CTP A Budget Review

Initially, because the cost of using CTP plates was so high compared to the cost of conventional plates, and because the plate processors had to be taken apart and cleaned frequently (a process that took hours), the cost of CTP outweighed the benefits of quick turnaround. These problems went away in 1998 when the company, which does its own printing, purchased several CTP platesetters that use conventional plates, explained Yolitz.

Krahforst said Rodale was attracted to CTP in 1996 because the technology offered the benefits of higher quality printing, a real bonus because Rodale prints health, fitness and craft books in four-color. The company was also interested in the promise of overall lower costs, something the company has yet to see. He said that while the print quality increase with CTP is significant, the higher cost of plates and associated technology means the cost of CTP is about the same as conventional printing. Since it is not more expensive than conventional printing and gives higher print quality, the company plans to continue using CTP. In 1999, 17 titles were done 100 percent CTP, and the company plans to move 100 percent of the four- and two-color work to CTP by the end of 1999.

All in all, the panelists seemed optimistic that costs of CTP will come down over time. The technology has allowed them to meet their major objectives of shortening turnaround time, improving print quality and keeping up with technology. However, Charlton's remarks at the end of the session aptly summed up the overall message, "Not everything is best suited for CTP ... You must allow your printer to be honest with you. Don't do technology for technology's sake. There should be a reason [for it]."