Fuji violet plates with a Heidelberg CTP system

[jfryw]

My boss came to me today saying he is thinking of trying the Fuji Violet Economax V plates. We have always used Heidelbergs Saphira Violet plates in our CTP system.

Has anyone had experience with the Fuji Violet plates in a similar workflow and what changes/problems have you faced?

[csm20]

Prosettor exposure times and vacuum time, press profile would probably not work the same with fuji, the plate size and thickness would need to be the same.
Plus all the chemistry would need to be fuji, and you probably could not get the raptor processor clean enough not to contaminate the new fuji chem.
Heidelberg has us all by the short hairs with this plate issue.
I to have researched for cheaper plates and chem,
Heidelberg Saphira violet plates/chem are in actuality made by Agpha.
If i were you I would stay with heidelberg plates and chem it's not worth the trouble and possible cost.
Just my opinion and we all now what opinion are the same as.
everyone has one.
Good luck.
CSM20

[jfryw]

Does anyone know if you can use the Fuji plates with the same yellow lights like the Heidelberg Saphira plates that we currently use?

[rbailleu]

are they quoting you cheaper pricing. I had konica in to talk about there processless plates. they would through in a processor.

[Internal_R&D_Analyst]

Given a recalibration is done almost any plate can be ran on a CTP as long as they are they same type (violet for violet, thermal to thermal).

You do need to use the chemicals from the same plate manufacturer and they usually give you the developer unit you would switch out.

Heidelberg does not make any consumables so you really aren't using Heidelberg, I think they are Agfa as already mentioned.

[maxon]

Given a recalibration is done almost any plate can be ran on a CTP as long as they are they same type (violet for violet, thermal to thermal).

Not that simple. In some violet recorders you need to make some hardware modifications e.g. replace a filter in the optics to match the plate sensitivity range, there is a certain difference between Fuji, Agfa and Kodak. The different coating type may also require a specific plate processor configuration - single replenish system vs. dual, a certain brush scrub type and/or rinse brush etc.that is because every plate manufacturer came in with his own set of requirements regarding accreditation.

You do need to use the chemicals from the same plate manufacturer

True

... and they usually give you the developer unit you would switch out.

Probably true for some dealers but not as general rule.

[Ritter]

Fuji has experience using their plates with the HDM Prosetter/Raptor combo. You'll need a hefty cleanout, then Fuji chemicals and expertise (with the Raptor and the Prosetter settings) to make the transition.

You are however opening yourself up to a possible vendor 'war' if issues come up. Fuji will blame HDM, HDM will blame Fuji. Another thought might be to call in an Agfa rep and get pricing (which shouldn't require any transition on your hardware). How about suggesting to your boss to call your Heidelberg rep and see if you can get better pricing with the leverage of numbers from Fuji and Agfa? I always tend to think in prepress it best to keep one vendors system with one vendors consumables.

[SteveAgfa]

Hold on guys...

There may be some technical issues preventing an easy switch.
It's best to first work with the incumbent vendor (HDM) to under-
stand the options available.

Is the laser a 5mW, 30mW or 60mW?

If 5mW - it is only capable of exposing silver-based plates.
There may be some laser upgrades ($) available if necessary.

If 30mW - it can expose silver-based plates, as well as the
faster photopolymer plates. (I'm not HDM - so I don't know
what the qualification list is - again check with HDM.)

If 60mW - it should be able to expose - with plenty of latitude -
both silver and photopolymer plates.

However, the two processing technologies are completely different -
there would need to be a processor change-out if going from silver
to photopolymer.

Then, as we are on the cusp of seeing violet chem-free photopolymer
plates for commercial applications, perhaps it might be a good time to
wait and see what HDM has to offer.

I'd suggest that you work with HDM - they know best your imager,
available plates and best fit for your application.

Regards,

[jfryw]

As time goes on more information comes to light. The plate deal includes a new Fuji processor so now its finding out if our Prosetter can handle different plates.
Would it be possible to get plates from Fuji, image them, send them back to be processed and then returned to try out on our press, SM74. Is that even a consideration.

Thanks for the thoughts everyone, very helpful.

[maxon]

As time goes on more information comes to light. The plate deal includes a new Fuji processor so now its finding out if our Prosetter can handle different plates.
Would it be possible to get plates from Fuji, image them, send them back to be processed and then returned to try out on our press, SM74. Is that even a consideration.

Yes I would do that, recalibrate the laser output and give it a try. BUT, sending the plates out to be processed ... ? should discuss with fuji about image latency time.