Any US Based shops using a CRON platesetter?

SlaveToTheMan

Well-known member
I know the brand is fairly popular in Asia, now that they've partnered with ECRM and are pushing into the US market, we're looking at replacing an aging Screen 4300 with a CRON model with auto-feeding capabilities but I'm unfamiliar with the company. Would like some real world input, day-to-day operations, reliability, uptime etc.

For reference, we're (currently) feeding a 28" 5-c Komori with 2 shifts and rapidly outpacing the single plate Screen.
 
How is service base for Cron in US? Those machines have issues and behave like a woman during her period, so I would check first where is nearby service technician located.
Image quality is OK compared to other imagers.
Limited remote failure diagnosis and unpredictable behave should be considered before buying.
When buying second hand machine check if centering system is improved. Those machines had a lot of issues with image centring in the past.
Chris
 
As a Cron Technician, I would say that machine is reliable in terms of imaging quality, Auto feeding is good if maintained and cleaned properly, otherwise you'll get issues like scratches. As Chris said about image centering, it can be easily corrected with software parameters and not a frequent issue at all.
Remote diagnostic is very limited and sometimes machine can be unpredictable and hard to diagnose the issue.
You must check for local service and spare parts availability before buying.
 
:eek::eek:

Guess we gotta watch out for the PC police everywhere.
The post included an unnecessary, irrelevant, and inappropriate analogy. Pointing it out as such has nothing to do with with so called PC correctness.
 
Last edited:
As a Cron Technician, I would say that machine is reliable in terms of imaging quality, Auto feeding is good if maintained and cleaned properly, otherwise you'll get issues like scratches. As Chris said about image centering, it can be easily corrected with software parameters and not a frequent issue at all.
Remote diagnostic is very limited and sometimes machine can be unpredictable and hard to diagnose the issue.
You must check for local service and spare parts availability before buying.

Good to know, thanks! I'll be sure to ask the local selling agent who's going to be our service contact. I'll have to really get on the operators to maintain the auto-feeder, they're young and print novices but at least we're building a new room for the platesetter so I'll also make sure it's a "clean" environment too.
 
I would check first where is nearby service technician located.
Image quality is OK compared to other imagers.
I'll do that, the selling agent is a local company so I'll ask who will be the servicing contact.

Limited remote failure diagnosis and unpredictable behave should be considered before buying.
What's involved with remote diagnosis? Do they rely on TeamViewer, Logmein or something similar?

When buying second hand machine check if centering system is improved. Those machines had a lot of issues with image centering in the past.
We'll be buying new, the TP-4632G+ model if all goes well.
 
Will you be doing any tests of the model you’re considering? If so perhaps I can offer some ideas.
 
I'd hope so, whatcha got in mind? Feel free to PM too~
Thanks!

OK, here are some ideas. Cron has very little substantive info about their CtP's imaging. Which is a bother. So these suggestions are designed to help test the imaging system. Pick and choose from the following menu according to your priorities.

1 - If you cannot attend the plate imaging test then have them load the "Periscope" app (it's free) on a smart phone or tablet. You should do the same. It allows them to broadcast the test live over the internet so you can watch them perform the test.

2 - Create a file to test for plate to plate imaging registration. This is to give you an idea as to how well the plates will fit when mounted on press or require press adjustments to make fit. Also, how well a replacement plate will fit to an existing set (e.g. if a plate is damaged and needs replacing).
This is a 4 page black and white document. The size of the document should be the size of the maximum plate size that you will be using. Use AM screening at 120 lpi.
Page 1 is full coverage 30% K. Page 2 is the same 30% K but with about 1" cropped from the top. Page 3 is the same 30% K but with about 2" cropped from the top. Page 4 is the same 30% K but with about 3" cropped from the top.
Something like this (exaggerated for clarity):

Plate.jpg


While using the Periscope app (so you can watch the test being conducted) have them image page 1 only. Do not process the plate. Then reload the plate and image page 2. Again do not process the plate. Then reload the plate and image page 3. Again do not process the plate. Then reload the plate and image page 4. And process the plate. Have the operator sign the plate and have it sent to you.

After receiving the plate inspect it. Since the halftone dots are identical for all 4 exposures there should not be any lighter or darker areas. No moirés. Under a loupe you should only see single round dots in the 4 corners and center of the image. Doubled dots would indicate poor fit.

