Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: Thermal CTP plates are imaged by an 830 nm infrared laser and can be handled in normal room light within TDS limits; CTcP plates are imaged with UV light on a UV platesetter and need a yellow safelight. Both single-layer families can be baked, but neither is UV-ink resistant. Choose by the platesetter you own, your ink and your run length.
Key takeaways
- The platesetter decides the plate family: thermal plates on thermal platesetters, CTcP plates on UV platesetters.
- Single-layer thermal and single-layer CTcP plates are bakeable but not UV-ink resistant, even after baking.
- For UV inks, use double-layer thermal plates; processless thermal plates can also run UV inks after a trial.
- We manufacture single-layer CTcP plates only; we do not supply a double-layer CTcP plate.
- Platesetters for both families are supplied with our partner factories.
“CTP vs CTcP” is one of the first questions a printing house asks when it upgrades from film or replaces an old platesetter. Too many suppliers say different things, and some describe CTcP plates as “just cheap thermal plates.” They are not: the two families use different light, different coatings and different handling rules. This article compares thermal CTP and CTcP (UV) plates fairly, so a purchasing or prepress manager can match the plate to the platesetter, ink and run length. If you need the full map of plate families, start with our article on types of CTP plates.
Thermal CTP vs CTcP: decision table
| Criterion | Thermal CTP plate | CTcP (UV) plate |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging light | Infrared laser, 830 nm | UV light from a UV platesetter |
| Platesetter | Thermal platesetter | UV (CTcP) platesetter |
| Room light handling | Normal room light within TDS limits | Yellow safelight until development |
| Grades we manufacture | Single-layer, double-layer, processless | Single-layer only (no double-layer CTcP) |
| Processing | CTP developer in a plate processor (none for processless) | Developer in a plate processor, per the grade TDS |
| Baking | Single- and double-layer grades can be baked | Single-layer grade can be baked |
| UV inks | Double-layer grade; processless after trial; not single-layer | Not UV-ink resistant |
| Typical buyer | Commercial, packaging, UV and long-run printers | Shops moving from film, conventional-ink commercial work |
How thermal CTP plates work
A thermal plate carries a heat-sensitive coating on grained, anodised aluminium. The platesetter’s 830 nm laser delivers heat, not visible light, so the plate is insensitive to normal room light for the time stated in the TDS. On positive single- and double-layer plates, the exposed coating becomes soluble in the developer and the plate processor washes it away. A processless thermal plate skips the processor completely and develops on press.
Our single-layer thermal plates cover most commercial work with conventional inks. The double-layer thermal plate adds a chemically resistant base layer and is the grade we recommend for UV inks and the longest baked runs.
How CTcP (UV) plates work
CTcP stands for computer-to-conventional plate. A UV platesetter writes the image with UV light directly onto a plate whose coating is close to conventional plate chemistry, so no film is needed. Because the coating reacts to UV and blue light, unexposed plates must stay under a yellow safelight until they are developed. Plates fog under the wrong light, so check the plate room lighting before the first box is opened.
We manufacture single-layer CTcP plates in gauges 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 mm. We do not supply a double-layer CTcP plate. If your work needs UV inks, the honest answer is a thermal double-layer plate on a thermal platesetter, not a CTcP plate.
When to choose thermal CTP
- You already own a thermal platesetter, or you are buying one. Thermal platesetters are supplied with our partner factories; see our thermal CTP machine options.
- You run UV inks (double-layer grade) or want to test processless plates to remove developer from the plate room.
- You want daylight handling and the widest choice of plate grades on one platesetter.
- You print packaging or long runs where a baked double-layer plate gives the most headroom.
When to choose CTcP
- You own a UV platesetter and the request is “plates that suit my existing platesetter”, with no new equipment.
- You are moving from film and want plate chemistry and processing that operators already understand.
- Your work is commercial printing with conventional inks, where a single-layer plate covers the run length you need; bake it when you need more.
- You want a lower cost per plate without losing quality on conventional-ink jobs. CTcP plates are often chosen on cost, but compare per usable plate.
UV platesetters are supplied with our partner factories; our UV CTP machine page explains formats and automation levels.
Can you switch or run both?
You cannot simply load thermal plates on a UV platesetter or CTcP plates on a thermal platesetter: each plate is designed for its imaging light. A common objection is that changing platesetter is too expensive. You do not have to change it to get the right plate; you match the plate grade to the platesetter you have. Plants that run both families usually do so because they have two platesetters, often an older UV unit and a newer thermal unit.
If you run both, keep these rules:
- Store and open CTcP boxes only under yellow safelight; thermal plates can share the room.
- Use the developer and processor settings each grade TDS requires. Do not assume one bath suits both.
- Route UV-ink jobs to the thermal platesetter and a double-layer plate, because single-layer thermal and CTcP plates are not UV-ink resistant, even after baking.
- Calibrate each platesetter separately, with its own curves.
Plates wear out on UV ink jobs when the wrong grade is chosen. That is a plate choice problem, not a quality problem, and baking does not fix it on single-layer plates.
Cost and workflow factors
We do not quote prices in articles; prices are confirmed in the quotation. These are the factors that decide your cost per usable plate:
| Factor | Thermal CTP | CTcP |
|---|---|---|
| Plate grade | Single-layer, double-layer or processless | Single-layer |
| Chemistry | CTP developer, or none for processless | Developer per grade TDS |
| Plate room | Normal room light within TDS limits | Yellow safelight required |
| Baking | Optional; baking oven and baking gum | Optional; baking oven and baking gum |
| Ink type | Conventional or UV (double-layer, processless after trial) | Conventional inks |
| Equipment | Thermal platesetter, processor | UV platesetter, processor |
Baking ovens and plate processors are made in our own factory; baking gum is supplied with our partner factories. For a deeper selection by press, ink and run length, use our plate selection guide, and see the printing plate baking guide before you plan long runs.
FAQ
What is the difference between CTP and CTcP?
Thermal CTP plates are imaged by an 830 nm infrared laser and handled in normal room light within TDS limits. CTcP plates are imaged with UV light on a UV platesetter and must be handled under a yellow safelight until development.
Which is better, thermal CTP or CTcP?
Neither is better in every case. The platesetter you own, your ink type and your run length decide. Thermal offers more grades, including double-layer for UV inks and processless; CTcP suits conventional-ink work on UV platesetters.
Can CTcP plates be used with UV inks?
No. Our single-layer CTcP plate is not UV-ink resistant, even after baking. For UV inks, use a double-layer thermal plate, or trial a processless thermal plate.
Can thermal and CTcP plates be baked?
Yes. Single-layer thermal, double-layer thermal and single-layer CTcP plates can be baked for longer runs, following the baking recipe in the grade TDS. Baking does not make single-layer plates UV-ink resistant.
Do CTcP plates need a safelight?
Yes. CTcP coatings react to UV and blue light, so unexposed plates must be handled under a yellow safelight from opening the box until development is finished.
Can I use thermal plates on a UV platesetter?
No. Thermal plates need the 830 nm laser of a thermal platesetter, and CTcP plates need the UV light of a UV platesetter. Match the plate to the platesetter you own.
Not sure whether thermal or CTcP plates fit your platesetter and inks? Request a quote — send your platesetter type, plate size, gauge, ink type and monthly volume. Or request trial plates / contact us.
Disclaimer: values on this page are typical and for reference only; final specifications, MOQ, price and lead time are subject to the grade TDS and the quotation.
