DIGITAL PLATES -- Shortcutting the Process

Agfa's Furman sees processless technology co-existing with the many other CTP technologies available today. "With processless technology, the big benefit is the elimination of chemistry. But, processless does have its drawbacks," he says.

While run length is an obvious restriction, platesetter productivity is another drawback, Furman contends. "The sensitivity of processless technology is much lower than that of traditional CTP systems. Plate-setter throughput will be reduced (compared to traditional 'wet' plates) by up to 70 percent," he says.