Prepressforums.com

ashinn · #1 (**permalink**) 03-06-2007, 10:48 PM

Hi!

I could use some help. We are looking into a CtP system. Not really sure where to start. We are currently printing film and then exposing metal plates, but our processor is on its last legs and rather than get it fixed, again, we ar thinking about CtP.

We are a quick-print shop, run length usually 100 - 10,000.

We are running a max sheet size of 13 x 19.

Looking for a viable option for metal plates, but not break the bank expensive.

Speed is not an issue, used equipment would be fine with us.

Any pointers much appreciated!

~April

LRob · #2 (**permalink**) 03-06-2007, 11:07 PM

I have a buddie that owns a small print shop and he used poley plates. I don't know much about them, but he said they work good for short runs.

MarkTonk · #3 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 05:24 AM

Hi April,

There are two basic CtP technologies that images either polyester plates or metal plates.

With metal plates, we have two 2up CtPs. Prosetter 52 with a violet laser. We also offer the Suprasetter A52 with a thermal laser. Lastly we offer the Quicksetter 300 which images polyester plates.

First, I look at run length.
Our violet plate is high resolution and goes up to 350,000 impressions. We offer a Chemfree plate for thermal that images up to 100,000 impressions. We offer another thermal plate that will go to 200,000. Polyester CtP plates fit a niche for runs up to about 20,000. So any of these will work with your run length needs.

A few more questions may help in narrowing down the choice.
What is the maximum screen ruling you do? How many colors do you print?

Regards,

Mark

Sparky · #4 (**permalink**) 03-07-2007, 02:25 PM

In 1999 we decided to go with a ctp setup that was inexpensive, reliable, and cost effective. What we ended up with was Printware's "PlateStream" Polyester platesetter. At first I was very skeptical about polyester plates but the material we use as well as cost has proven a real boon for us. Our shop has 3 Ryobi 2/color and 3 Hamada presses that we print up to 12 x 18 on. single color, 2 - 3 and 4/color is no problem. The PlateStream outputs to a 12" material at 2400dpi and 150lpi max. For our customer requirements that's sufficient. The machine eats anything from PDF's either composite or pre-separated, .ps files or printed directly from any page layout or even Illustrator and Photoshop, PC or Mac.

For more info here's the site: http://www.printwarellc.com/

We bought our equipment for about $65k and since purchase time the only major service was to upgrade or Harlequin RIP to v.7.x at postscript level 3. Prices have changed I'm sure, but for a small shop and the run lengths you mentioned, this is a perfect solution.
:wink:

ashinn · #5 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 09:22 AM

Thanks for the input,

We usually run at 150 line and we run mostly 2 or 3 spot colors. We don't do 4-color process in house, but occaisionlly will run 4 spots.

On the Poly plates, how are they with the halftones? We are using film to metal plates right now and I am wondering how they would compare?

Thanks!

MarkTonk · #6 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 10:04 AM

Hi April,

The polyester plates need to be handled with a little more care then metal because if you over tight them, they can stretch a little. Ink water balance maybe a little different also. The halftones at 150 line will be fine. If handled properly, they will work well for your application. And the metal CtP will work well too but will have a higher price point.

Here is a link for Quicksetter:

http://www.us.heidelberg.com/www/htm...eadCrumbs=true

Here is a link for the new Suprasetter A52 and the Prosetter 52:

http://www.heidelberg.com/www/html/e...ts/prepress_ov

Regards,

Mark

Sparky · #7 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 06:07 PM

Mark is right about the stretching, it took our pressmen (especially the gorillas) a little time to get it down. Another thing I forgot to mention is that there is no worry as to chemicals, or changing over the chemicals.

Once calibrated dot for dot the poly plates are just as on as metal plates and can hold a 2% to a 98% screen range. and if you maintain the machine and do regular cleaning (one a month) and keep up with the replenishers plates will last very long. I'm not in the press room so I don't know the actual numbers but I'm thinking 10,000+ impressions. If a critical screen job with gradients or duo tones comes on the pressman will usually make 2 sets of plates just to cover any breakdown that may occur.

Our material is 8mil. 12" wide and 279' roll. with the number of presses we have, on average we go through about 4-5 rolls a month, with individual plate cost around $8 each (our cost including machine expense, electrical, operator, rent etc.)

If you have a serious interest, and are in need of any more technical questions, I suggest you contact Mark Smelick ate the number on their web site.

hope that helps a little.

ashinn · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2007, 09:20 AM

Thanks Sparky. That actually helps a lot. We only have 2 presses here, but this is the way we need to go. We are paying to process film right now, and our paper plate maker, Old Itek camera is dying...

Thanks for the input. I will give them a call.

~April

diPressForum · #9 (**permalink**) 03-11-2007, 09:49 PM

Hi,

We got a Presstek Thermal CTP Dimension 225 last year and we are very happy with it. We have a GTO 4c, ryobi 3302 and itek 975 and it work pretty good. We are in the process of moving to a complete DI press workflow so we have already sold the GTO and now the CTP system is a too much for the ryobi and itek. So we are selling it. It is less than 4 months old and is under warranty, so if anybody interested send me an email.

We are going to replace it with a Polyester CTP for the 2 & 1 Color

Thanks
Shawn
diPressForums.com
(Have a Di Press then join the forum)

born2print · #10 (**permalink**) 03-12-2007, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkTonk

Hi April,

The polyester plates need to be handled with a little more care then metal because if you over tight them, they can stretch a little. Ink water balance maybe a little different also. The halftones at 150 line will be fine. If handled properly, they will work well for your application. And the metal CtP will work well too but will have a higher price point.

Here is a link for Quicksetter:

http://www.us.heidelberg.com/www/htm...eadCrumbs=true

Here is a link for the new Suprasetter A52 and the Prosetter 52:

http://www.heidelberg.com/www/html/e...ts/prepress_ov

Regards,

Mark

We're fond of our Quicksetter too,
BUT:
the cost per plate is as high as our Creo-dak metal plates at same size
(but the hardware was cheaper!)

the fit issues (stretch) listed earlier

and the poly plates are sensative, very sensative. Causes some remakes.