What's the state-of-the-art CTP for small offset?

[cazksprint]

Hello,
I already posted this request over in the "press" category, and I thought I'd post it here in the CTP forum. Hope it's alright to cross-post this!

Currently we use an old roll-fed poly platemaker. It works well, but only as long as we dump-and-change chemistry every five weeks or so. That process takes several hours and kills production time, but it's necessary to get good clean plates. So, we are considering replacing the machine we currently have with something more modern and reliable.

What computer-to-plate platemaking machine is considered to be the well-respected, known-to-be reliable choice? We run black poly plates on small 12 x 17 Multis and ABDicks with the pink glycol-based fountain solutions, so the choice of machine needs to be geared toward that type of plate.

Critera include reliablility, ease of operation and quality of customer support. Cost is important too, but less important than reliability in the long run.

[Armya Inc]

Hello,
I already posted this request over in the "press" category, and I thought I'd post it here in the CTP forum. Hope it's alright to cross-post this!

Currently we use an old roll-fed poly platemaker. It works well, but only as long as we dump-and-change chemistry every five weeks or so. That process takes several hours and kills production time, but it's necessary to get good clean plates. So, we are considering replacing the machine we currently have with something more modern and reliable.

What computer-to-plate platemaking machine is considered to be the well-respected, known-to-be reliable choice? We run black poly plates on small 12 x 17 Multis and ABDicks with the pink glycol-based fountain solutions, so the choice of machine needs to be geared toward that type of plate.

Critera include reliablility, ease of operation and quality of customer support. Cost is important too, but less important than reliability in the long run.

Are you looking for used or new? Thermal or Violet? What size? How many plates per day? how much is the budget? How is service and support in your area? Where are you located?

Regards,

[cazksprint]

Are you looking for used or new? Thermal or Violet? What size? How many plates per day? how much is the budget? How is service and support in your area? Where are you located?

Regards,

Hello Armya,
I am looking for a new machine. I'm afraid I don't know what you mean by "thermal" or "violet", so I can't answer that portion of your question. Our shop is fairly small so the machine must also be somewhat small - but the machine we're currently using to make poly plates measures about 6' x 5' x 3', so maybe that gives you an idea. Plates per day = a low number... I would say maybe 10 or 11 at the most. There are days when I only use 1 or 2 or 3 plates per day. Our budget - that depends... but my concept is an outright purchase (not a lease) of a brand-new machine. We are located near Kansas City, Kansas.

[SteveAgfa]

Doug:

Have you had this discussion with your current graphic arts supplier?

There is a wide assortment of imaging options for the volume and demand you require.

From polyester plates that run through an optimized xerographic "laser" printer,
to plates that run through a medium-sized ink jet proofing device. There are also used
devices on the market for more up-stream demands - however I caution you
that for your volume - you may want to consider chem-free.

You also might want to consider a partnership with an existing printer in your
area to outsource plates to you.

If your current supplier doesn't have options available to you, I know a good
dealer in your area who does. (smile)

Regards,

[VladCanada]

Anyway the processor will take may be more room space than CTP.
With that small amount of plate I'd rather prefer to outsource the platemaking at all.
Your idea is a money wasting, no profit and you will never compensate your expences just will be sinking in debt.

[JDuffy]

The newer inkjet solutions on metal plates are reliable, simple but are not really cheap per plate.
Presstek make a small footprint 2 up machine but plates are very high
ECRM Violet will be the cheapest and a plate company or local dealer may have a used processor to help lower your intro cost. Hope you are not married to your fountain solution because it will have to change based on the type of plate you choose.
Start by getting together a sample file and contact a couple of local dealers and have plates made and run them - then get down to price negotiations so you do not waste alot of time for any of you.
Good Luck.

[Armya Inc]

Hello Armya,
I am looking for a new machine. I'm afraid I don't know what you mean by "thermal" or "violet", so I can't answer that portion of your question. Our shop is fairly small so the machine must also be somewhat small - but the machine we're currently using to make poly plates measures about 6' x 5' x 3', so maybe that gives you an idea. Plates per day = a low number... I would say maybe 10 or 11 at the most. There are days when I only use 1 or 2 or 3 plates per day. Our budget - that depends... but my concept is an outright purchase (not a lease) of a brand-new machine. We are located near Kansas City, Kansas.

Hi Cazkprint,

You can find Plenty of information on subject of Violet and Thermal on this Forum, and there are Plenty of new, used and refurbished equipment in the market, but this isn't your issue.
Before considering a Plate setter, you will need a business plan. This is the question, is Plate setter a right choice for you?

[Lee Ornati]

Hello Cazksprint
There is a solution called Thermal Digipate from Mitsubishi Imaging, that is aimed at the Duplicator market. It is a no chemistry, no processing process. It creates a paper plate that is 8 mil thick, 1200 DPI 120 LPI that is for use in the less then 5000 impression market. The plate maker is a Countrertop machine, but it is not a repurposed lazerprinter or ink jet printer. The platemaker has CTP quality registration. The plates use press chemistry similar to Silvermaster Black plates. So it should almost be a drop infor you. Here is a link. Mitsubishi Imaging (MPM), Inc. - Thermal DigiPlate or you can email me.
lee@mitsubishiimaging.com
Thanks Lee

[danremaley]

Hello,


What computer-to-plate platemaking machine is considered to be the well-respected, known-to-be reliable choice? We run black poly plates on small 12 x 17 Multis and ABDicks with the pink glycol-based fountain solutions, so the choice of machine needs to be geared toward that type of plate.

Critera include reliablility, ease of operation and quality of customer support. Cost is important too, but less important than reliability in the long run.

Epson makes a new metal plate machine that can also be used as a proofer. Go to Epson's web site or contact a local dealer. Looks interesting. .
Dan

[serina88]

Try the Kimosetter 410.

This is a desktop, thermal transfer CTP solution that uses polyester plates. It is completely process-less and chemistry free. You can always request sample plates to test.

Please visit Welcome to myKimosetter.com for more information or call 847-640-8022 to speak to a sales representative.

Serina