Epson Ushers in Future of Computer-to-Plate Printing with Epson DirectPlate Technology

CHICAGO, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Graph Expo, Booth 617 -- Epson is redefining how computer-to-plate (CTP) technology is used by small and medium commercial print shops with a new technology called Epson DirectPlate Aluminum. Taking advantage of a recent breakthrough in chemical engineering and plate coating, this new plate technology enables true aluminum lithographic printing press plates to be created with a standard Epson Stylus® Pro printer and Epson UltraChrome® HDR inks. Once imaged, followed by a quick heat curing process, these unique plates can be used to produce up to 20,000 impressions each with image quality that's superior to polyester solutions available today.

The new Epson Stylus Pro 7900CTP system is the first printer to incorporate DirectPlate Aluminum technology. This complete turn-key system combines an Epson Stylus Pro 7900 printer (24-inch wide format) with a unique plate curing device (PCU), an EFI® Computer-to-Plate RIP software package, and plate guide attachment. Designed for printing press-duplicators and small to medium size printing press businesses, the Epson 7900CTP's output offers better quality prints on press than polyester without having to manage hazardous and messy chemicals. In addition, a lower cost-per-plate, energy efficiency, and the virtual elimination of maintenance costs contribute significantly toward a lower total cost of operation.

"It's amazing to see just how much Epson DirectPlate technology can exceed the final press quality that today's small and medium sized commercial printers are used to seeing," said Reed Hecht, product manager, Epson America. "But even more important than image quality, this technology gives them a true aluminum press plate workflow that's reliable, consistent, more cost-effective than polyester, and less impact on the environment while still being easier to use. We're confident that once customers incorporate this solution into their workflows, it's very likely they'll never want to use polyester plates again."

Epson DirectPlate Aluminum technology contributes to superior press output with up to 175 lpi resolution, better solids, cleaner halftones, and sharper text. In addition, the Epson Stylus Pro 7900 printer's robust engineering and energy-efficient operation offers significant savings in electrical costs as well as ongoing maintenance expenses and service contracts. Once purchased, there's nothing else owners need to buy other than ongoing ink cartridges, plates, and an occasional ink maintenance tank.

The Epson Stylus Pro 7900CTP's unique water-based plate-making system eliminates the messy, time-consuming process of cleaning and handling hazardous chemicals associated with other platesetting solutions. In addition, because no special inks are required, the Epson Stylus Pro 7900CTP can also be used to make high-quality press proofs, imposition proofs, and even high-quality, short-run, posters up to 24-inches wide.

Pricing, Availability and Support

The Epson 7900CTP system will be available in November 2010 for $9,999 (MSRP) through authorized Epson dealers. Unlike other computer-to-plate solutions, the system comes complete, including the Epson Stylus Pro 7900 printer, modified for easy plate loading, the Plate Curing Unit, an EFI® front-end CTP RIP workflow, and a starter set of inks and plates. For more information on Epson's complete line of professional proofing solutions, inks and media, visit www.proimaging.epson.com.

About Epson America, Inc.

Epson America, Inc. is a leading provider of an extensive range of printers, 3LCD projectors, scanners and point-of-service printers that are renowned for their high quality, functionality, innovation and energy efficiency. Epson America is a U.S. affiliate of Seiko Epson Corporation, which employs more than 70,000 people in 106 countries around the world. To learn more about Epson America, please visit: www.Epson.com. You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EpsonAmerica), Twitter (http://twitter.com/EpsonAmerica) and YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/EpsonTV).

Note: Epson, Epson Stylus, and Epson UltraChrome are registered trademarks of Seiko Epson Corp. Epson Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corp. All other product brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.

SOURCE Epson