I been looking at various CTPs. Most are variations of Thermal or Violet.
Another CTP being shown at Graph Expo was JetPlate. I have tested the plates and they seem to work fine. The cost is much less.
When I mention the name JetPlate to others I get all kinds of bad opinions but all are based on hearsay not on actual experience. It almost seems as if the new kid is getting picked on for being different.
Does any one have first hand experience with JetPlate?
If you are looking at that technology, you would be better off considering the iCTP from Glunz & Jensen. It is a better quality machine, not to mention that the rumor is that JetPlate has gone through bankruptcy more than once. This would make me wonder about future support.
"If you are looking at that technology, you would be better off considering the iCTP from Glunz & Jensen."
What makes their model better? The best I can tell is their technology is behind the JetPlate machines and they tie you into using their materials. Please educate me on this one.
If it sounds like I'm biased towards JetPlate, I am. The shop I work for is looking to upgrade to a newer "entry level" CTP setup (which the JetPlate and Glunz & Jensen models both fall into). I've had a opportunity to tour the JetPlate facility and it doesn't look to me that they are going anywhere anytime soon. If anything they're expanding to service more of the globe. I would suggest calling both JetPlate and G&J and asking for demo plates from both and compare them side by side. Also, compare the times it takes both machines to make your plates and what types of materials you're allowed to use with them.
From my personal dealings with both companies, JetPlate was more than accommodating to my request for trial plates and they answered any and all my questions, whereas G&J wouldn't provide a set of demo plates and were vague on the majority of answers they did give me (which wasn't a lot). I could have caught G&J on a bad day, I'm in no way saying they're a bad company, I'm saying don't dismiss JetPlate until you've compared the products side by side (or as close as you can).
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"Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons."
G&J will provide what ever you need, but you should go through a dealer to help the process along. The technology is the same, however if you look at the 2 machines and how the jobs are processed not to mention the extra care G&J have gone though to make sure you have good registration. With G&J being a global manufacturer of many products in our industry I have more faith in the product line as well as support for the product.
Again, G&J are not set up to sell direct to customers so when you request information you may not be talking to the right individual.
I have ran tests against both Jetplate and iCtP. We found the iCTP to print a little cleaner and crisper. Another benefit on the iCtP is that there are no chemical in the processing. Jetplate uses the conventional Kodak Craftsman plate, while iCtP uses a nonphotosensitive aluminum plate, I'm not sure where else to get these except from G&J.
For other CTP systems I would also recommend looking into the more expensive but not outrageous violet systems from ECRM or Printware. You will need a yellow safe light area but registration and run lengths will be longer then inkjet systems. ECRM is a flatbed while the Printware uses curved drum technology which they claim to be better for registration, both are also Chem-free.
We tested Printware against the 2 inkjet systems and found it to be the best but did not test ECRM in the mix.
Of course the Laser to emulsion plate is better, By the way the ECRM does a great job. The obvious is the price and required printing for the plate. They each have their market and should be evaluated accordingly.
A quick update to any who are interested. We just installed an iCTP Platewriter 2400 and it works perfectly. The customer loved the plates on press and how easy the Platewriter is to operate and maintain. This is a great platesetter when purchased and used as intended ie.. not to replace high end color. We have also had no problems getting sample plates from G&J for our customers which as of now include 5 more seriously considering purchasing it.
JetPlate
Linear Mode
