age, plate quality was becoming an issue, and we needed a solution that would take us away from the large volumes of chemistry necessary to process the plates. We saw details of how Marlowe could upgrade our Highwater Platinum to make it suitable for working with low-chemistry plates, but when we started talking to the Marlowe sales team, this alternative solution appeared to offer us even more. The autoloader has already had a significant impact on our business – we were manually loading plates and then removing them after exposure with the Platinum. With this new Screen product the whole system is fully automated – it has already saved us many hours of time, and also means that we can get on with other tasks while a set of plates is imaging.”

Dave Wheeldon, Studio Manager, adds: “The StudioRIP software has also been a great investment. It was very easy to learn and it incorporates a number of excellent features that we didn’t have on the Harlequin RIP. The ability, for example, to preview the job and see the detail down to dot level means that you can identify any issues with files before you commit them to the plate. Most files are fine, of course, but even a small problem can cost you quite a bit of money if you don’t see it until the plates had been produced.”

The feature that allows Marlowe Graphic Services to log into the CtP system and interrogate any potential problems has also proved useful according to Dave Wheeldon: “We had a strange thing happen with plate size information disappearing from the systems memory. We called Marlowe; they hooked into our system, and then told us how to get around that small issue without the need for an engineer to attend site.”

Fenn Print uses Agfa Azura TS low-chemistry plates on the system, and these have impressed the team with both the quality of the imaged plate, and the significant reduction in chemistry usage. “There are a number of issues with chemistry,” said Nick Hall. “It needs to be stored; it’s messy when you use it; the processing device needs regular cleaning; and then you still have to pay to dispose of it after all of that! The low-chemistry solution is a huge improvement.”

Andy Hemmings, Sales Director at Marlowe Graphic Services, commenting on the installation, said; “The Screen device suited Fenn Print’s requirements exactly. Taking processing chemistry out of the equation was important, but the automation of the platemaking process has really made a difference to the business, saving them time all the way through plate creation. StudioRIP too helps to minimise production time, and offers the pre-press department more features than their previous Harlequin RIP.”

The company prints on three presses: a five-colour Heidelberg MO; a two-colour MO perfector; and a five-colour 52cm press. The commercial print business provides customers with design, print, finishing and distribution from one single site. Fenn Print believes that by using traditional design skills combined with the latest technology that it can produce consistent high-quality graphic communications for a wide range of businesses.

For further information on Fenn Print call 01252 541221 or visit the www.fennprint.co.uk web site.