The demands on commercial printers, in terms of improving efficiency and reducing costs in order to stay competitive, are ever increasing. These factors, combined with the growing impact of digital print technologies, mean many commercial printers are having to look for ways to improve efficiencies in order to maximise the utilisation of their offset presses. As a result, PRO-T3 provides the perfect opportunity to streamline production.

Brillia HD PRO-T3 is a processless plate that eliminates the processor, chemistry, gum and water used in the conventional plate production process, the plate being taken straight from the platesetter onto the press. PRO-T3 is also unique (amongst competitive plate production systems that reduce chemistry) in that platesetter productivity and quality are not compromised, being rated at 1-99% resolution and capable of 20µm FM screening. This means PRO-T3 represents the fastest way of getting a plate on-press, and all the variables associated with processors and finishing units, including the time and labour involved with their maintenance, are eliminated.

But the latest version of this processless plate represents Fujifilm’s most advanced printing plate to date, featuring three high performance technologies designed to optimise performance. The first is a special new Multi Grain (MGV) technology. This new micro-graining process applied to the surface of the aluminium guarantees the widest possible latitude in terms of ink/water balance on-press. The second is a multi-layer coating unique to Fujifilm which provides different functionalities within ultra-thin layers. These include an over-coat layer that controls the diffusion of oxygen, ensuring optimum plate stability and a long shelf life, along with a photosensitive layer that contributes to the plate’s high sensitivity and productivity. Finally, PRO-T3 also features a new layer incorporating the company’s unique new Fine Particle Dispersion (FPD) technology that dramatically improves on-press performance. The combination of these technologies means the plate exhibits higher ink receptivity with much faster development on press, and a much wider tolerance of different press conditions.

“Since the original PRO-T plate was launched in 2005, we have helped many printers in Europe introduce processless plate technology into their production environments” says Ryuta Masui, senior vice-president, Graphic Systems Business Domain, FUJIFILM Europe. “This new improved version is set to have an even greater impact, thanks to its unique combination of features. We are confident that PRO-T3 can improve the efficiency of the offset print process even further and help commercial printers maximise quality while minimising their lead times.”