CTP FIELD REPORTS -- A Digital Duet

The benefits from running processless with thermal is a big advantage of the technology, Wall asserts. He says the shop's total plate costs dropped almost 30 percent with the switch to processless, due to a lower raw plate cost combined with eliminating the need for a chemical processor.

The printer has been running nearly 100 percent CTP for some time. It buys all of its equipment and budgets for a platesetter to be a primary production unit for about four years, he adds. "I don't see us making a change in our CTP operation for now, but I stay open minded about new developments," the production manager says.