ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. — While most people ask
the question, “Who is alfaQuest Technologies?” the company formerly known as
Monotype Systems is forging ahead with product developments in the fast-evolving
world of computer-to-conventional-plate technology.
AlfaQuest recently announced a
computer-to conventional-plate system built with many of the same features used
in its Panther FasTrak platesetter device. The FasTrak CTP/C (CTP with
conventional plate use) units are selling site unseen in such locations as The
Exponent-Telegram in Clarksburg, W.V., and America Press in Lake Charles, La.
The FasTrak CTP/C will be able to
image on any standard conventional ultraviolet offset plate using solid-state
water-chilled yttrium aluminum garnet laser technology as its imaging device.
The YAG laserhead currently under development is specifically targeted for use
in the newspaper market. Laserhead manufacturer Coherent Inc., based in Santa
Clara, Calif., has been designing and manufacturing lasers since 1966. AlfaQuest
expects a delivery date for the FasTrak CTP/C early in the first quarter of
2003.
The CTPC/C units will have two
different options for laserhead strength. One will be designed using a
four-watt, 350-nanometer with a maximum throughput of 75 plates per hour and the
second choice will be a eight-watt, 400-nm laserhead with a maximum throughput
of 125 pph. A single resolution can be pre-selected from either machine from
1016,1200,1524 or 1800 dots per inch.
Company officials at alfaQuest
explained that the solid state YAG laser is expected to have a longer imaging
life (five to seven years) and require less energy use because the laser is only
functioning when the unit is turned on. The unit is planned to have a 45-second
start-up time. The replacement cost on the laser is expected to be expensive,
but company officials could not give an exact amount at this time.
The FasTrak CTP/C unit will utilize
automatic loading and slip sheet removal similar to other alfaQuest CTP devices.
The CTP/C unit will use an opto-mechanical system for alignment and positioning
of the plates. Sales price for the four-watt unit is expected to be $210,000
without a maintenance agreement and the eight-watt unit will be priced at
$265,000 again with a maintenance unit.
AlfaQuest is working to have the
first unit on display at Ifra 2002 in Barcelona, Spain, Oct. 14-17.
