Computer-to-Plate (CTP)

In the Computer-to-Plate or CTP process the image of the page from a digital files recorded directly from the file to the printing plate instead of creating film and making the plate from the film. Although CTP is a printing process, in order to insure the best possible output it is important that the designer discuss CTP with their printer. The printer's familiarity with the process, their equipment, the type of plates, and file format and preparation all play a role in the success of the computer-to-plate process.

When you eliminate film in favor of bits and bytes, your digital infrastructure must be able to keep up with production. You'll need up-to-date hardware and software and an internal workflow designed to avoid production bottlenecks. Most printers will require one or more digital proofing devices, as well as upgraded desktop publishing workstations, networks, scanning capabilities and archiving procedures.

Until recently, printers implementing low-cost CTP solutions might have opted for dye-sublimation or phase-change proofing devices; today, nearly every new CTP installation features some form of inkjet proofing. While inkjet has won broad acceptance for its strong price/performance balance, remember that not all devices are equally adept at creating contract-quality color proofs and outputting press-sheet-size imposition proofs.

• The direct-to-plate process, known as CTP (computer-to-plate), has eliminated the film output step of plate-making. Printing plates are now made directly from computer files with the use of lasers.

Eliminating the need for film means less cost to you

as well as a reduction in turnaround time.

• In the CTP process, the computer file used to make hi-resolution colour proofs for your job is the same file used to produce the printing plates for the press. This generally eliminates problems such as font or image variations between proof approval and the printed job.

• Another more important benefit of the CTP process is the quality of the “dot” that is achieved on new plate system. The direct-to-plate dots are now sharper and have less “dot-gain” than the traditional film-to-plate process.

• Craigs Platesetter constantly delivers high quality plates for printing presses. The accuracy of the plates enables shorter make-readies and the enhanced dot definition results in superbly sharp print quality.

Posted in: Computer-to-Plate,CTP,Pre Press tips,Printing