Computer-to-Plate — Digital Plate Developments

The thermal category divides into three technology groups: simple process (also called chemistry free by some manufacturers), develop-on-press, and ablation…which is sometimes characterized as “true” non process. High power thermal lasers and the corresponding low visible light sensitivity of thermal plates means that daylight regimes for un-imaged coating removal, such as develop-on-press, can be considered by the plate designer. The high power of thermal lasers also makes it possible for the plate designer to consider ablation technology, which is the process of coating removal by the thermal laser itself, during imaging.