A Wide or Narrow Definition?

-- graphic arts online, 3/1/2001

While a scant number of printers regularly print work using high-resolution Toray waterless plates today, supporters of the process point out that newer direct imaging (DI) and digital presses also make use of plates that require no fountain solution.

For example, Heidelberg's two-up Quickmaster DI press, which it introduced at the Drupa '95 show in Germany, utilizes Presstek imagers and waterless plate material. To date, some 1,500 presses have been sold worldwide; according to Jörg Daehnhardt, product manager of digital imaging for Heidelberg USA, the count includes 515 Quickmaster DIs in the U.S.

Also, the 28"-wide Karat Digital Press, jointly developed by Koenig & Bauer AG of Germany and Scitex Corporation Ltd. of Israel, utilizes waterless PearlDry plates from Presstek.