Printing Plate Quotation Checklist: What to Send for an Accurate Quote
Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: For an accurate printing plate quotation, send the plate type, your platesetter or imager, processor and chemistry, ink system, plate sizes and gauge, quantity per size, monthly volume and destination port. For machines add plate sizes, output needs and site details; for chemicals add your processor and plate grade. MOQ, price and lead time are then confirmed in the quotation.
Key takeaways
- Equipment and ink system decide the grade; sizes and volume decide the price.
- A photo of a nameplate or a current plate answers many questions at once.
- Always include destination port and delivery term so quotes are comparable.
- Use the tables below as a printable checklist for each product group.
Buyers often tell us quotes take days of back and forth, or that the price changed after we confirmed sizes. Both happen when a request starts with “price per square metre for CTP plates” and the details arrive one email at a time. “We just want a price per square metre” is understandable, but the grade, the sizes and the shipping route all change the figure. This checklist lists what to send for each product group so you get an accurate quote in one round, and quotes you can compare side by side.
Why a complete request gives a better quotation
Many buyers assume a quotation only needs plate type and quantity. In practice, equipment, ink system, sizes, volume and destination decide the grade and the landed cost. A supplier who quotes without them is guessing, and the guess is corrected later, usually upwards. A complete request also lets the supplier propose the right grade rather than the cheapest one. For the price factors behind a plate quote, see the CTP plate price guide.
Checklist for offset printing plates
Applies to CTP plates (thermal, processless, violet), CTcP and PS plates.
| Item | Example of what to send | Why it is needed |
|---|---|---|
| Plate type | Thermal CTP, processless, CTcP (UV), PS, violet | Plate family must match your imaging |
| Platesetter or exposure unit | Model or nameplate photo | Confirms imaging type and plate format |
| Processor and developer | Processor type, developer in use | Grade must clear in your chemistry |
| Ink system | Conventional, UV/LED-UV, coldset | UV inks need a suitable grade |
| Run length and baking | Typical and longest runs; bake yes/no | Single-layer, double-layer or baking |
| Sizes and gauge | Each size in mm; 0.15/0.20/0.25/0.30 mm | Price and cutting plan per size |
| Quantity | Per size, first order and monthly | MOQ, packing and price level |
| Packing or labelling | Standard or private label | See OEM printing plates |
Unsure of the grade? The plate selection guide and the plate size chart help you fill in the table.
Checklist for flexo plates
| Item | Example of what to send | Why it is needed |
|---|---|---|
| Plate type | Analog or digital (LAMS) | Imaging route |
| Processing method | Solvent, water-wash or thermal | Plate must match your processor |
| Application | Labels, flexible packaging, corrugated, paper bags | Hardness and relief depth |
| Ink type | Solvent, water-based or UV | Ink resistance of the grade |
| Thickness | 1.14 / 1.70 / 2.28 / 2.84 / 3.94 / 6.35 mm | Press and mounting setup |
| Sheet size and quantity | Sheet size, sheets per month | Price and packing |
| Accessories | Sleeves, mounting tape, anilox rolls | We can also supply these with plates |
Note that water-wash flexo plates are not intended for UV inks. The flexo plate thickness guide explains gauge and relief depth choices for flexo plates.
Checklist for CTP machines and plate processing equipment
CTP platesetters and flexo imagers are supplied with our partner factories; plate processors, baking ovens, punches and benders are made in our own factory.
| Item | Example of what to send | Why it is needed |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | Thermal, UV/CTcP or violet platesetter; flexo imager; processor; oven; punch; bender | Defines the configuration |
| Plate sizes | Largest and smallest plate | Format: 4-up, 8-up or large format |
| Output needs | Plates per shift, shifts per day | Manual or automatic loading |
| Press models | Press make and model for punch dies and bending | Punch dies and bender settings per press |
| Workflow | RIP and file format in use | Integration at installation |
| Site | Power supply, space, compressed air, climate | Installation planning |
| Installation and training | On-site or remote | Service terms in the quotation |
Our CTP machine selection guide and machine installation checklist cover these points in depth. Remember that our punches and benders are pneumatic and need compressed air.
Checklist for developer and printing chemicals
| Item | Example of what to send | Why it is needed |
|---|---|---|
| Plate grade in use | Thermal, CTcP or PS grade | Developer must match the plate |
| Processor | Type and bath volume | Pack size and replenishment |
| Products needed | Developer, plate cleaner, baking gum, plate gum | Combined shipment planning |
| Monthly consumption | Litres or plates processed | Quantity and price level |
| Safety documents | SDS needed for import or site rules | Prepared with the order |
We manufacture CTP developer; plate cleaner, baking gum and plate gum are supplied with our partner factories, and an SDS for plate cleaner can be provided.
Delivery, documents and commercial details
- Destination port (or airport) and preferred delivery term, for example FOB or CIF.
- Documents your customs broker needs in addition to the commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.
- Whether you want rolling orders or safety stock planned (common for newspaper plates).
- Required delivery date, so lead time can be confirmed in the quotation.
- Whether you need trial plates before the first order.
Packing and documents are described on the shipping and packaging page.
Common mistakes in quotation requests
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Price per square metre with no sizes | Quote changes after sizes arrive | Send every size and quantity |
| No platesetter or processor details | Wrong grade proposed | Send model or nameplate photo |
| UV inks not mentioned | Grade not suited to the work | State the ink system |
| No destination port | Quotes not comparable | State port and delivery term |
| Comparing quotes for different grades | Cheapest quote is not like-for-like | Compare grade, TDS and landed cost |
“We do not know our platesetter model” is a common reply. A photo of the machine nameplate, the processor and a current plate is enough to start. If it takes too long to collect the details, send what you have; we will ask only for what is missing.
FAQ
What information do I need to get a printing plate quotation?
Plate type, platesetter or exposure unit, processor and developer, ink system, run length, plate sizes and gauge, quantities per size, monthly volume and destination port. MOQ, price and lead time are then confirmed in the quotation.
What should I send to get a quote for flexo plates?
Analog or digital plate, processing method (solvent, water-wash or thermal), application, ink type, thickness, sheet size and monthly quantity, plus any sleeves, mounting tape or anilox rolls you want supplied with the plates.
What details are needed to quote a CTP machine?
Machine type, largest and smallest plate size, plates per shift, RIP workflow, site details such as power, space and climate, and whether you need on-site installation and training.
How do I get an accurate quote for printing chemicals?
Send the plate grade and processor you use, the products needed, monthly consumption and any safety documents required. An SDS for plate cleaner can be provided with the order.
Why do plate quotations from different suppliers differ?
Quotes often differ in grade, gauge, packing, delivery term and what is included. Compare like-for-like grades, the TDS and the landed cost at your port, not only the unit price.
Ready with your details? Request a quote: paste the checklist items above into the form or email. 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.
