Xingraphics’ new processless plate has caused a stir in the print world with its potential. Safwen Hijazi talks to ProPrint about the company’s rapid progress in the international market.

  For the past couple of years, the computer-to-plate market has been fascinated with China, and with the emergence of Xingraphics, and its unique digital processless plate, the FIT eCO. 

  The FIT eCO plate stands alone in the industry as a thermal plate that requires no processing to erase the non-imaged area. This chemical transformation does not take place on board a printing press or through offline gumming and degumming stations, as with other technologies. 

  And, as is the case with processless plates, the technology eliminates the need for the size, bulk and upkeep of a processing tank, including that bane of every print business – ongo-ing chemistry purchases. 

  Xingraphics’ narrative, at least as far as the global market has been following it, began at drupa last year, where the company made a debut with its new processless technology. Corporate vice-president Safwen Hijazi said at the time that his company did not come to the German mega-show to sell volumes of plates, but to establish its credentials in a market dominated by major vendors. 

  Its roll-up at drupa was more than rewarded, with a robust response from a printing world apparently in search of a better and more cost-effective – processless thermal plate. 

  In these pages, Peter Kohn speaks with Safwen Hijazi about the future of processless plates and of Xingraphics’ relations in the Australian market. 

Proprint: Can you explain what it is exactly that makes the FIT eCO plate unique? 

Hijazi: Xingraphics has developed a unique thermal plate technology that, unlike its competitors’ solutions, does not require a wash-out system and is not a Develop-On-Press (DOP) technology. The Xingraphics FIT eCO thermal plates can be imaged on any existing thermal CtP image setter and are mounted on the press without the requirement of a processor or chemistry. As such, the plate provides productivity, quality and financial benefits, as well as an environmentally friendly solution. 

How is Xingraphics’ new partnership with Ferag and Screen in Australia tracking? 

Xingraphics’ partnerships with both Ferag and Screen have proven to be an important and strategic development for all of us, as they truly complement what the three organisations are providing in the Australian market. 

  The results over the past six to eight months alone have been outstanding, considering the mature nature of the CtP market. We are a preferred choice for replacements or upgrades, as well as new installations, especially in the small-to-medium commercial segment. This sector is taking advantage of our affordable solution, particularly with the current government investment incentives. 

  Xingraphics’ high-quality FIT branded thermal plates and CtP equipment are competitively positioned. They complement Screen’s global leadership position in CtP equipment (PlateRite) and workflow (Trueflow). These are offered by Ferag, which is a highly respected solution provider in the Australian market. This partnership is now a model in other parts of the world as well, thanks to its success in the Australian market. 

What’s your assessment of Xingraphics’ entry into the North American market, and how did you go with the launch at Print 09 in Chicago? 

The launch at Print 09 was an exciting entry into the North American market for a number of reasons. The first was that our brand was already recognised, thanks to the effort of a number of partners already promoting, marketing and selling our thermal solutions. However, we are at an early stage of an exciting period for this single largest thermal market in the world. The opportunity for Xingraphics is enormous as we capitalise on the global success and brand recognition from global accounts or partners who have used or were exposed to FIT thermal plates in Europe, APAC, MEA and of course Latin America, where we enjoy a good market share. 

  Our FIT eCO received overwhelming attention and is seen as the world’s leading environmentally friendly “green” technology. It is even acknowledged by our main competitors (although they won’t admit it publicly) as a leading-edge technology. 

I understand a new employee, Dennis Wawra, is on board. What’s his position and what has he been tasked with? 

We are expanding our business in Australia and New Zealand, so it’s important to have the right people in place to continue to provide the level of support that is necessary. We are excited about Dennis joining our team. (SEE PANEL). 

What types of businesses do you see as your main customers in the Australian market? 

Our main focus in the Australian market covers all commercial printers, trade shops, regional newspapers and general packaging markets. We have a solution that really covers most segments in the printing industry. We also have a complete solution ranging from thermal plates, processless technology, CtP, workflow and processing equipment, and so on. Through a strong partnership with Screen and Ferag, we can deliver unsurpassed solutions with the service to match – and that’s not lip service either. 

What has been the feedback from the Australian market regarding the FIT eCO plate? 

It’s early days, as we have just released it last month and are treating the Australian market as a test market for the rest of the world, since it’s a smaller version of larger technology markets such as the USA and Western Europe. 

  However, it allows our technical team to work closely with selected customers to ensure we provide a technology solution that matches what we promise to deliver -- or fine-tune it over the next four months before we launch it in other countries. The feedback is positive and encouraging so far. 

Are there any plans for a violet chemistry-free plate from Xingraphics?

We have always advocated that thermal technology is superior to violet in regards to quality. Limitations to speed and cost of entry have been removed, so it is more affordable to invest in thermal today than violet and obtain the speed required. We do not see any reason to go against the global trend of continuing to invest in thermal solutions. 

“The FIT eCO plate stands alone in the industry as a thermal plate that requires no processing to erase the non-imaged area”

An imaged FIT eCO thermal plate, ready to be mounted on the press