Computer-to-plate, CTP, Platesetter


Buying a used computer-to-plate (CTP) system is a big decision, as you will not have the same level of support from a vendor as you would if you brought brand-new. So you really have to do your homework.

The top-of-the-line system would be a Kodak (Creo) Trendsetter or Lotem Quantum with the famous Creo thermal head. As the laser is the most expensive part of the system, you will want to check the mileage (hours of imaging, ie operation).

Workflow (software package to drive the CTP) is crucial, so you need to have it in already in place before you buy the CTP, or else line up a vendor who will take care of connecting the CTP to a supported workflow.

You need to find a consumables vendor who will support the machine. Again, this is where the Kodak/Creo have an advantage in the secondary market, as virtually every metal plate vendor can run their stuff on a Creo CTP.

Next in line are the Agfa, Fuji and Dnaippon platesetters in terms of desirability. If you already have one of these machines in the shop and are familiar with it, then you shouldn't have any problem. But beware, if this is your first purchase of CTP, you should make sure you have vendors who can offer local, not remote support.

Obviously, the converted HP laser printers are only capable of imaging polyester or paper plates, and at most are suitable for one or two color work. But it's still less costly than burning film.
Plate Maker CTP Luxel VX 9600
Plate Maker CTP Luxel VX 9600
$69,000.00
$76,000.00
Time Left: 3d 3h 25m
2005 Screen Platerite 8000 II Platesetter CTP Engine
2005 Screen Platerite 8000 II Platesetter CTP Engine
$38,500.00 (0 Bids)
Time Left: 3d 2h 46m
2006 Creo Magnus 400 CTP
2006 Creo Magnus 400 CTP
$38,000.00
Time Left: 18h 49m
Basysprint UV-Setter 710 f 2 High-speed CTP system
Basysprint UV-Setter 710 f 2 High-speed CTP system
$36,600.00 (0 Bids)
Time Left: 3d 11h 31m
Creo Trendsetter
Creo Trendsetter
$35,000.00 (0 Bids)
Time Left: 7d 23m
Creo Scitex Trendsetter 3230 Spectrum square spot
Creo Scitex Trendsetter 3230 Spectrum square spot
$35,000.00
Time Left: 13d 14h 25m
Basysprint UV-Setter 710 f 2 High-speed CTP_Built 2002
Basysprint UV-Setter 710 f 2 High-speed CTP_Built 2002
$33,333.00 (0 Bids)
Time Left: 3d 11h 30m
HEIDELBERG PROSETTER 52  CTP - 2006
HEIDELBERG PROSETTER 52 CTP - 2006
$25,000.00
Time Left: 1d 2h 43m
Mitsubishi DPX2 CtP Makes Prepress a Breeze
Mitsubishi DPX2 CtP Makes Prepress a Breeze
$24,999.00
Time Left: 24d 18h 33m
Mitsubishi DPX-460 + Harlequin RIP - 16" x 21" CTP
Mitsubishi DPX-460 + Harlequin RIP - 16" x 21" CTP
$12,470.00
Time Left: 21d 18h 30m
Mitsubishi DPX-460 + 16" x 21" CTP System + VERY NICE!
Mitsubishi DPX-460 + 16" x 21" CTP System + VERY NICE!
$9,770.00
Time Left: 16d 22h 17m
Agfa Galileo VS CTP system with OLP
Agfa Galileo VS CTP system with OLP
$8,000.00 (0 Bids)
Time Left: 4d 23h 13m
HEIDELBERG HERKULES CTP HARLEQUIN RIP    Online Process
HEIDELBERG HERKULES CTP HARLEQUIN RIP Online Process
$6,500.00 (1 Bids)
Time Left: 2d 19h 26m
Mitsubishi Genisis + RIP - 13.4" x 21.6" CTP Exc. Cond.
Mitsubishi Genisis + RIP - 13.4" x 21.6" CTP Exc. Cond.
$4,970.00
Time Left: 8d 21h 57m
ECRM TigerCat CTP,  24"x24",  MAC RIP,  Cables,  Cassettes
ECRM TigerCat CTP, 24"x24", MAC RIP, Cables, Cassettes
$3,995.00
Time Left: 24d 17h 36m
CTP-XANTE-PLATEMAKER4
CTP-XANTE-PLATEMAKER4
$3,500.00
Time Left: 12d 14h 7m
Itek Graphix AB Dick DPM 2000S CTP Plate Maker-Presstek
Itek Graphix AB Dick DPM 2000S CTP Plate Maker-Presstek
$3,400.00
Time Left: 2d 16h 7m
AGFA LP 68 ULTRA CTP PLATE PROCESSOR   ***GUARENTEED***
AGFA LP 68 ULTRA CTP PLATE PROCESSOR ***GUARENTEED***
$1,699.99
Time Left: 25d 15h 17m
CTP Plate Setter Scitex Brisque 7 Rip with  Impose
CTP Plate Setter Scitex Brisque 7 Rip with Impose
$1,000.00
$1,100.00
Time Left: 3d 5h 32m