Dave Carey

Both imagesetters and platesetters have advantages, but many vendors feel CTP is the way to go. By Mike Llewellyn IMAGESETTERS STILL have a home in the in-plant world, but among manufacturers these days, they just aren't that popular. With their ears to the ground, most major manufacturers of imagesetters expect interest in the technology is about to run its course, particularly with advent of violet laser computer-to-plate (CTP) technology. The equipment is still selling, they point out—albeit slowly. But overall, according to Ken Hanulec, director of marketing for Creo Americas, most in-plant managers would be better off investing in computer-to-plate systems rather than

While digital solutions seem to be the answer to more and more problems, for many in-plants imagesetters are still the best bet. IF YOU think everybody's gone digital— think again. While it is indisputable that computer-to-plate (CTP) solutions are the wave of the future, right now there is still some productivity left to be squeezed out of analog-based technology (read imagesetters). Granted, CTP devices can be fantastic additions for in-plants who already use digitally based systems, but if you aren't already digital—watch out. Building the infrastructure, persuading clients to provide digital files, learning how to imposition on a digital device and learning