Cron CTP – Special Promotion

The new global force in CTP

With over 6000 installations worldwide, CRON is now one of the world’s
leading producers of CTP (Computer-To-Plate) equipment. Cron
machines are now manufactured in a state-of-the-art factory to ISO9001
and ISO140001 standards. Unlike many of its rivals, Cron manufactures
every component itself (with the exception of the lasers), and extensive
investment in R&D has led to several innovative features, common to
all Cron models.

Patented Systems

The current Cron range incorporates some genuinely unique technology.
For example, the laser head transport system employs a frictionless
magnetic laser carriage for greater accuracy and reliability, requiring no
maintenance – a big improvement on the ‘worm screw’ design found on
rival machines. Cron has patented automatic laser focusing, patented
internal temperature control, and a patented side gauge system – all
of which add up to a reliable plate registration accuracy to within 10
microns.

Highly Configurable

The Cron range is highly configurable and spans every conceivable
format from B3 up to VLF (‘Very Large Format’ – used mainly in specialist
packaging applications) so there is a system to suit every market niche.
The more popular formats are the 26 (B3) and 36 (SRA1) – the latter
being the perfect companion to produce 8-up work with machines
such as the Ryobi and Komori which offer considerable cost savings
compared to full B1 machines.

All variants include built-in punch systems and punching on all models
is accurate up to 0.01mm. With resolutions up to 9,600dpi possible,
accuracy is maintained even at a microscopic level. This is also helped
by further patented elements within the vacuum system holding the
plate to the drum securely.

Compatible with most plates and all PDF workflows

Cron equipment is compatible with most major plates including processless;
and they will also fit seamlessly into all existing pdf workflows, although
SOS will supply its own workflow if required. To keep downtime down
to an absolute minimum all the service diagnostics for the Cron CTP
system can be carried out remotely by our engineers.

The ‘H’ variant offers a unique space-saving 3-in-1 design, with
autoloader, de-interleaving and punching built in. This means it is
around two-thirds the size of equivalent alternatives, which can make a
big difference where space is at a premium.

The ‘G+’ variant has greater modularity; it is available with a range
of autoloaders with a high capacity single size tray, or multiple
trays depending on work profile. The Cron multi-tray autoloader is
significantly more compact than the bulky equivalents employed by rival
manufacturers. Manual loading is also an option. Switching between
plate sizes, plate thickness and punch configuration is entirely automatic.

Plate Options

The industry trend has been towards the use of processless plates,
which offer many benefits. Cron machines have been at the forefront of
delivering processless technology.

However, there are some who prefer to use a processor for various
reasons – for example, when using a UV press, the press chemistry
often does not suit processless. In these cases we supply a range of
processor units which link seamlessly to all models.

While most plates – processed and processless – are thermal, Cron is
unique in offering a UV plate option. A UV offset plate is uniquely durable
and easy to handle – and crucially, plate costs are considerably lower.
This saving quickly adds up to dramatically reduce the lifetime cost of
the system. Compatibility and reliability of supply is assured with the use
of Blackwood plates, made by Cron’s sister company and distributed
from a European hub.