Two-up Metal Platesetters -- The CTP Periphery

Metal platesetters with a dedicated two-page format are a relatively recent evolution of CTP technology. If they can get past the "sticker shock," small printers will find some compelling reasons to make the move.

Faster turnaround is a primary reason for adopting CTP, be it in a two-, four- or eight-page format, says Mark Tonkovich, product manager for CTP at Heidelberg USA in Kennesaw, GA. However, he notes that there isn't a universal need for automation to meet that demand. "The base version of the Heidelberg Prosetter 52 (two-page platesetter) is a semi-automatic recorder to provide an attractive price point," the product manager explains.