DIGITAL PLATES -- Shortcutting the Process

"Most CTP plate products have a coating weight of approximately 1 micron thickness," O'Rourke notes. "Our Anthem plate utilizes an ablative layer that is 0.25 microns thick. Applause reduces this by an order of magnitude to .025 microns in thickness."

This improved coating system eliminates the need for any post-exposure treatment (i.e., water wash or wiping), according to the marketing director. It also reduces the impact on the platesetter, he says.