Thanks for the thoughts. I have contacted our local Fuji Rep - he will be stopping in next week. Previously he has suggested the Brillia CTP Ecomaxx-T and Ecomaxx-V plates - is this basically the Pro-V system, or is there something else I need to consider?
I am most intrigued by the Ecomaxx-V, as it claims processless and chem-free, just not sure I am comparing all the right things...any thoughts on that plate for us? It appears we could use it with a laser change out on the Platesetter.
Thanks again!
Rhonda
Hi Rhonda,
In the US we call it Ecomaxx-T which is in Europe Brillia HD PRO-T. That plates belong to a group of so called DoP (Develope on Press) - Thermal working
The second Ecomaxx plate is called Ecomaxx-V - we call that in Europe Brillia HD PRO-V. These plates are ranked as low-chemistry and NOT chem-free, which is a misleading phrase.
As you asked I am happy to explain shortly the working method:
Ecomaxx-V is exposed by a 30mW V-diode, or higher power version.
The plate has a high sensitive photoinitiator which allows highest throughput in any CTP unit already with a 30mW diode, means no must have of 60mW diode.
The plate has a negative working emulsion, the image is exposed.
After exposure the plate is sent to a dedicated "finishing unit" and following steps are done:
Pre-heat -> remove the non image area by finishing fluid -> dry -> ready to print
There is no need to have a pre-wash, not need to rinse and off course no need to gum that plates as it was requested in the past for ALL photopolymer plates.
What is finishing fluid and why can that system be called low-chemistry?
It is a mild alkaline solution which removes the non-exposed coating and supports a very fast start up off the press.
There is no chemical replenishment at all involved - just a top up with WATER to compensate evaporation and the liquid loss due to the plate surface, so just a sensor controls the level of the bath section and sends pure water if level becomes low = no need of an overflow container which normally collect wasted chemistry due to high repl-rate.
No need to control the "activity", the pH, of the bath.
The age of the finishing bath, means the amount of finished plates, does not have an impact to the printing performance.
The maintenance of that finishing unit is very simple. As there is no crystallization, no sludge formation, the unit can be rinsed by simple water. The cleaning takes just "minutes".
There is no need to use aggressive cleaners or solvents to remove any deposits.
As a summary, why it is ranked as Low-Chemistry:
No need for Pre-wash water - no need to pay for fresh and wasted water
No need for Rinse water - no need to pay for fresh and wasted water
No need for finishing gum - no need to pay for fresh and wasted gum
No need for (develper-)replenisher - no need to pay for fresh and wasted replenisher
The only waste liquid which is generated is the amount in your finishing tank, which is depending on the model. And I recommend for any plate system not to drain waste but collect it and get it recycled by dedicated company.
Can the processing system for the current violet photopolymer CTP plates be used?
YES, it can be used for finishing of Ecomaxx-V / PRO-V with simple remodeling.
Up grade kits for many processors already exist.
As I understand your situation, you just need following modifications:
Up-grade the Prosetter from 5mW to 30mW
Exchange the LAP-V processor against a PRO-V finishing unit
Adjust your workflow and your exposure from positive to negative imaging.
I hope that my explanation is helpful to find the right decision for your company.
In case you come to IPEX you will find me at our Fujifilm booth and it would be my pleasure to guide you especially through out PRO-V zone.
Regards
Wieland