International Graphic Supplies (IGS), a Monmouthshire-based CtP supplier, has commented on the uptake in refurbished Thermal CtP machines due to the phasing out of violet technology.
Offset plates are made by a variety of manufacturers, with some of the most well-known considered to be Agfa, Fujifilm, and Heidelberg.
Last year many changes took place in the world of printing plates as costs increased and companies altered production. Agfa sold its Offset Solutions division while manufacturer of print technology Fujifilm undertook the closure of its offset plate factory in Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Many in the industry speculated the phasing out of violet plates due to reports of Agfa ceasing production of its Azura Vi plate at the end of 2022.
Speaking to Print Monthly, Peter Flynn, managing director of IGS, comments: “What we’ve seen is that both Agfa and Fujifilm have announced to their customer base that they will be stopping the manufacture of violet technology plates. So, this has left a number of customers with Violet in a very difficult position.
Stuart
Cope, managing director at Flying Colours, recently upgraded to a Thermal
CtP
“What we’ve seen is fantastic sales last year where we’ve arranged a refurbished thermal CtP machine. It gives them extra benefits as it means they can work in a daylight environment and the price of a thermal plate is much cheaper than violet. Polyester manufacturers are also saying the same thing now that they’re actually starting to wind down the manufacture of polyester.”
IGS has recently installed a Heidelberg Suprasetter A75 ATL to Flying Colours in Oxford, an Agfa Acento to SetLine Data in London, and a Screen 4300 to AD3 Business Forms in Leeds.
Flynn adds: “I was a strong advocate of violet technology during my time as sales director at HighWater Designs selling violet CtP to countries around the world including OEM partnerships with Heidelberg and Esko Graphics.
“What we can offer these customers is an upgrade path to an affordable refurbished Thermal CtP. Moving to a Thermal CtP will allow the users to benefit from daylight operation and the ability to use direct-to-press plates”.