Laser Inquiry for Newspaper Production

[sandpiper]

Hi,

Our newspaper is currently using violet CTPs on Silver plates. We are planning to acquire another CTP but we do not know if we need to switch to thermal.

With the latest CTPs in the market for newspaper use we would like to know what is the cost nowadays of Thermal vs Violet laser. And also what is the lifespan (on time hours or imaging hours) of both light sources?

Daily we average about 400 plates from 6pm up to 5am. We only work at nights.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SteveAgfa]

Sandpiper:

There is another direction - our chem-free photopolymer plate for the newspaper industry - N92-VCF chemistry-free plate. I suspect your existing silver-based system can be switched to N92-VCF, given
a 30mW+ laser.

Here's a press release for a newspaper show last month, which outlines our focus for your segment...

AGFA.com - Agfa to Show Cost Saving Solutions at America East

Regards,

 

[KevinC@EFI]

Hi,

Our newspaper is currently using violet CTPs on Silver plates. We are planning to acquire another CTP but we do not know if we need to switch to thermal.

With the latest CTPs in the market for newspaper use we would like to know what is the cost nowadays of Thermal vs Violet laser. And also what is the lifespan (on time hours or imaging hours) of both light sources?

Daily we average about 400 plates from 6pm up to 5am. We only work at nights.

Thanks in advance.

(as all the vendors pounce...

If you do decide for the new-investment route, here's some basics on the Kodak thermal solutions today:

Web page with our Newspaper solutions:
CTP for Newspaper - Kodak Graphic Communications Group

Generation News: this is the work-horse of our family, capable of >300 plates per hour in the fastest configuration, with up to 1600 plates online in the autoloader. Slower (upgradable) units are available for lower cost of course.

Trendsetter News: we just updated this to the new "Tiger" design, updating all the electronics and cutting the floorspace footprint considerably. However, it still is based on the proven bullet-proof mechanics of the Trendsetter. These are available in semi and fully-automatic versions from 80-150 plates per hour.

Both systems can do 1200, 1270dpi, or with the Commercial option 2400/2540dpi.

If you can tell me where you're located, or give me your contact info offline I can put you in touch with our local people that can help in detail. Pricing can be very competitive, but to get details for you, it really depends on your exact needs.



Kevin.

 

[maxon]

... we would like to know what is the cost nowadays of Thermal vs Violet laser. And also what is the lifespan (on time hours or imaging hours) of both light sources?

Sandpiper, you can easily find comparisons and reviews of both technologies on the net, printplanet forum included. I believe a violet machine would be more suitable for a 400-ish plates/day production, with minimal automation it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Thermal machines are generally expensive to run/own and service costs are higher. A violet laser is typically rated for 10000 hours - imaging hours i.e. actual exposure time, that is 6 to 8 years easily and is quite cheap compared to IR diode heads. Violet lasers can last for the life of the machine itself of course depending on usage that is one shift only and a couple hundred plates a day or so. Also compare the price and specs of both plate types - thermal and violet photopolymer.

 

[sandpiper]

Thanks a lot, Steve and Kevin for the updates. I'm sure both devices now are faster than the current imagers we're using since 2004. I will be preparing an RFP in the weeks to come and will be sending it to your representatives here. I know them personally and have been dealing with them for years.

Hi Maxon. Thanks for your response. We will surely compare prices of plates in the market just to make sure all angles are covered in our decision making

Regards to all.