COMPUTER-TO-PLATE White Paper
Over the last 29 years, we have witnessed a revolution in the prepress segment of the printing industry. Platemaking technology has evolved from a multi-step process involving imagesetters to the current technology of imaging directly to plate with a platesetter. During this time, we have acquired a wealth of knowledge which we would like to share. While this paper is not totally comprehensive, the topics we have touched upon are relevant. This knowledge should prove useful to anyone considering purchasing CTP equipment. The information contained in this paper will arm you with the knowledge to ask the right questions and hopefully make the best choice for your company. Read more...
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CTP EVOLUTION
Computer-to-plate (CTP) engineering evolved from computer-to-film (CTF) imagesetter technology. In this section learn about the evolution that has taken imagesetters from manufacturers like Agfa, ECRM, Screen and others and has turned them into what we know today as CTP. Read more...
LASER AND PLATE TECHNOLOGY
The visionaries of the late '80s and early '90s determined that film-based imagesetters had matured to such a level that the basic design principles could be adapted to imaging directly to plates. This section delves into the history of lasers and talks about how the market evolved for the various types such as thermal, violet, silver, photopolymer, chem-free and processless plates. Read more...
LASER POWER
As changes in imaging technology occur, laser power requirements in the platesetters also change. Learn how much laser power it takes to expose plates in your CTP equipment such as a thermal platesetter or a violet platesetter. View our extensive chart listing CTP plate sensitivities by individual plates such as Agfa Thermostar, Fuji Brillia, Kodak Sword and more.
LASER DESIGN
Laser design technology falls into seven different classes. This section explains the different technologies and which technology each manufacturer uses in their CTP equipment. For example, did you know that the Creo Trendsetter laser head comes in six different models? Or that Agfa and Screen both started utilizing the GLV technology at the same time -- installing it in the Xcalibur platesetters, Ultima VLF and PTR 8800 platesetters. For more detail- read on...
LASER LIFE
Laser life is a concern when making any CTP purchase. In this section you'll find useful information on how to access the laser usage on most models of CTP equipment. BWI also explores the average life expectancies of thermal lasers and how to determine the remaining life of any laser. A new section on violet laser CTP equipment goes in-depth with descriptions of what Plate Winding Cycles, and Clamp Cycles mean. Read on...
- Procedure to access laser data:
LASER OPERATING COST
How do you determine what the operating cost is when you own CTP equipment such as a Screen PT-R or Creo Trendsetter? This section shows detailed calculations on the cost of lasers, replacement costs, and per plate costs. Look for an update on thermal processless plates coming later this year! More...
LASER TECHNOLOGY - VIOLET vs. LASER
This section discusses the concerns of each technology with regards to quality, initial investment, safelight requirements, throughput, run-length, consumables, environmental impact, and maintenance requirements. Read about the pros and cons...
MEASURES OF PLATESETTER PRODUCTIVITY
Productivity is an important consideration when determining which platesetter to buy. This section clarifies how manufacturers such as Agfa, Creo/Kodak, Heidelberg, and Screen determine the speed of their CTP equipment. Included are productivity charts for all current platesetters grouped by External Drum, Internal Drum and Flatbed Technology. For individual productivity charts - click on the links below.
- External Drum
- Internal Drum
- Flatbed
TRADE PRACTICES
The marketing of prepress equipment is an interesting topic. In this section we have devoted space to exploring the trade practices used in the marketing of CTP equipment such as discounts, software dongles and more. Interesting reading...
MANUFACTURER'S PRODUCT OFFERINGS
This final section of our white paper tells the history of how Creo, Screen, Agfa, Heidelberg, and Fuji developed their CTP equipment business. Each part shows the manufacturer's list of CTP equipment models, original offering date, maximum and minimum plates sizes, and the laser utilized in each platesetter. Click on the manufacturer below to read up on the manufacturer of your choice.
CONCLUSION
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