Computer to Plate

Thinking of purchasing a Computer to Plate system, but not sure which technology would be best suited to your companies current needs and future requirements!  If so, you've come to the right place.  Listed below are all the current CTP Technologies that are available.   There are other technologies available and although we do offer support on them, they are now widely accepted as being obsolete.

Thermal

While similar to conventional plate technology,  the coating is sensitive to thermal laser diodes at a spectral sensitivity of 830 or 1064 nm and so these plates can be handled in a daylight environment.

One of the advantages of this technology is that, if necessary, you can still put conventional plates through the same processor which can be advantageous if space and compatibility with existing equipment is a factor in making your decision.  In a situation where you are considering keeping your imagesetter as backup you may want to consider a thermal option rather than using 2 different plate processors.

Although in its infancy at the moment, the processless plate is a reality and is compatible with thermal CTP technology.

Violet

Unlike the thermal CTP systems, the violet systems are based on a violet laser diode operating around 5mw.

Just like imagesetters, the coating on the plate, when exposed to the laser, forms the image.  The plate then goes through a plate processor using a developer and finisher with a water jet that forces the non-imaged area off the plate.

The advantages of this system are that it requires less imaging time and less processor time therefore increasing overall productivity

The media itself can be handled in subdued lighting conditions with a yellow safelight, however it cannot be exposed to daylight of direct sunlight.

                                          

Why CTP?

CTP offers an increase in productivity, reduced labour times, higher quality and accuracy.

Productivity

CTP Systems producing between 10 to 30 plates per hour along with modern workflow systems incorporating proofing, film and plate output with rip once options allow you to spend more time on design rather than production.

Reducing labour

With current market trends, it is essential that labour costs are kept to a minimum in order to be competitive.  CTP eliminates the need to make plates from films and offers a click and print to plate solution.

Quality and Accuracy

As may seem obvious, you no longer need to align films to plates as the imaged plates come out of the CTP system ready for the press.  A well maintained CTP system means that it is no longer necessary to compensate for plate maker lamps and film chemicals, giving you overall greater repeatability.