Krause is taking automation experience gained in newspaper production to commercial printing with a new "pallet to the sorter" plateflow at DRUPA.

Sales and marketing director Stefan Beke-Bramkamp says it was clear that the company needed to use its newspaper experience for the development: "The automation of many individual process steps and eliminating error sources mean time and cost benefits, which are essential for the profitability," he says.

For newspaper applications, a platesetter "concept" with violet laser aims to set a benchmark in plate handling and speed - which will be more than 400 pph at 1270dpi - as well as integrating "industry 4.0 and 3D printing components" and operating efficiency.

"The goal was to integrate technology from various platesetters with the latest developments in electronics, sensors and actuators and combine them with multi-functional 3D printing elements of Krause DiMaTec to bring the networking of humans with machines to new level," says technical director Thomas Richter.

The new PlateStream platesetter (pictured) will be demonstrated with a BlueFin LowChem processor with "clean process kit".