DIGITAL PLATES -- Shortcutting the Process

Other manufacturers contend that thermal-ablation plates fall short of the grand vision for two reasons. One, a debris removal system generally is required on the platesetter. Two, plates must be put through some level of a water wash step after imaging.

Presstek has been working to minimize the process requirements in both areas, O'Rourke says. Its latest "process-free" offering, Applause, actually represents the fourth generation of the technology, he points out.