DI® presses deliver high-quality offset color quickly, efficiently, and profitably
DI, or Direct Imaging, is the process of sending a digital file directly to a press without the use of traditional offset or computer-to-plate processes or chemistry. Presstek DI presses eliminate the production steps and variables normally associated with off-press platemaking processes. A DI press allows a printer to be more competitive—and profitable—in a market that continually demands faster turnaround times, shorter press runs, and expects lower cost without sacrificing quality.
Today’s DI presses combine the versatility of offset with the convenience and ease of use of digital while delivering a high degree of speed, quality, and automation to the four-color printing market. DI presses provide superior image quality and a significantly reduced environmental footprint because the chemistry-free plates are imaged directly on press in precise register. Makeready times of ten minutes allow shops to easily compete in the short-run color print market.
All Presstek DI presses are engineered to deliver four-color offset printing at the lowest available cost per page for up to 20,000 prints. Presstek DI presses are available in two models: the Presstek 52DI a 52cm landscape format; and the Presstek 34DI, which offers the same high quality in a 34cm portrait format. The 34DI is available as the 34DI-X, a high productivity model and the 34DI-E an entry-level configuration. Key features of both models include:
| Feature | 52DI | 34DI-X | 34DI-E |
| Maximum Print Speed (S.P.H.) | 10,000 | 7,000 | 7,000 |
| Minimum Print Speed (S.P.H.) | 3,000 | 1,500 | 1,500 |
| Sheet Orientation | Landscape | Portrait | Portrait |
| Sheet Thickness | 0.0024” – 0.02” 0.06 – 0.5mm |
0.0024” – 0.02” 0.06 – 0.5mm |
0.0024” – 0.02” 0.06 – 0.5mm |
| Maximum Sheet Size | 20.47” x 14.76” 520 x 375 mm |
13.39” x18.11” 340 x 460 mm |
13.39” x18.11” 340 x 460 mm |
| Minimum Sheet Size | 10.12” x 7.17” 257 x 182 mm |
3.54” x 3.94” 90 x 100 mm |
3.54” x 3.94” 90 x 100 mm |
| Maximum Print Format | 20.07” x 14.17” 510 x 360 mm w/ 0.354 (9mm) gripper margin |
13.39” x 18.11” 340 x 450 mm w/ 0.354 (9mm) gripper margin |
13.39” x 18.11” 340 x 450 mm w/ 0.354 (9mm) gripper margin |
| Image Resolution | 2540 dots/in 100 dots/mm |
2540 dots/in 100 dots/mm |
2540 dots/in 100 dots/mm) |
| Imaging Time | 4.5 minutes | 4.5 minutes | 9 minutes |
| Automated Changeover | 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 14.5 minutes |
| Ink Zones per unit | 16 | 11 | 11 |
| Ink Rollers per unit | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Form Rollers | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Feeder | Rotary Stream Feed with suction feeder board |
Universal | Universal |
| Feeder Pile Capacity | 19.69” (500 mm) | 15.75” (400mm) | 15.75” (400mm) |
| Delivery Pile Capacity | 15.75 (400 mm) | 15.75 (400 mm) | 15.75 (400 mm) |
| Weight | 15,653 (7,100 kg) | 9,950 (4,513 kg) | 9,950 (4,513 kg) |
| Physical Dimension (LxWxH) | 13’ 2” x 10’ 1” x 5’ 6” 4,009 x 3,082 x 1,667 mm |
10’ 7 x 8’8” 5’6” 3,230 x 2,635 x 1,665 mm |
10’ 7 x 8’8” 5’6” 3,230 x 2,635 x 1,665 mm |
Automated Printing
The DI auto print system streamlines the entire printing process, from plate advancing and imaging to printing and cleaning. Presstek's ProFire Excel DI technology, combined with a central impression cylinder and single gripper system, result in precise registration every time. Makereadies take ten minutes.
Compact and Environmentally Friendly Press Design
The unique design of Presstek DI presses offers a significantly smaller footprint than a conventional four-color press and its required platemaking solution. Presstek DI presses fit easily into any print shop. And best of all, with no film, off-press imaging equipment or intermediate processing steps, you save time, labor, floor space, and money with absolutely no compromise in quality. Direct imaging also eliminates the inconsistencies and environmental concerns that are normally associated with chemistry-based imaging and alcohol-based dampening systems.
Quality
With a push of a button, easily produce line screens up to 300 lpi or FM screening in precise register. Presstek DI presses are also waterless, which means the problems associated with ink water balance are eliminated, better color saturation is achieved, you’ll print with less dot gain, and a larger color gamut can be printed.
Efficient Digital Workflow
The Presstek DI press integrates seamlessly into Macintosh and Windows workflows. Files are RIP'ed directly to the press; text, images and imposition can be checked on the DI’s on-press monitor or by using a hardcopy proofing solution.
DI Business Impact
Presstek commissioned research firm InfoTrends to complete an independent study that examines the overall impact a DI press has on the business operation of a print shop. We were pleased to learn that since acquiring a Presstek DI press, the companies surveyed have seen higher profit margins, reduced makeready times, and increased productivity and revenue growth. This study also told us that print providers are increasingly turning to their DI presses to meet the growing customer demand for high-quality short-run color printing at a lower cost compared to other production methods for run lengths between 250 and 10,000.
Key findings of the InfoTrends study include:
- Makeready on a DI press takes half the time of a conventional offset press
- 90% of respondents said DI printing allowed them to increase their business through new customer acquisition
- 96% of respondents increased business by growing the share of their customers’ print business
- Job profitability is more than 13% higher on a DI press compared to conventional offset
- 76% of respondents indicated that DI has enabled them to produce applications that they could not previously produce
- 72% of respondents indicated that DI has helped them grow other printing services
To download a complete copy of the study, click here.
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Please note: Certain products may not be available in all international locations. Please contact your local Presstek representative to determine availability in your area.