ECRM at Express: Saving, Speed, Quality

By: E&P Staff Since it installed an ECRM NEWSmatic SSR computer-to-plate system in December 2004, the Trinidad Express, largest of three newspapers serving Trinidad and Tobago, just off the Venezuelan coast, has reported quality improvements, cost savings, and increased throughput.

The island newspaper, which also prints eight weeklies, reported saving 7-12% ($30,000 to $50,000) per year on ink, reallocated a third of its prepress staff, saw overall cost savings of 16%, and doubled its plate throughput after implementing the violet platesetter.

The paper soon also implemented Harlequin HDS stochastic screening, and within two days was "fully operational with the FM algorithm," Florida-based Intergraph's sales and service manager Michael Wead said in a statement.

Working with Flint Ink, the Express began using high-strength inks that, combined with a mild acid fountain solution, produced "vivid color images," according to a spokesman. The paper uses approximately 200 Agfa LithoStar plates a day, imaged at 1200 dpi, with an 84-micron spot. With CTP and FM screening, the spokesman said, "we've eliminated moir?s and improved registration."

The Express continues staff training in platemaking, printing and equipment calibration and maintenance, calibrating plates to its two-around singlewide press and registering and fingerprinting the press twice a year.