CTP vs. CTF -- The Debate Rages On

Since adopting CTP, Typecraft's press operators have seen distinct differences with the CTP plates and presswork. Most of their jobs arrive in digital format; however, they do still occasionally receive film or a combination of disks and transparencies. "When a job comes through where plates have been produced using traditional prepress, our press operators know immediately that the plates aren't CTP because they're not as sharp and the 'fit' is not as good," explains Tim Silverlake, electronic prepress supervisor at Typecraft. "Our press-men are pleased by the near-perfect register and fit of the CTP-imaged plates. Heidelberg's accompanying CPC32 technology allows them to accurately preset the ink fountains to precisely the right positions."