Turning back to true violet systems, their main advantage is the relatively lower cost of the laser diodes, which proponents say should translate into cheaper platesetters. The imaging unit only represents a fraction of a platesetter's cost, however, which is why violet imaging is often touted for the smaller format (four-up or less) market. The smaller the platesetter and the fewer automation features added, the greater the percentage of cost attributable to the imaging unit—thereby maximizing violet's advantage.
DIGITAL PLATES -- Covering the Spectrum
Turning back to true violet systems, their main advantage is the relatively lower cost of the laser diodes, which proponents say should translate into cheaper platesetters. The imaging unit only represents a fraction of a platesetter's cost, however, which is why violet imaging is often touted for the smaller format (four-up or less) market. The smaller the platesetter and the fewer automation features added, the greater the percentage of cost attributable to the imaging unit—thereby maximizing violet's advantage.