3 - While on the Periscope app so you can watch the test being done, have the Cron operator take out a new plate. Then have him use Scotch tape to make an X on the back of the plate starting at each corner. This is to give you an idea as to how well the laser focussing system manages variations in plate to laser distance. Expose the plate at whatever lpi you normally use. Remove the tape and process the plate. You should not see an X - just an even 30% tone across the plate. If you see any signs of the X that means represents a "hot" spot on the plate which in production might be caused by a small bit of debris between the back of the plate and the drum it's mounted on for exposure.
The laser system that exposes the plate in a CtP system has an impact on the consistency of the halftone dots that make up the image on the plate and therefore the consistency and integrity of the final presswork. The more well focussed, and hence sharper, the beam of exposing energy the more consistent the resulting halftones will be.

The four main ways that laser energy is focussed on a CtP device in order from basic to most sophisticated (I couldn't find where Cron specifies which system they use).

a) Depth of field. It is similar in concept to how depth of field works in a camera. Although a lens can precisely focus at only one distance, the decrease in sharpness is gradual on each side of the focused distance, so that within the depth of field, the unsharpness is imperceptible under normal conditions. Typically requires constant calibration to maintain imaging consistency.

b) Hard focus. The laser is focussed for the particular plate when the CtP system is initially set up. This method is not able to cope with issues of variations in plate media thickness or as plate surface to exposure focus point changes. Hot spots and/or banding may appear.

c) Auto focus. The laser does an auto-focus for the particular plate each time just before actual imaging begins. This method is not able to cope with issues of variations in plate media thickness or as the plate surface to exposure focus point changes. Hot spots may appear.

d) Dynamic auto focus. The laser continuously adjusts focus for the particular plate during actual imaging. This method is able to cope with issues of variations in plate media thickness or as the plate surface to exposure focus point changes. Hot spots are unlikely.

During the CtP manufacturing process the geometric accuracy of the CtP drum on which the plates will eventually be mounted and imaged is measured.

4 - Geometric correction.
This is only important if you will be using more than on CtP device - whether that device is local or remote.
Imagine a grid wrapped around the CtP's imaging drum. In a perfect world the grid would have perfect integrity. And be identical on every CtP. In reality - the CtP drums are never perfect cylinders. For those CtP devices that have geometric correction, software distorts the bitmap that will be imaged on the plate in order to compensate for differences in the geometry of the imaging drum on the CtP device. Geometric correction also provides CtP device to CtP device integrity so that the plates from different machines will be as identical as possible.

5 - Thermal compensation
Aluminum plates expand and contract with temperature change as much as film does - about 0.5mm across a 1m plate (typical 8-page size) for every 5°C (9°F) temperature change. That 5°C change in temperature will result in a half row of dots @ 175 lpi misregistration plate to plate which can result in the need for the shop to reimage all four plates in a process job even if only one is actually needed. If feasible, plate page 1 of your 30% test file twice on the plate but imaged at different temperatures. Without temperature compensation, the change in plate size due to the ambient temperature change may result in a misregistration of the image.
Thermal compensation, for those devices that have this capability, corrects for ambient temperature variations by scaling the bitmap in such a way that it is as if the plates were always imaged at a single temperature. If the CtP doesn't have this capability then it will need to be installed in a temperature controlled environment.

6 - Ask to have a private sit down talk with the technician who will be servicing your Cron CtP. No sales or management at the table so he can be candid with you. Ask questions like: What training have you had? Was it sufficient? Is it updated as devices are updated? How is documentation? Clear? Correct? Complete? What are the most common issues you encounter? How quickly are issues resolved. Are replacement parts well stocked locally? Can I service the machine myself for the some of the issues? What about remote diagnostics? Is there a 24/7 call center? What support do I receive if I'm hard down and can't make plates?
I'm sure you can think of more.

That should get you started. Good luck.
 
Steer clear very unreliable machines, they are cheap! We've just got rid of both of ours and gone back to a screen machines
 
OK, here are some ideas. Cron has very little substantive info about their CtP's imaging. Which is a bother. So these suggestions are designed to help test the imaging system. Pick and choose from the following menu according to your priorities.
.
.
.
That should get you started. Good luck.
Wow, thanks! I'll see if I can set up as many of these as possible. I've only been given the contact of 1 shop in the States and so far haven't been able to catch up with their Prep person so I'm in the dark here.
 
