Arkansas State’s CTP Exceeding Expectations

A year or so ago, Printing Services at Arkansas State University installed a Heidelberg ProSetter 74 computer-to-plate system. To find out how it has helped and what the shop has learned since then, we got in touch with Director David Maloch.

IPG: David, how has the new gear improved your business?

Maloch: It’s all about speed. We have much greater speed in getting proofs ready and in getting plates to presses. We’ve eliminated film, masking sheets, and other materials, so we have faster makereadies on presses. The Heidelberg gives us easier duplications for four-up, six-up, eight-up, etc. work, and imposition of multipage jobs is a snap. The quality and accuracy of the plates has exceeded expectations.

IPG: Did you encounter any problems with the machine?

Maloch: Initially, yes. The spinner motor failed once, and we had some issues with the plate processor, but all were resolved quickly. One unexpected trouble spot is that we can no longer mock up a blueline for multi-page jobs, so we’ve had to develop a process for making a mockup-type proof that a customer can use to double check imposition of pages.

IPG: What has this particular purchase taught you over the past year?

Maloch: That CTP is probably the best investment ever made in our plant. We learned a new workflow (PDF) and new processes for creating and getting proof approvals. We also had to learn a few workarounds for some minor issues with spot colors.

IPG: What equipment are you eyeing next?

Maloch: A jogger/lift and possibly an air table for our paper cutter.