Thermal CTP's Next 100 Days

Why does Creo take this stance? The main reason is that some applications, such as long runs, UV inks and abrasive substrates, require post-baked plates. Processless thermal plates, by definition, cannot be post-baked, Gelbert explains.

"The new generation of thermal plates coming to the market, such as Horsell Electra DC, Kodak IRx, Fuji Brillia LH-P and Agfa Thermostar, require such simple and conventional processing that it is no longer a large factor," Gelbert suggests. "A point to keep in mind: Any processless plate reduces the cost of ownership of a CTP device, not only by saving on a processor and chemicals, but by eliminating the automation needed to take the plate from CTP to the processor."