The Dish on Plates

Currently, much digital platemaking machinery costs between $300,000-$400,000, a hefty price for electronic equipment that can have a shorter productive life than presses and converting equipment. However, Ray Bodwell, sales and marketing manager for Digital Cyrel® at DuPont Cyrel, says the payback can be fairly quick. "Moving to a digital workflow means you can eliminate the two sets of film and analog proofs associated with the conventional process, which can result in major cost savings. Additionally, digital plates have advantages in quicker press makeready, faster color match, and more consistent press runs."