It’s a Brave New World

Whither analog platemaking?

According to Bob Kelsall, Technical Manager for RBCOR, L.L.C., a distributor of photopolymer printing plates (Elaslon flexographic, Miraclon letterpress and Rigilon matrix molding) and plate processing equipment, the transition to digital flexo is happening gradually.

Despite the increasing importance of digital flexo applications, there are still too many small trade shops and label printers who can’t make the transition because the barriers to entry are still too high, requiring an investment ranging from $150,000 to $350,000 and more for a digital imager. At the same time, as the analog segment continues to lose volume, the supply of conventional plate material also diminishes, rendering it more expensive for shops that need it.