Good short-run CTP

[Happyprinter]

Well, the comparable cost of operation, with all due respect, I would differ with you on. As for the punching, I think it takes us all of 5-10 seconds to punch a plate so not a big problem, As for the suggestion of trying different plates, you would be insane not to before your purchase. We always try several different types before purchasing any equipment. Xante I'm sure has a good product, having never used it, but there are so many other companies emerging in the CTP business that a person had better do some research or you will be sorry for your purchase almost guaranteed. Look at G&J new technology also along with VIM's . Do your research.

[jackmack2010]

Printware does NOT sell the ECO. We sell what we make here in Minnesota, as we have for 13+ years, the PlateStream line of platesetters. The same base design that Mitsu purchased from Printware 12+ years ago with their first digiplaterthe SDP 1800. Since then there has have been numerous improvements made to the design to make it the industry leader that it is.
Jack Makowski
Vanguard Graphics (parent of Printware)

[jackmack2010]

Cost per plate (comparable), hands-down, no one can beat Printware because of their direct relationship with the end user.

[OffsetGuy@presstechnician.com]

The Mitsi ECO is a great machine. Printware makes great machines too. Even the Laser Gods at PressWreck are selling the ECO as thier new DPM......Go figure.

A used DPM 2340 is good also. The DPM 34 is not bad but had issues. If you purchase a used DPM I have all the Presswreck manuals and bulletins from past to present.

OG

[ROCPrinter]

My suggestion would be to purchase an HP 5000 Laser printer ($425.00 on E-Bay) see below:
(HP Laserjet 5100n Printer CtP Laser Platemaker 5000 - eBay (item 130356845157 end time Feb-04-10 07:49:48 PST))

and purchase paper plates from Baseline (Base-Line - Products: Offset Printing Plates)

This would be the cheapest easiest way to produce CTP plates for those duplicators. Especially when it was you that stated that " The bulk of the work will be solid text, but there will be also be the occasional screened image we'd need to run as well."

As far as the screened images if they are really heavy screen a plate-maker like A.B.Dick Digital PlateMaster 34 SC/HSC would not work anyway. I have one and any time we have heavy screens we send out to have metal plates made. It will work for light coverage screens but not heavy coverage screens. Not to mention the fact you will have to buy rolls of Mega plate material at $250.00 per roll, activator, stabilizer etc. They activator and stabilizer have to be changed monthly...

My suggestion is to crawl before you walk. Find a vendor to produce plates for you ("on occasional jobs that have heavy screens"), invest $600.00 into a HP 5000 desktop printer and a box of Baseline plates and go at it. If you see that you are spending a lot of $$$ in having your vendor produce plates them go ahead and add the A.B.Dick Digital PlateMaster 34 SC/HSC or similar machine to your equipment list. You can still use the HP5000 as a office printer or make plates for certain jobs on it?

I hope this helps!

[Pressman's Pride]

Ripit used systems available now in 13.3 or 15.75" Inline with Openrip Symphony PDF workflow is the way to go for fast and high quality polyester plate output. from 1200 DPI 120LPI to 2400 DPI 150-175LPI the Ripit is the best remaining option on the market when you consider cost, support options, workflow, features and ease of use.

[prepressing]

VIM or G&J would be the way to go if you want to get an inexpensive system. VIM works with existing Epson 4880, 7880 or 7900 printers. You do not have to make any modifications to the printer and it uses standard Epson inks.
CTP Systems - Epson Metal and Polyester Plate Systems CTP System by VIM

[Pressman's Pride]

What does "inexpensive" mean? Less than 10k? Just curious on that for the type of "quality"...

[prepressing]

Up to 150 lpi poly and metal plates are available. The system is around $8,995 or $9,995 and then you would need to add an Epson 4880, 7880 or 7900. If you already have one of these then you could use your existing printer since there are no modifications necessary on the printer. The technology is in the plates themselves so you use standard Epson inks.

[printerdw]

It will be a Rip-it if your going metal plate dont buy it is bad send me an e-mail i will tell you why

Because of price, my boss is heavily leaning towards the Xante. I know you get what you pay for, but need to know if anyone has any compelling reasons for us to NOT go with the Xante?