Opting for CTP

Implementing CTP may be viewed as a technological journey whose length and destination depend on your operation's starting point.

by Terri McConnell

Since its phenomenal debut at DRUPA in 1995, computer-to-plate (CTP) technology has been integrated into the daily routines of printers across nearly every commercial and packaging application. Why? Because the benefits of imaging directly to the printing plate surface from digital data are irrefutable. Digitally imaged plates carry sharper dots and are capable of delivering a wider color gamut. They register better on press. They are free of pinholes and the effects of light diffusion associated with analog film-based plate production. CTP has raised quality levels, reduced turnaround cycles, shortened press make-ready times, and minimized start-up material waste.