CTP Minus The Processing

"With the switchable polymer, we are in the early days of product development," Goodin says. "The on-press processable is closer (to commercialization), but we have issues that still need to be resolved. Both materials are designed for short run lengths; under 50,000 impressions is the target."

Kodak Polychrome Graphics also is working on a couple of options in developing a non-ablative, non-process plate, says Jack Weitoff, vice president, plate business. KPG has been working on switchable polymer, or phase-change, technology and "development-on-press" plates.