PLATESETTING SYSTEMS -- Generation Gap in CTP

Some vendors suggest a slightly more bearish expectation for the productive lifespan of a metal platesetter, but most are in that ballpark.

"The vast majority of the CTP systems we have sold are still in operation, so seven to 10 years (of operation) seems easy to achieve," says Neil McLean, product manager, workflow and prepress equipment, Kodak Graphic Communications Group. In most cases, CTP engines have been retired for productivity reasons rather than due to operability issues, he adds.