CTP - Computer to Plate
Agfa Graphics CtP System Leads Corley Printing Company to Automation and Labor Efficiency
Monday 27. October 2008 - Prepress throughput times slashed 66%, labor costs cut 30% add to St. Louis printers bottom line
Agfa Graphics announced today that Corley Printing Company, of St. Louis, Missouri, has reduced lead times through automation at the prepress level with Agfas CtP solutions, thereby reducing the overall production cycle and costs. Converting its traditional plate and film process to Agfas :Amigo low-chemistry plates two years ago, Corley reduced its costs for chemistry by almost 20%, reduced the time and frequency of processor cleaning by 93% and visually improved printed output.
After evaluating the CtP manufacturers and systems available, Corley decided on Agfas :Avalon, coupled with :PlateManager and :Apogee as the perfect automated workflow solution for its production needs. In addition, low- chemistry :Amigo offered Corley a better environmental solution.
:Amigo uses ThermoFuse technology to deliver robust, high resolution plate performance. :Amigo is able to deliver the highest quality press results with remarkable chemical resistance and extraordinary processing latitude thanks to the use of physical, rather than chemical, plate processing. This means simple platemaking with consistently high quality, plate after plate, without the variables seen with other non-ThermoFuse technologies. Plate processing is simple and clean.
“Corley specializes in soft cover book printing which requires fast turnaround times. Our automated CtP system helps to decrease our throughput time, while delivering high quality so we can better satisfy our customers,” said Steve Dudley, chief manufacturing officer, Corley Printing. “In addition, Corley strives to be a good steward to the environment. Our :Amigo plates greatly add to this endeavor.”
Tim McCoy, prepress/press production manager of Corley, added, “Its a great feeling to walk into our CtP room with all my prepress personnel long gone for home, the room completely dark, except for the machines panel lights, and our fully automated system chugging away making plates. Truly a production managers dream come true.”