10 reasons why CRON CTP technology leads the field

There is an old saying in China, “a handy tool makes a handyman”. CRON enjoys a good reputation worldwide because of its handy products featuring high efficiency, excellent dot quality and stable performance. Every part of the CRON CTP system plays an important role. The CRON auto-loader is simple, reliable and powerful. The unique in-line punch bridge completes a perfect network system. The latest online edition of its CTP Driver software, LaBoo 5.0, can provide remote diagnostics and much more. The CRON CRD chemistry auto-control device guarantees accurate dots and a durable processing cycle. Smart and classic designs like the examples above are too many to mention one by one. Here are the top ten key technical advantages that make CRON CTPs a handy tool.

1. Unique 3-point loading – patented side gauge

The drum head clamp (2 points) and side gauge positioning system (1 point) ensure high efficiency and accuracy (repeated loading achieves an accuracy of 0.01mm). The new hidden plane side gauge system ensures a smoother & more stable loading based on non-contact sensor positioning. A unique negative pressure loading mechanism with a positive air-jet ensures smooth loading without any marks on the plate surface via a simple front unloading function.

2. Full digital control

Our digitally controlled unloading system is maintenance-free. CRON’s Digital laser focusing system includes automatic temperature, and focus compensation, resolving the problem of resolution deviation and quality control. Whether it’s digital plate making, digital processing or digital color management, CRON uniquely de-constructs the printing process and digitally rebuilds conventional print.

3. The most stable and vibration-free drum system

The trio-balance system developed by CRON perfectly balances the drum with the plate loaded for low vibration during high speed exposing operations (up to 1400 rpm). Furthermore, the CRON system precisely balances the integrated tail clamp mechanism to ensure perfect drum balance at all times. By integrating the tail clamp, CRON eliminates the maintenance problems and periodic replacement of detachable tail clamp designs used in competitive products.  CRON uses a patented vacuum seal technology to maintain optimum vacuum for the plate load area to ensure that the plate maintains perfect contact with the drum at high imaging speeds.

Unlike other manufacturers CRON make their own imaging drums to very accurate and demanding tolerances and have patents on machining technology and drum hardening surface treatments which ensure long term durability and high fidelity imaging quality.

4. V-shape guide rail & Linear Magnetic Drive

The classic V-shaped guide rail ensures a constant distance between the drum and the moving scanning platform, enabling extremely consistent spot focus at the drum. A new super wear-resistant, self-lubricating material increases the durability of the scanning rail system. In addition an automatic oil lubrication device ensures that the scanning system needs almost no maintenance. The technology behind the accurate Linear Magnetic Rail scanning system is used to move the scanning head originated from the aerospace industry. CRON has creatively applied this technology to its CTP engines so that users can feel safe.

With its high speed, outstanding movement precision (up to 0.1μm) friction and maintenance free, it is a revolutionary design compared to the traditional lead screw.

5. High power, multi-resolution Laser system

CRON CTP engines use a high power, high efficiency single channel laser system with low energy loss maximizing laser diode life. Adopting a high precision square optical correction and zoom technology allows for resolutions from 1200 dpi to 3600 dpi as well as a multitude of output accuracy pre-sets to meet various customer needs, from  high speed to high precision.

6. Multi-cassette or high-capacity autoloader & a new plate and paper suction system

CRON’s latest multi-cassette autoloader (max. 5 cassettes) allows the simultaneous loading of jobs with different plate sizes. A high load capacity autoloader with a maximum of 500 plates can satisfy newspaper and heavy-load clients and reduce labor costs. Auto loading for large format plates avoids the scratch and other problems resulting from manual operation. The suction cup’s new design and steady, movement and sensor configuration easily accomplishes reliable paper/plate detection. User adjustable air pressure enables multiple choices of plates. Plate lifting and loading are smoother and more reliable.

7. High-accuracy in-line punch bridge

Our inline punch-bridge, with a guaranteed accuracy of 0.01mm, uses the same high precision side gauge 3-point registration system as our CTPs. It allows for a multi-punch module on each CTP system. Our 4-direction bridge makes it possible to use multiple CTP lines and processing systems linked together for fully automated online configurations. Punching plates on the bridge increases CTP productivity, and shortens  make-ready time on press. This speeds up the overall conventional print cycle and makes it as fast as digital print.

8. Latest LaBoo enables remote service and CTP networking

The latest edition of our CTP Driver software, LaBoo 5.0, connects multiple CTP systems with online punch bridges to build fully automated configurations bringing large cost savings in labor. With internet connectivity systems can effectively be managed remotely. In addition it allows remote connection to the CRON service center for more effective diagnostics, debugging and servicing.

9. CRON’s CRD developer auto control device

CRON’s unique UV-CTP plate processor digital control device (CRD) enables automatic control of developer replenishment based on parameter settings. The CRD allows for 1% dots reproduction, reduces chemistry consumption by up to 50% and increases bath life. With an additional waste-developer concentration device, the CRON CTP system can reduce the volume of chemical waste by up to 90%, saving both cost of disposal and the environment!

10. Robust and compact product design

No other CTP system can match the compact footprint of CRON. CRON CTP engines and Autoloaders feature a compact design and flexible layout. The built-in vacuum pumps lower noise and at the same time reduce the overall CTP system footprint. The CRON in-line punch bridge can convey the plate in four directions, so the CTP system can be connected to a processor in the most efficient way to save space. The bridge can be connected to multiple CTP engines and processors to create a powerful network of CRON CTP systems.

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