CTP Minus The Processing

Phase-change technology, however, produces a limited hydrophilic contrast on the plate. "Also, no polymer can remain hydrophilic after a certain time on the press. It reverts back, so you run into a run length problem," he says.

Depending on the requirements of the plate, integrated dampening systems on presses can be a challenge for all plates "processed" on press, Dainton admits. A separate dampening system enables the fountain roller to be dropped first, wetting the plate, before the ink roller is dropped and the unexposed polymer is removed. If a press is running an integrated system, the ink and fountain solution are applied at the same time.