CTP Plates for Printers in Latin America
Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: In Latin America we supply printing companies directly. Printers in Peru and Colombia buy our thermal CTP plates, and a newspaper printer in Venezuela buys our violet CTP plates. All plates are made in our own factory, cut to the press size, and shipped by sea in containers; terms are confirmed in the quotation.
Key takeaways
- Our Latin American customers are printing companies, not dealers, so plates go straight to the pressroom.
- Thermal plates suit commercial sheetfed printers with 830 nm thermal platesetters.
- Violet photopolymer plates are still in production, so a newspaper can keep its violet platesetter.
- For newspapers, rolling orders and safety stock can be planned, confirmed in the quotation.
A printing company that imports its own plates carries a risk a dealer does not: there is no middleman’s warehouse between the factory and the press. If a container is late or a batch misbehaves, the press stops. That is why our Latin American customers care less about headline specifications and more about two things: the plate must run on the platesetter they already own, and supply must be planned far enough ahead. This page shows what we supply in Peru, Colombia and Venezuela and how to start. Other regions are listed on the printing plate export markets overview.
Who we supply in Peru, Colombia and Venezuela
Only owner-confirmed facts are listed; customers stay anonymous.
| Country | Customer type | Plate we supply | Platesetter technology |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peru | Printing company | Thermal CTP plates | Thermal (830 nm) |
| Colombia | Printing company | Thermal CTP plates | Thermal (830 nm) |
| Venezuela | Newspaper printing company | Violet CTP plates | Violet |
Thermal CTP plates for commercial printers
Our thermal CTP plates image at 830 nm on thermal platesetters and are developed in a standard processor. They are what our customers in Peru and Colombia run. For a sheetfed printer the choice is usually between two grades:
- Single-layer thermal — everyday commercial, book and catalogue work with conventional inks. Bakeable, but not resistant to UV inks even after baking.
- Double-layer thermal — longer runs, harsher press chemistry and, after baking, UV inks.
If the shop wants to drop the developer step, our processless thermal plates run on the same thermal platesetter. Before changing grade, check compatibility with your platesetter model and RIP output using the CTP compatibility guide. Run length depends on press, paper and ink; see the grade TDS and its test conditions.
Violet CTP plates for newspaper printing
Many newspapers worldwide invested in violet platesetters, and some buyers worry the plates will disappear. They have not: we manufacture violet photopolymer CTP plates in our own factory, and our Venezuelan customer prints newspapers with them. What a newspaper should know:
- Platesetter match: violet plates are imaged on a violet platesetter only; they will not image on a thermal machine.
- Processing: violet photopolymer plates are preheated in line in the processor. They are not post-baked.
- Deadline work: on a nightly schedule, the plate has to image and process the same way every night, because a remake costs press time.
- Handling: violet plates are light-sensitive in the visible range, so handle them only under the safelight conditions given in the grade TDS.
Newspaper printers comparing technologies can read thermal vs violet CTP and the newspaper printing plates application page.
Sizes, gauges, punching and bending
| Item | Commercial printers (thermal) | Newspaper printers (violet) |
|---|---|---|
| Gauge | 0.15 mm, 0.20 mm, 0.25 mm or 0.30 mm to suit the press | Per the press manual; gauges from 0.15 mm to 0.30 mm |
| Sizes | Cut to order, for example 745 × 605 mm or 1030 × 790 mm | Cut to the web press plate size, confirmed from a sample plate or drawing |
| Punching | Pin-register punch if the press uses it | Punch and bend before mounting on the cylinder |
| Equipment | Plate processor, optional baking oven | Plate punch and plate benders |
Our punches and benders are pneumatic, need compressed air, and are set per press model; punch dies can be custom-made. See the plate size chart and custom plate sizes before sending dimensions.
Shipping, rolling orders and packaging
Plates are interleaved, packed in cartons on pallets or in wooden cases, and shipped by sea in containers to the buyer’s nearest port; see shipping and packaging. A container can mix plate sizes with developer and gum. For a newspaper, a one-off order is the wrong model: we can agree rolling orders with safety stock planned at the factory, so the next container is on its way before the last one runs down. Incoterms, MOQ and lead time are confirmed in the quotation. Between deliveries, store plates sealed, flat and away from heat and humidity, as described in the plate storage guide.
Trial plates and technical support
Because our customers here are pressrooms, the trial is run where it matters: we send trial plates in your size, and you image, process and print them on your own platesetter and press. Record exposure, processing, dot reproduction and start-up with the plate test protocol, then request trial plates. After supply starts, our technical support team helps remotely with exposure curves, processor settings and press questions.
FAQ
Which CTP plates do printers in Latin America use?
It depends on the platesetter. Our customers in Peru and Colombia use thermal CTP plates on thermal platesetters, and our newspaper customer in Venezuela uses violet CTP plates on a violet platesetter.
Are violet CTP plates still used for newspaper printing?
Yes. Many newspapers still run violet platesetters, and we still manufacture violet photopolymer plates; our Venezuelan newspaper customer buys them from us.
Do violet plates need baking?
No. Our violet photopolymer plates are preheated in line in the processor and are not post-baked. For baked long runs, a thermal plate on a thermal platesetter is the alternative.
Can a newspaper printer get regular plate supply from China?
Yes, with planning. We can set up rolling orders with safety stock planned at the factory and ship by sea in containers; Incoterms, MOQ and lead time are confirmed in the quotation.
How do I test a new thermal CTP plate before ordering?
Request trial plates in your size, image and process them on your own platesetter and processor, print a test form on press, and record results with our plate test protocol.
Printing in Peru, Colombia, Venezuela or elsewhere in Latin America? Request a quote — send your platesetter type (thermal or violet), plate sizes, gauge, monthly use and ink type. 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.
