CTP Minus The Processing

"They are cross-linking systems," Dainton notes. "In our scenario, the non-image portions are softened by the fountain solution, but removed with the ink and deposited on the paper. That keeps the fountain clean and stable."

Dainton contends that cross-linking offers advantages in durability compared to physical coalescence of the polymer coating. In the latter case, the action of the press or blanket wash can wipe the image off the plate, he says.