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DIGITAL PLATES -- Covering the Spectrum
The number of variables makes it difficult to back up any blanket statement about the cost advantages of one technology over another. Exceptions to the rule usually can be found, and other considerations can outweigh costs. In addition, competition tends to put pressure on pricing, so any cost advantage may be short lived.
Limited Availability
Regardless of the imaging technology, one concern that continues to dog the adoption of CTP is the availability of plates. Actually, there are two parts to this issue—intentional and unintentional supply restrictions.
In the digital plate arena, manufacturers have tended to preview, or even formally introduce, new products long before they go into commercial production. A number of plates were shown at DRUPA 2000 that have yet to be fully commercialized, and some still haven't even been given formal product names.
Online discussion forums have become a particular rich source of information about ongoing technology developments, but these reports from the bleeding edge often don't reflect the product options open to mainstream users. To help clarify matters, here's an update on the status of some digital plates that are getting talked about, but have yet to be commercialized: