Digital Imaging Versus Computer-to-Plate

CTP market expanding globally

The growing requirement for four colour print, combined with falling run lengths, increases the attractiveness of a Direct Imaging press, particularly in the US and European markets. However, many printers still prefer the flexibility of a CTP system, whether it’s violet or thermal imaging, and the fact that platemaking can be done simultaneously with the press running. This could be a compelling argument for certain markets, particularly for commercial print, but format flexibility also offers considerable appeal. According to Fujifilm, the overall market for CTP will be worth some 2.4 billion Euros by 2008. Projections for the DI market are not publicly available, but are believed to be substantially less than this.