PRINTING PLATE UPDATE -- New Precious Metal

Areas of Dry Supply

Growth in worldwide CTP use is beginning to lead to tightening of supply in certain countries, continues Boggess. Actual plate manufacturing capacity isn't an issue, though, as capacity still exceeds the market demand, he adds.

Economies of scale and competitive pressure had been working in the favor of CTP users in recent years, observes Colleen Molkenbur, product manager, graphic arts consumables, at Mitsubishi Imaging (MPM). Digital plate prices dropped as the product options increased, Molkenbur says.