Thermal Plates -- The Heat is On

Bartram could not comment on how soon Kodak Polychrome Graphics, or any other plate manufacturer, would be able to reach the goal of a totally processless plate. He did say, though, that research in the company labs is on-going and progress is being made.

Phase-change technology may well be the foundation of the technology that allows printers to have hands-off, totally processless plates within the next five to 10 years. In the meantime, ablation looks like the technology leader for processless thermal plates. Bartram says that Kodak Polychrome Graphics is committed to fully commercializing the technology. That is likely to be the case with the other plate manufacturers currently using the technology. So, ablation—a proven, tested technology—looks as though it will be around for years to come.