Auto-plate system

During the latter part of 2008, Buckland’s Pre-press department benefited from its second major re-fit in 10 years.

The complete plate-making system was upgraded from the existing Screen semi-auto plate loading system which will give the firm a massive increase in plate output.

The new system is linked to a new and powerful Screen laser-diode plate-setter and an Agfa chemistry-free processor. There is now no need for operator attendance as the plate system will automatically feed plates from a pre-loaded stack, allowing high speed processing at three times the speed prior to the update.

The four Pre-press operatives can send imposed artwork direct to the plate queue, and then move on directly to the next job without leaving their workstation. As many as one hundred plates can be left to run overnight, ready for the early shift in the press room.