CTP Systems -- Violet Support Isn't Shrinking

"By year-end, a 100mW violet laser could be available, but we don't anticipate development to stop there. Once violet lasers reach the 200mW level, processless violet plates could become a reality," Vanderlaan says.

Christian Erikstrup, Esko-Graphics' product manager, Offset CTP, offers a more conservative forecast. "Although some manufacturers have talked about it, processless violet technology is still a theory," he notes. "One has to remember that processless plates (in general) still need some time to mature until the technology fits the market. Its application currently is limited to smaller printers, short runs and non-UV printing."