^ Automatic Precision Plate Punch (APP)

^ operating unit

For use in CTP systems the Automatic Precision Plate Punch offers the following features:

• Register punches directly related to the printed image,
• Highly precise positioning of the print image and the punching tool to each other,
• Punching with a tolerance of ±2 µm.

• The measuring unit determines the exact position of the print image with measuring elements, which are arranged on the plate outside the print image.
• The IPC (industrial PC) evaluates the position information and computes positioning commands for the positioning unit.
• A triaxial positioning drive moves the plate iteratively into its optimum punching position.
• The punching operation is started as soon as the optimum punching position has been reached.

• Reduces the press proofing process thus saving time and waste after plate changes
• Punching of the plates precisely to the print image thus avoiding register errors and corrections.
• No errors due to dimensional variations of the printing plate.
• Register-true plate mounting on the cylinder.

• With a daily average of 4 CTP jobs the reduction of time and waste due to the use of the Automatic Precision Plate Punch amounts to an annual cost-saving of 10,000 up to 15,000 € with a 5-colour medium or large-size Rapida sheet-fed offset press.