which Ctp is the best?

[anouarsurvive]

Hello,
I'm loocking for a CtP, but i really don't know how to make my decision.
I'm an offset printer, I have 4 Heidelberg machines and this will be my second CtP after the prosetter of heidelberg.
If somone can advise me, it'll be great.
thank you.

[macphenom]

Where is the button for Screen?

[SteveAgfa]

anouar:

That's an interesting poll - but the more significant question
is "what are your needs?" One size still does not fit all. Perhaps
you should start with your plate requirements - run length,
what line screen, UV inks, etc.

What's interesting with Heidelberg, Kodak
and Agfa - as that they've all had some
sort of relationship with Screen - perhaps
the most obvious omission from your list.
And, of course, Creo was acquired by Kodak.

Regards,

[gordo]

Hello,
I'm loocking for a CtP, but i really don't know how to make my decision.
I'm an offset printer, I have 4 Heidelberg machines and this will be my second CtP after the prosetter of heidelberg.
If somone can advise me, it'll be great.

I don't think your poll will help you (BTW there is no Creo ctp unless you are considering used).
I think you should ask yourself some questions and maybe make up a list of criteria that the CTP must fulfill.
Start with your HD Prosetter, why are you replacing it, where was it deficient that now makes you consider other vendor's offerings, is your competitive environment changing (e.g. going to finer screening), etc., etc.
Then you could look at such things as:
throughput/number of plates per hour required now and over the next 5 years
warranty period
service contract cost, length, coverage
imaging technology (accuracy, repeatability, consistency, max screening lpi/FM, temp compensation, what happens if laser failure occurs, remote diagnostics, remote service capability, etc.)
degree of automation
compatible plate choices/plate contract
existing workflow integration setup or change of workflow
parts and service availability in your area
cost of device
cost per delivered plate
etc.
etc.

I'm sure others will pile in (or you could hire a consultant)

gordo

my print blog here: Quality In Print

[Cory Smith]

There really isn't a "best" in my opinion.. the majority of the devices are all reliable, fast and make dots on plates anything you can ask for.

I'd look at how the service and support is for you area. If you have a good working relationship with Heidelberg it might be in your best interest to keep that intact. Where are techs located? When you do need a service call are they going to have to bring someone in from out of the area or do they have a local tech?

that's the way I looked at it when we purchased.

I do have to agree with macphenom however..screen makes great devices. I believe are OEM'd by fuji. Agfa and Heidelberg use to OEM them, not sure if they still do.

[marktonk]

For thermal, Heidelberg use to manufacture the Topsetter which was based on Screen technology, they did not OEM it. Now they manufacture their own design, the Suprasetter.

All of the points brought up are good points to review. Your printing needs will help determine what type of system will meet you needs.

Are you going to keep the Prosetter or replace it? If you determine you want to make the move from violet to thermal, and you do have automation on the Prosetter, it can be retrofitted to the same format Suprasetter 105 or 75. Keep in mind that the Prosetter has the tightest registration spec with a internal punch of any CtP with +/- 5 microns.

Regards,

Mark

[gordo]

Steve brings up a good issue,

If you end up looking at the same device (as could be the case with Screen) being offered by different vendors/dealers - Agfa, HD, Fuji, Screen, etc. then you may have to compare the depth of resources each vendor will be able to provide in helping you to extract maximum value from your investment in what otherwise would be the same imaging device. Effectively, in that case, the CtP device is made a commodity - which puts you in a stronger negotiating position.

best, gordo

[anouarsurvive]

Where is the button for Screen?

thank you all fr your replay.
yeah sur I forgot the screen buttom.

[anouarsurvive]

anouar:

That's an interesting poll - but the more significant question
is "what are your needs?" One size still does not fit all. Perhaps
you should start with your plate requirements - run length,
what line screen, UV inks, etc.

What's interesting with Heidelberg, Kodak
and Agfa - as that they've all had some
sort of relationship with Screen - perhaps
the most obvious omission from your list.
And, of course, Creo was acquired by Kodak.

Regards,

thank you for your replay,
my problem is that I'm open for all solution: I don't have specific needs.
I think that the importan difference between the Uv and argentic technology is the speed.
what do you mean with UV ink?

[anouarsurvive]

I don't think your poll will help you (BTW there is no Creo ctp unless you are considering used).
I think you should ask yourself some questions and maybe make up a list of criteria that the CTP must fulfill.
Start with your HD Prosetter, why are you replacing it, where was it deficient that now makes you consider other vendor's offerings, is your competitive environment changing (e.g. going to finer screening), etc., etc.
Then you could look at such things as:
throughput/number of plates per hour required now and over the next 5 years
warranty period
service contract cost, length, coverage
imaging technology (accuracy, repeatability, consistency, max screening lpi/FM, temp compensation, what happens if laser failure occurs, remote diagnostics, remote service capability, etc.)
degree of automation
compatible plate choices/plate contract
existing workflow integration setup or change of workflow
parts and service availability in your area
cost of device
cost per delivered plate
etc.
etc.

I'm sure others will pile in (or you could hire a consultant)

gordo

my print blog here: Quality In Print

I didn't know that there are no more new creo CTP sorry about that.
i'm not replacing My CtP just I need another one becouse I have a lot of work, so you can consider that I need a CtP with important throwput.
I'll install a JDF workflow, so one of my criteria is the software related with the Ctp: HD prinect is it good? I think that kodak have a good software which can integriet Jdf workflow better, right?
So i think that my criterias are:
the speed, the Jdf integration, the price.
I'm printing with 300 Dpi and I'm note using FM trame.
just a questin: do you think that if my CtP is producing an FM trame I'll be able to print it ? or I need a special printing machine?