What's involved with remote diagnosis? Do they rely on TeamViewer, Logmein or something similar?
They mostly rely on TeamViewer and the fun fact only TW11....

We'll be buying new, the TP-4632G+ model if all goes well.
If you don't need autoloading, I would suggest you to go for T4632G model. This model is rock solid.


The biggest pro of the cron is its linear motion technology, very little effort needed to maintain that.
The next pro is the laser diodes, if you have a 32 channel machine and something goes wrong with some of the diodes, you can keep imaging with very few laser channels.
Laser diodes are very easy to replace.

Just make sure to get a few spare sensors and some other small parts in case of any breakdown.
 
Last edited:
(I couldn't find where Cron specifies which system they use).
Cron doesnt have dynamic auto focus , so if there is any debris under the plate or any dent on the surface, it will be visible in the output.

4 - Geometric correction.
This is only important if you will be using more than on CtP device - whether that device is local or remote.
Imagine a grid wrapped around the CtP's imaging drum. In a perfect world the grid would have perfect integrity. And be identical on every CtP. In reality - the CtP drums are never perfect cylinders. For those CtP devices that have geometric correction, software distorts the bitmap that will be imaged on the plate in order to compensate for differences in the geometry of the imaging drum on the CtP device. Geometric correction also provides CtP device to CtP device integrity so that the plates from different machines will be as identical as possible.
Geometric compensation is available.

5 - Thermal compensation
Aluminum plates expand and contract with temperature change as much as film does - about 0.5mm across a 1m plate (typical 8-page size) for every 5°C (9°F) temperature change. That 5°C change in temperature will result in a half row of dots @ 175 lpi misregistration plate to plate which can result in the need for the shop to reimage all four plates in a process job even if only one is actually needed. If feasible, plate page 1 of your 30% test file twice on the plate but imaged at different temperatures. Without temperature compensation, the change in plate size due to the ambient temperature change may result in a misregistration of the image.
Thermal compensation, for those devices that have this capability, corrects for ambient temperature variations by scaling the bitmap in such a way that it is as if the plates were always imaged at a single temperature. If the CtP doesn't have this capability then it will need to be installed in a temperature controlled environment.
Thermal compensation is available.

6 - Ask to have a private sit down talk with the technician who will be servicing your Cron CtP. No sales or management at the table so he can be candid with you. Ask questions like: What training have you had? Was it sufficient? Is it updated as devices are updated? How is documentation? Clear? Correct? Complete? What are the most common issues you encounter? How quickly are issues resolved. Are replacement parts well stocked locally? Can I service the machine myself for the some of the issues? What about remote diagnostics? Is there a 24/7 call center? What support do I receive if I'm hard down and can't make plates?
Service manuals are Crap as those are translated from Chinese, Cron do have a regular training program, its up to the local agency that how frequently they send their engineers for training upgrades.
 
SlaveToTheMan,

CRON North America is a division of Grafsolve and are now located in the Chicago area. 847-775-4550


Info below from their October 18 2019 press release:

Please contact Tony Ruth at 770-910-0803 or [email protected] for all orders and any questions or comments you may have.
 
If you don't need autoloading, I would suggest you to go for T4632G model. This model is rock solid.
We really do, one of the major reasons the T4632G+ model is in the running is an affordable autoloader.

The biggest pro of the cron is its linear motion technology, very little effort needed to maintain that.
The next pro is the laser diodes, if you have a 32 channel machine and something goes wrong with some of the diodes, you can keep imaging with very few laser channels.
Laser diodes are very easy to replace.
Yup, that's another consideration and I believe they can also be field-upgraded to add'l diodes for increased speed too.

Just make sure to get a few spare sensors and some other small parts in case of any breakdown.
Noted, I'll add it to list of topics for the supplier - thanks!
 

PressWise

A 30-day Fix for Managed Chaos

As any print professional knows, printing can be managed chaos. Software that solves multiple problems and provides measurable and monetizable value has a direct impact on the bottom-line.

“We reduced order entry costs by about 40%.” Significant savings in a shop that turns about 500 jobs a month.


Learn how…….

   
Back
Top