Existing commercial devices can be adapted to perform these processes. Polaroid is talking to several companies about modifying some devices for postprocessing purposes. Products in the works ThermalSetter. As mentioned, Optronics is working on manufacturing the first ThermalSetters that will test not only the technology but the manufacturing process. The first few machines are expected early next year.
Plans are less definite on the proofer.
Isomet currently does not compete in the proofing market, and Polaroid has just entered the market itself with its new JetProof ink-jet proofer unveiled at Drupa. Isomet has delivered two prototype machines to Polaroid, and Polaroid says it expects to begin beta testing early in 1996. In an article last spring, we took a close look at Polaroid's effort to establish a new presence in the graphic arts industry. The new thrust really started with the Dry Tech imagesetting film, which is now being used in the Linotype-Hell DrySetter, which began regular customer shipments this fall. These latest developments provide evidence that Polaroid's commitment remains firm and that its new technology is more than mere drawings on engineers' tables.