PLATESETTING SYSTEMS -- Generation Gap in CTP

In Agfa's experience, many users opt to upgrade because they need more productivity. "We have customers still using units from eight years ago or longer, but five to seven years is a good range (for an expected life cycle)," he says.

In the great thermal versus violet debate, much has been made about the comparative longevity and cost of those laser alternatives. Yet vendors from both sides seem to agree that a routine laser replacement isn't a significant factor in determining the worth of an installed platesetter.