The difference between plate-making printing and Plateless printing
Time:2025-06-13
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In traditional printing, plate making is essential. Currently, CTP plate making is more advanced. However, with continuous technological innovation, digital printing no longer requires plate making. So, what is the difference between plate making printing and non plate printing?
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plate-making printing refers to the process of first making graphic and textual information into a ‘printing plate‘ (such as relief, intaglio, planographic, perforated, etc.), and then transferring the ink or pigment on the printing plate to the substrate through a printing machine.Paperless printing is a printing technology that can directly transfer graphic and textual information to a substrate without the need for a printing plate. It uses digital technology to directly control the spraying, adsorption, or transfer process of ink or pigment, achieving a flexible printing mode of "print and print".
1.The differences in processes
Plate-making printing: Currently, the most advanced method is CTP plate making, which involves the following process: design documents (digital graphics and text) → CTP plate making machine directly exposing the plate → developing to produce the plate; However, the more ancient traditional plate making process is more complex, with an additional ‘film production‘ step.
Plateless printing: The process of printless printing is very simple, consisting of three steps: receiving electronic files (such as PDF files) → processing and converting data (converting them into signals that machines can recognize) → printing execution (printing finished products according to requirements).
2.The difference between cost and quality
Cost difference
Plate-making requires costs, not only the cost of various plate making materials, but also labor costs, which are inevitable in plate making and printing. However, as the quantity increases, the impact of plate making costs will be lower, even approaching zero.However , since no plate making is required, plateless printing cost is zero.
Quality difference
Plate making and printing: Image and text information is transmitted through physical objects, and various color details in the document can be almost 100% converted to the printing machine, ensuring the quality of the printed products.
Paperless printing: Image and text signals are converted to the printing machine through software, which inevitably cannot achieve 100% accuracy, resulting in a decrease in printing effect. However, with the continuous updating of technology (such as color automatic calibration technology), this impact will become smaller and smaller.
3.The difference between application
Plate-making printing:
As mentioned earlier, although there is a plate making fee, when the quantity is larger, this cost is not significant at all. In addition, the effect of plate making printing is better. Therefore, for larger printing quantities and quality requirements, plate making printing is generally chosen, such as books, brochures, packaging boxes, promotional materials, etc.
Plateless printing: Due to the absence of plate making, non plate printing is more flexible and can meet the needs of large quantities, as well as small quantities. Therefore, its applicability is more extensive. Especially for small batch printing, using printless printing is clearly more cost-effective.
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