DIGITAL PLATES — LESS IS MORE

The cost of aluminum and other elements that comprise plates are on the rise. How much of an impact is this having on the overall market? Our panel of manufacturers weighs in on the subject.

Tom Saggiomo, president, Agfa Graphics: The recent increase in aluminum prices has been so significant that litho plate manufacturers have had no choice but to raise plate prices. However, technology advances, including chemistry-free plates, automation and other process improvements, help printers keep their overall costs in line. While the printer’s urge is to treat plates like a commodity, plates are really a technology product that can offer different performance depending on the type and brand of plate utilized. Different plate solutions offer different levels of total cost of ownership. At Agfa, we are sustaining our R&D investment in CTP technology to ensure that we help our customers to stay ahead.