Digital Plate Technology - Purple Laser Plates

At Drupa 2000, many people had a heated debate about the new technology of violet lasers. Some suppliers thought that this was just a propaganda tactic and some thought it was a distraction. At that time, the industry was not sure whether this was a new technology that could bring real benefits to users, or whether it was just one of the many technologies that suppliers had rushed to put up in order to decorate exhibition booths.

About 18 months after Drupa introduced the violet laser, it can be seen whether this technology has room for development. The industry is very concerned about whether violet lasers have long-term technology and whether they are supported by big manufacturers.

What drives Agfa to launch a violet laser?
Agfa had come to know before Drupa introduced the violet laser. Agfa maintains close liaison with laser suppliers and has been watching the development of laser technology, and even began to pay attention to laser technology before the commercialization of laser technology. Because of the close relationship between Agfa and the laser manufacturer, there is an opportunity to see the technology that is still on the production line, which allows us to understand the practical application of the new technology to our customers. We call it "technical screening."

For the printer, the plate is the plate. Some people may question why the printer is concerned about the type of laser that will be used to expose the CtP device. In the early days of the CtP system, in many Internet discussion forums with CtP themes, there were many opinions on computer-to-plate making. Most of the discussion focused on “the potential cost of having a computer-to-plate system: the cost of replacing laser heads”. And other issues. Agfa knows that printers are always looking for breakthrough, more reliable computer-to-plate systems – ideally with zero error rates.

In addition, low maintenance costs are another consideration. Agfa knows that the life of violet diodes is very long. Our initial estimate was 3,000 work hours (equivalent to 3.5 years). However, as many companies continue to invest in R&D, it is expected that their life will be longer. the trend of. One of the customer's descriptions is very appropriate: "This is like having a car in need of repair engines." Therefore, we knew early on that violet laser diodes could be used to expose plates. This technology will certainly attract CtP users all over the world.

You may even ask, "What are your opinions on the reliability of violet lasers?"
The survey results show that not only does Agfa say that violet lasers are reliable. Since Drupa 2000, Agfa has sold about 400 violet laser Galileo systems worldwide. During this period, the diode never had any problems - this is amazing. Because, statistically speaking, even with such a long life diode, there should always be some problems.

The same is true for other violet laser CtP equipment manufacturers such as Purup Eskofot/Barco, Highwater, Heidelberg, etc. They all believe that the violet laser CtP is very reliable. When a violet laser diode is installed in a consumer electronic product (such as DVD writers, etc.), the price is more likely to drop significantly. Although the chance of needing to replace the violet laser diode is minimal, the low cost of the diode itself will make the price of the plate making machine even lower. CtP is becoming a popular market. These customers are very sensitive to the price, and the violet laser diodes make it possible to make an inexpensive eight-plate-making machine. Any user can benefit from these cost-effectiveness, including face-to-face users.

"What is the situation of violet laser abroad?"
Violet lasers are exceptionally successful around the world, because wherever they are, printers demand the same CtP: affordable, productive, high-quality and reliable. Any technology that meets these requirements will certainly be very popular. In fact, many suppliers have (or plan to) launch violet laser technology products and reaffirmed that this technology is absolutely feasible. Mitsubishi has launched a purple laser silver salt version. The photopolymerization version has been supplied by several manufacturers, and the platemaking machine also has different brands and formats.

"Is violet laser replacing thermal technology?" - This is a very important issue. Agfa believes that three different platemaking technologies (silver salt, photopolymerization, and thermal) can complement each other instead of competing with each other. Traditional plates and film markets tell us that there is no one product or technology that can satisfy everyone's needs, and customers need different products. Therefore, in the field of CtP, Agfa also invests in developing different technologies so as to avoid mischief and fail to meet the needs of customers. Violet laser technology combines the advantages of light-sensitive and heat-sensitive CtP - this is the true factor of its success. The price is affordable, reliable, high imaging speed, close to the bright room operations ... ... purple laser to meet the real needs of customers. The success of a CtP technology depends on its merits. The success of violet lasers is not exaggerated by suppliers, but because printers all over the world benefit from their benefits.

"Whether this is the ultimate violet laser or there will be further development."
In Ifra 2001, we saw a violet laser direct-to-computer platemaking machine for the newspaper industry. In Agfa, we introduced Violet Polaris. The advantages of violet lasers for commercial printers are equally appealing to newspaper printers. Many people appreciate the long life and high speed of diodes. CtP suppliers attach great importance to violet laser plates and platesetters, so violet lasers are definitely a lasting technology and will not be eliminated in the short term.

“Does this make CtP buyers face too complicated technical choices when purchasing? What are the good suggestions for those who plan to invest?”
I have two suggestions: First, before buying, printers should try to ask various suppliers for their opinions on different technologies to see if they are suitable for his business. As a supplier with multiple technologies, it can give more pertinent opinions, based on the true needs of customers, and will not sell certain equipment because of their own technology. If your supplier has only one technology, you may encounter the following situation: After reviewing your needs, the supplier will show you that the technology they provide is the only solution that suits you.

Second, printers have to consider the entire system, not individual components. The plates developed around the platesetter technology can achieve the best results with a specific laser spot, shape, and scanning speed. The plate processor is designed to fit the printing plate, and the plate processor and the platesetter are tightly connected together. When the supplier develops the imaging technology and the printing plate, if the characteristics of the two can be matched with each other, the effect will be more perfect. As for the advantages, the user will be able to see. Since Drupa to date, we have sold 400 sets of violet laser Galileo, so this is not a one-sided word of the supplier, and in addition to Agfa, there are other company's purple laser system on the market. These can provide users with real benefits, and all aspects of cooperation with the system products are naturally welcomed by printers. Another important indicator is that Violet Lasers has become a mainstream technology in the market in a shorter time than other computer-to-plate technologies.