DIGITAL PLATES — LESS IS MORE

John O’Rourke, Presstek: We have seen aluminum costs increase along with rising energy costs. Aluminum, however, is a an excellent substrate for offset printing plates. Proven alternatives to aluminum, such as polyester, are petroleum-based and have a cost basis that is linked to oil prices. Also, silver has increased in recent months. Coupled with higher transport and delivery costs due to increases in oil prices, cost increases for prepress materials are virtually universal and apply to all printers.