How Do Computer-to-Plate (CTP) Thermal & Violet Platesetters Differ
As the prepress printing production industry has matured, businesses face a variety of plate imaging options which complicate the decision-making process. To help you discover what imagining option works best for your business we have outlined the difference between thermal and violet platesetters.
As Computer-to-Plate (CTP) technologies have evolved over the last 25 years, choosing a system has also become much more complicated because of the many subtle differences of brands, processes and intricacies required to install and configure the equipment.
Today, thermal and violet lasers are the major players in the plate imaging industry. Thermal platesetters are the most popular choice among printers, but of course, each technology has its pros and cons to consider when making a buying decision.
Here’s a look at those differences.
Thermal Plate Technology
Advantages
- Highest quality screening output, exceeding 300 lines-per-inch (LPI)
- Operates in daylight conditions and is not light sensitive
- Longest run lengths of 200,000 – 400,000 impressions, with the capacity to output over 1 million impressions
- Relies on silver-free plates
- The only technology offering process less plate options, which eliminate the need for any chemicals and provide
- Has the least environmental impact
- Some platesetters are flexible and easy to repair
- Ease of use to operate
Disadvantages
- More expensive
- Slower production
- Maintenance is more costly
- Some systems use multi-diode lasers enclosed in a single head and can’t be replaced individually
- Some machines are more complicated and more expensive
- Equipment requires plate clamps, eventually incurring the expense for repair or replacement
- Slower output
The Takeaway
It is important to note that manufacturers are working on reducing production time as they introduce new technologies. However, thermal is still faster than previous and older processes. While most thermal platesetters rely on silver-free plates, many thermal plates still require chemical processing.
Advantages
- Less expensive to own and operate
- Maximum screening output of 300 LPI
- Requires only 1 laser diode
- Longer lifespan
- Faster plate production
- Overall less costly to repair and replace parts, as well as maintain
- Consumes less energy
- Faster output
Disadvantages
- Light Sensitive – requiring a safelight environment and special handling
- Lower run length at just over 100,000 impressions
- Doesn’t offer as many plate choices
- Chemical costs are higher because plates are coated and get dirtier
- Processors are more expensive to maintain
- Requires chemical processing, which costs more and harms the environment
The Takeaway
Lasers can be baked to withstand longer run lengths, but still will not have the same longevity as thermal plates. Purchasers must choose between higher quality silver plates, which have a significant environmental impact, or photopolymer plates that do not contain silver, but require a special preheating processor. Photopolymer violet plates don’t have the same hazardous issues as silver- based violet, but still requires chemicals. While violet platesetters are light sensitive, risks of accidental light exposure can be minimized with the addition of autoloaders. Ultraviolet lasers are also emerging on the prepress printing scene as another option but receiving a much slower adoption in the market.
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