March 2004: "Platesetter-1" Mobile machine for print plate assembly Identifying a clear gap in the market, Kocher + Beck GmbH + Co. Rotationsstanztechnik KG has, with the Platesetter-1, added a newly developed assembly machine to its product range. It enables fast, simple mounting of letterpress and flexographic print plates. The standard version caters for print widths of up to 500 mm and cylinder sizes of up to 635mm (25 inches) repeat. If several different machine makes or models are serviced by a single plate-mounting device, adapters cope with integration in the specific printing cylinder geometry. At the moment, the product range already includes models from Gallus (or Arsoma), GiDue and MPS. By request, we can also supply suitable versions for other machine models from other suppliers. The machine, which comes on a moveable frame, does not require electrical systems like cameras, vacuum pumps etc. For this reason, Kocher + Beck are able to offer the Platesetter-1 at a price which is at the lower end of the scale, compared with the general market price for print plate assembly systems. According to what the end users report, the assembly machine is, nevertheless, well able to compete in both terms of precision and ease of handling. Kocher + Beck have been particularly motivated to develop this new product by the fact that many customers continued to demand a print plate mounting system which is straightforward and meets with their everyday requirements. Since Kocher + Beck already had in its product range, a partly comparable system for mounting letterpress plates, it was able to fall back on already-available technology and on past experience. With the Platesetter-1, assembly is by means of a ruler, against which are placed the polymer flanks with special pressure marks or pressure lines. The operator can then allow the print plate, which is precisely positioned in this way, to slide across the supporting surface directly onto the printing cylinder and attach itself onto the double-sided adhesive tape which, has been previously applied. Applying the adhesive tape for the print plate is also done quickly and efficiently with this machine, two rolls are provided, which means that the operator has instant access to two different types of adhesive tape. Since the printing cylinder has been placed in a pick-up position that is set at a right angle to the guide, and up against the supporting table, accurate plate mounting is guaranteed. One company, which has already been using the Platesetter-1 for several months, is Pago GmbH from Aichtal-Aich. The assembly system, which was first exhibited at the Labelexpo 2003 in Brussels, services several printing machines used by Pago. For Özkan Meral, head of the Label Printing Department, the fact that the machine is moveable is a major advantage. In contrast to assembly units that are equipped with camera systems and electronics and are therefore restricted to use in the same spot, the Platesetter-1 can be used directly on the printing machine in question. Pago also find the precision of assembly to be an important distinguishing feature. Experience with its use to date, shows that the print plate can be fitted with almost no need for tensioning. Also, the printing plates are mounted in an identical way in all situations, irrespective of who is operating the machine and of their experience. According to Özkan Meral, even personnel without any previous experience whatsoever, were immediately able to mount print plates to fit perfectly first time.