Fuji - Process free plates?

[kermit]

Anyone is using them?

I heard a lot of good things about Azura and I want to find if there is someone who has experience with Fuji.

I will switch to new process free plates in few months. I am doing research before I start testing. Ruled out Kodak (don't like them) and Presstek (don't know them enough).

[pressgeek]

staten,

We will be running tests on Fuji and Kodak thermal processless plates in the next few weeks, I will post my impressions after we are finished.

We have looked at the Azura plates a bit, but I'm not sure if we want to go with AGFA. Here in the hinterlands of Western Canada, support is nearly as important as price and performance. The best support in town is from Heidelberg and Fuji with Kodak running a distant third. AGFA only has a couple of equipment techs in the province, and no plate specialists or workflow specialists.

Like you, I don't like Kodak. They nearly put us out of business several years ago by running out of plates for our large press. Fuji saved our bacon by cutting down oversized plates and getting us set up within a couple of days with a new processor and chemistry.

I am a bit concerned about Fuji's and Kodak's "process on press" plate development, especially on our duplicators, but Fuji has promised us a wash out unit if we run into any contamination problems.

I'll keep you posted on the results!

[pressgeek]

Sorry for the delay in posting, it took longer to get test plates on the presses than I expected.

In the end we didn't try the Fuji processless plates at all. We got some Kodak Thermal Direct plates to try, and were so disappointed that we gave the Fuji plates back to our sales rep to use on another plate trial.

The Kodak worked fine on our Heidelberg QM-46, but we had trouble getting them to run up on our other duplicators, as well as our Miller TP-74. The "processing" directions for both the Kodak and Fuji plates call for dropping water forms for 20 revolutions, then dropping ink forms for another 20 revolutions, then proceeding to do a normal pull. Easily done on the Heidelberg. On the old Miller, it involves running up and down the catwalk a few extra times. Our press operator was not amused.

The single biggest problem with both plates, and the real deal breaker for us, was lack of a visible image. Our Miller has a console, but no CIP3 input, so all ink keys are set manually on the console, using a plate as a guide. Neither the Kodak nor the Fuji plate had enough image contrast to set ink keys, and barely enough to get the correct plate on the correct unit.

Looks like we will be going with Kodak Sword II or Fuji LHPJ, run through a processor.

For what it's worth, the Fuji plate has slightly more image contrast than the Kodak. My first worry about the plates was ink and water contamination from the plate emulsion. After seeing the plates, I don't think it will be a problem. The emulsion on both plates is incredibly thin, there just isn't much material coming off into the ink.


Good Luck!

[Marktonk]

Hey Prepressgeek,

Have you thought about trying Heidelberg Saphira Chemfree plates?

Regards,

Mark Tonkovich
HeidelbergUSA
Product Manager, CtP & Proofing

[pressgeek]

Mark,
Actually, we tried a set of those today.

I was impressed with the start up and the dot, a very nice plate. With all the costs included (plate, chemistry, disposal of used chemistry, service on processor) they were the most economical of the plates we have tried.

Unfortunately, our press operator didn't like the visibility of the image for setting ink keys, just not quite enough contrast to be able to tell a 40% screen from a 70% screen by eye.

Also, since most of the prices we have received have been for combination equipment and consumables pricing, with a 3 to 5 year deal on purchasing consumables from the vendor selling us the equipment, we would have to purchase a Heidelberg platesetter to get the good plate pricing. Over the span of 5 years (about how long I expect my liver to last!), a Screen machine with someone else's name on it is cheaper, even with pricier plates and higher disposal costs.

If anyone is considering Heidelberg as a first choice of equipment supplier, or is looking at getting a better deal by combining a platesetter purchase with other Heidelberg pressroom or finishing equipment, these plates are worth a long look and a thorough evaluation.

By the way, my nickname is pressgeek, not prepressgeek. I started in the pressroom, and still fill in there for holidays or when we need an extra hand.

Cheers

[Marktonk]

Hey pressgeek,

Sorry for adding the pre.....I must have been tired. Thanks for correcting me

Regards,

Mark Tonkovich
Heidelberg USA