Firing On All Cylinders

The example in the white paper is based on a four-over-four-color, one-page job printed four-up on a modern five-color press. According to Palmer, the analysis assumes the same processless plates are used in both workflows and the presses have similar automation features. All costs are factored in, including equipment amortization, labor, space overhead, insurance, service contracts, etc., he notes. The analysis reportedly is based on a four-page manual CTP system with an estimated price of $130,000, which compares to $450,000 for the set of on-press imaging systems.