Firing On All Cylinders

Since computer-to-plate adoption, for the most part, started with eight-up machines geared toward longer runs, this meant the first direct-to-press solutions were primarily being compared to film-based workflows. The associated labor savings and process efficiencies, combined with the lack of an existing printing infrastructure at most early adopters, made it easier to make a case for the technology. With on-press imaging solutions now moving up in format and CTP systems expanding down, the two workflows are becoming more directly competitive.