DIGITAL PLATESETTERS -- The Write One

Similarly, the original knock against thermal systems was that many required pre- and/or post-imaging baking units. The length of the plate-making line itself sometimes ended up being a barrier to installation, in addition to the added capital and operating costs of the units. Many thermal plates no longer require a pre-heat step and baking usually is only required to support longer runs—up to 1 million impressions or more.