Need Advice on an Imagesetter

We can't go CTP yet, but do need a good image setter. Max neg size is roughly 12 X 15, no dark room. Any input, good bad or indifferent would be appreciated.

 

I've been receiving samples from a lot of companys none of which have impressed me that don't need chemistry(xante was complete garbage, the thermo one wasn't bad but had lots of banding in the screens, Agfa accusets were like shooting a nice crisp neg). The Agfa accuset is probably your best bet but you need a processor for it and it ends up being about $15k all together then you still gotta pay for plates and negs + all chemistry that goes with it. The Heidelberg Prosetter (ctp aluminum plates!!) and the plate processor cost around $20k thats why im chooosing to look into the ctp otherwise i would be doing the same thing your doing. I have yet to receive any plate samples from the Prosetter i'm hoping someone will contact me about getting samples soon!! Whats the reason you can't go CTP?

 

To be dead honest depending on a CTP device to run my press room scares me... I know that sounds stupid. I am looking at CTP as I type this, time to move beyond my fears and make the move. Looking at a Gluntz and Jensen. We have run the plates on a test, ran pretty damn good. I understand there may be issues with length of run and plate supply, I need to dig deeper.

 

Plus & minus

For CTF , i agree that the Acuset will deliver the best result for money at this small size , and they are very good and hardly ever go wrong , but i do not think it is the right thing to do.
Today it becomes harder by the day to get films for them and if you callculate the cost of film + chem + plates+ chem , you will be higher in price then with CTP.

With over 15 years of CTP's on the market , i think it is safe to go direct , and not mess with 2 systems and pay more for nothing.

A GOOD Acuset can cost about 2000 $ , and you can get some also for less
A Good CTP that will work for years on , will cost you starting at 8000 $ +/-
and it will save you money & time in the long run.

In your place , I would go CTP (if you need help i can guide you) , but if you insist on CTF , i know someone who has X3 Acuset's for sale right now - cheappppp

Good luck
meny

 

I feel the same way cuz if the CTP goes down the whole shop pretty much is at a stand still till ya can get plates made. With regular maintenance and not much abuse it should stay up with how much technology has grown in the past 5 years of Ctp

 

Well its just a matter of moving beyond my unproven fears. I am convinced we need to go to CTP. Between disposal of chemistry, and difficulty of learning an old technology, I'm spinning my wheels with an image setter. I think I'm going to run a dual system for a while, be prepared for that mishap that may happen and move into the new century. Hope I'm right...

 

Yea i think all the guys still operating a darkroom are real hesitant to switch just because its so hands off. Gonna have to make the jump sometime tho so might as well haha good luck to you on your new venture!

 

If you want to look into a CTP machine I'm running a Fuji Dart 4300E with ECOMAXX-T plates http://www.fujifilmusa.com/shared/bin/ecomaxxt_100919.pdf

There is no chemistry involved and they run very well. We've had them for about 2 years now.

I hope you find something that works for you.

JaeD

 

Thanks for the info.. I'll check it out. The link won't work but it could be my computer.. thats another story for another day..

 

Our company is a used prepress equipment dealership that sells and services both CtF imagesetters and CtP platesetters. Our sales team would be happy to help you find the best fit for your shop. You can find more information at www.viprofix.com or by emailing us at prepress@viprofix.com.

 

We are closing are shop in Michigan and have some very nice equipment
cheap that may help call jim @ 616 4373988 or email printechgroup@ymail.com

 

I had contacted your company like 2 or 3 months ago about a heidelberg prosetter 74 and the guy (believe his name was Peter) said he would find someone who could send me some plates for samples, He never responded after that. I still am diggin around to find the cheapest best way to go ctp. I also will not compromise my quality so poly plates are a def no, has to be aluminum.

Anyone got a supplier who sells blue satin quick change blankets for 3302? My supplier can't get them anymore and I refuse to use anything else cuz blue satin is the best!

 

@Ziggy. I'm currently testing Gluntz and Jensen. So far all the presssmen have to do is throw the plate on and run. One press has conventional the other a dalgren hybrid (tri flow). Can't help ya on the blankets, thats one thing I will not change in the pressroom. I like what we have.. if it aint' broke, don't fix it.

 

@HPC how crisp are the images off the G&J? I am very picky about my screens and halftones haha i like at least a 150 line screen

 

133 line screen at 3%... I picked one of our worst jobs, holds it just fine.

 

@ziggy33 Pulled the trigger on a 2500 Platewriter, they did the install last week, second day I had press ready plates. We are old school, so making this move was big for us, but I have to say I am very impressed with the machine and what we can do.