XDrum! UV
Two state-of-the-art technologies in one CTP system
The Lüscher XDrum! UV is the economic solution for the imaging of offset plates in medium format and was developed specifically for use in commercial and packaging printing as well as for service providers.
The XDrum! UV was developed in cooperation with Heidelberg and combines two state-of-the-art technologies. The proven imaging unit with our high performance Lüscher UV laser system guarantees maximum production reliability and outstanding imaging quality, enabling customers to gain the advantages of using conventional plates. As you might expect from this Swiss-German collaboration, Lüscher XDrum! UV is engineered and built to very high quality standards and maximum precision. The CTP system benefits from the combined experience gained from over 6,000 installations carried out by the two firms.
The XDrum! UV offers a rapid return on investment and is cost-effective for most printers using at least 10,000 - 15,000 m2 of printing plates per year. With resolutions of 2,400 dpi or 2,540 dpi, the CTP system can meet all customer-specific requirements individually. Fitted with an external drum, it can accept plates up to a 930 x 1,060 mm (36.6 x 41.7 inches) format.
The integrated double swivelling table makes it possible to output the plates towards the input table in front or towards the online development line at the back. It also makes it possible to bring a new plate into the loading position during imaging which significantly reduces exchange time and increases plate throughput.
The XDrum! UV is equipped with a simple and user-friendly interface. In addition, it is characterised by a small footprint together with good serviceability.
Lüscher UV technology
The entire imaging unit is produced by Lüscher and is based on the exceptionally successful XPose! UV technology backed by years of experience. The high-performance UV laser system for imaging conventional offset printing plates is impressive with its high reliability, splendid imaging quality and wide processing window during plate imaging.
The UV laser diodes have a wavelength of 405 nm. Depending on the throughput required, you can choose from 16 to 128 lasers, to establish your optimum price performance ratio. The laser diodes are continually monitored and, when necessary, automatically adjusted in order to guarantee uniform and standardised imaging. Since the required power consumption is very low, the diodes have an almost unlimited life.
UV offset plates
Lüscher UV technology makes it possible to use proven conventional UV plates. Both FOGRA and System Brunner have confirmed the outstanding quality. UV plates can be purchased at a reasonable price. The very large supply of plates, due in no small measure to emerging Asian markets, ensures free choice of plates and independence from plate suppliers.
Plate technology
UV offset plates are characterised by their unusually long shelf life and their high resistance to scratches and chemicals in the printing room. In addition, they offer a wide processing window and are therefore less sensitive to fluctuations in the manufacturing process. The plates use very few chemicals, and negative UV plates use significantly less than positive thermal plates. In addition, no ablation occurs in the CTP system and, as a result, there is no need for vacuuming.
Even without baking and with UV inks, conventional offset plates can offer high print runs, faster inking-up and reduced waste, and will typically run with less water. In addition, the plates are very robust when printing UV colours.
The entire development process is environmentally friendly and it is exceptionally easy to dispose of plate chemicals. The very low power consumption and minimal need for maintenance are just some of the additional advantages of XDrum! UV.
