So far, prepress computer-to-plate equipment is divided into two categories: ordinary CTP and CTcP. Although both processes save the film platemaking process, and all use digital information to realize the one-stop operation of "prepress production - data transmission - direct plate making", from the perspective of technical characteristics and actual process implementation, CTP and CTcP There are big differences. CTcP is the extension and development of CTP.
- The most essential difference between CTcP and CTP is that the exposure materials used by the two are different.
CTcP images digital information on a common PS plate, while CTP images digital information on a special CTP plate coated with a special photosensitive layer.
- The exposure technology of CTcP and CTP is different.
Whether it is CTcP equipment or CTP equipment, exposure technology is the core content. It is not only related to the quality of exposure imaging, but also closely related to the life of the device. The structure and motion state of the exposure head directly affect the repair and maintenance of the equipment in daily use.
CTcP uses a short arc ultraviolet high pressure mercury lamp as the exposure light source, and completes the entire platform exposure operation through digital dot imaging technology and magnetic levitation drive.
Its exposure head consists of two parts: one part is a high-precision optical element; the other part is a modern electronic sensing device that controls and detects exposure imaging.
The device can automatically adjust the height of the exposure head according to the unevenness of the surface of the printing plate, so as to ensure the exposure quality. Compared with CTP equipment that uses laser as light source, the maintenance of CTcP exposure head is more convenient and easier; the replacement of light source does not require professionals, and ordinary operators can complete it. The magnetic levitation drive technology without mechanical wear not only minimizes the accuracy error of the entire equipment, but also greatly reduces the probability of equipment failure, providing a solid guarantee for the creation of high-quality products. This advantage is not possessed by CTP equipment, because the daily transmission of the machinery used for a long time will inevitably lead to wear and tear, which is unavoidable in any case.
- The performance of CTcP, CTP and printing process fusion is different.
The ultimate purpose of plate-making is printing, and the most advanced plate-making methods have practical value only when they are smoothly combined with the printing process.
Although both CTcP equipment and CTP equipment can be integrated into the printing process, the requirements and results of the two are completely different.
The coating material of the CTP plate is very different from the coating material of the ordinary PS plate, which leads to a great difference between its printability in the printing process and the printability of the ordinary PS plate. The ink balance of the plate, the pressure of the printing machine, the pH value of the liquid medicine, and the environment around the printing machine should be readjusted and tested in actual printing.
CTcP has outstanding advantages in the integration with printing process. The consistency of the plate ensures the normal operation of each printing suitability. Printing companies do not need to worry about various problems caused by changes in printing suitability, nor do they need to spend a lot of time and energy to complete the matching of plates and printing machines. The relatively stable printing parameters enable the plate making process and the printing process to complete mutual integration in a very short time, and generate economic benefits.