CTP using Conventional Plates

[MacDan]

We are looking at making the change over to CTP. We are currently looking at a 2 year old PlateJet 8 Emerald with a Xitron front end. The problem being is can't handle our smaller plate sizes and we would have to retain our conventional stuff for them. We looked at Basys, but would like to find out if anyone can point us to another CTP system using conventional plates. Or, is there a good reason to stay away from conventional and if so what do you recomend. Oh ya did I mention the Owner is tight with a buck, so keep that in mind. Thanks

[schmitteo]

we are looking for a new CTP system because we are a little slow at 12 plates/hr. We are running a Heidelberg Topsetter (Thermal imaging device) with the Kodak 830 plate. That plate is a negative working plate and can be used for thermal CTP and conventional exposure, which is good because we still have a few clients for which we get supplied film. This system is older technology but fits for what we need (except speed now with a new 5/5 perfecting 10 colour that we can't make plates fast enough for), and by the sounds of it, fits your needs. Costs for a 40" plate is about 12.00/plate CDN, and the topsetter was an expensive item, which it's current value (used) is about $90,000. I would think that there would be a violet CTP system available that would be suitable for imaging conventionally or digitally.

[Cory]

our CTP device can't handle our smallest press size, so we just image a plate oversize, and cut it down...we don't use that particular press that much, so it's not really a hassle..

a solution like that might do the job for you.

[johnny_jay]

I know I am late in the discussion but...

We had similar problems when going ctp. We get a double sized plate and image upper and lower at once. We then cut in half after imaging. The time savings outweighs the slight spoilage.

John Stewart

Freeport Press

[vancewiss]

I'm really late on this but ...


We've got Xitron front end tower with 2 slave towers to hand off rips and paints. We love it.

We've got a Mitsubishi Alpha 2500v violet plate setter. We use it to image 2 sizes of mitsubishi plates. Large 26.36x22.03 and small 12.97x19.35. When the PLATE PROCESSOR works right (mitsubishi P Alpha 880) we can easily output 200+plates a day.

The 2500v seems to be a good unit. The processor is another issue.

[Sparky]

We've been using this product for over 5 years and would recommend it to anyone with small press sizes.

http://printwareinc.com/index.htm

Our Platestream runs 12" polyester through it to run anything from b/w envelopes to 11 x 17 5 & 6 color work at 150lpi. we got our unit for around $65,000 (that included delivery, setup, and training)

Our usage has been around 6 - 8 rolls (279') per month, with plates being cut at 19". Maintenance is relatively simple and the machine is extremely reliable.

[seetomtype]

We run a Eskofot, and the specs are much like Sparky's post. 12.5" plates,
5-6 color work at 150 line screen. Change the chemestry once every
2 weeks and all is good. I think we've had three service calls in the 2 1/2
yrs. You can upgrade the plate size to 21", which our volume has yet to justify :?

I think the machine cost us about $50-60M, though I wasn't in this shop when
it was purchased.

Hope it helps...

[TomHenry]

We have an ECRM Mako 2 Plate Setter that allows us to run 3 different size plates.
16.125" x 20.25"
13 x 19.375"
11 x 18.0625"

It works well for all three sizes, just have to change the PIN BAR and Processor
Temps :wink: