The Great (Digital) Plate Debate

As for the future, O'Rourke predicts a rapid proliferation of thermal plates because process-free (or "zero-process") plates eliminate chemical developing. When such variables are removed, a printer gets a much more predictable and repeatable system, he says.

"And commercial printing is in the business of repeating," O'Rourke notes. "Repeatability is how you make money. And any system that allows you to do this more efficiently is better for your business."