CTcP Plate (UV-CTP)
Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: A CTcP plate is exposed by UV light instead of an infrared laser, so it runs on your existing UV platesetter or CTcP machine, and it can also be imaged on a 405 nm violet laser platesetter — digital plates without buying a new imager. CTPPress manufactures a single-layer CTcP grade; we do not currently supply a double-layer CTcP plate. Trial plates available.
Key takeaways
- A CTcP plate is a conventional positive-working plate imaged digitally by UV light in a CTcP (UV-CTP) platesetter — no film.
- It is the practical film-free route for shops that already run UV platesetters or 405 nm violet laser platesetters; thermal CTP plate (830 nm) suits shops buying a new platesetter.
- CTPPress manufactures a single-layer CTcP grade; we do not currently supply a double-layer CTcP plate.
- Typical processing: standard PS-type developer at about 23 ± 2 °C, yellow-safelight handling before development.
- UV imaging is not the same as UV-ink resistance — our CTcP plate is not UV-ink resistant.
What is a CTcP plate?
CTcP stands for computer-to-conventional-plate: the plate is a conventional positive-working plate, but it is imaged digitally by a UV light source in a CTcP machine (often called a UV-CTP platesetter) instead of by film. The shop keeps its UV exposure technology and chemistry while dropping film, film processing and the registration errors that come with them.
The typical buyer tells us: “I want to drop film but keep my UV equipment.” Another version we hear from dealers: “my customers want digital plates without buying a new platesetter.” That is exactly the gap a CTcP plate fills. We manufacture the plate on our own coating lines on an aluminium substrate we also produce, in common gauges of 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 mm, cut to your plate size.
CTcP vs thermal CTP plate
The practical difference is the imaging source: CTcP plate is exposed by UV light, and it can also be imaged on a 405 nm violet laser platesetter; thermal CTP plate is imaged at 830 nm. If your shop already runs a UV or 405 nm violet platesetter, CTcP plate is the film-free path that uses it; if you are buying a new platesetter, thermal is usually the better long-term choice for resolution, daylight handling and processless options. Some buyers say CTcP sounds like an obsolete technology — it is not, it is simply the pragmatic route for shops whose UV or violet equipment still has years of life. Compare both on the CTP plate overview.
| Point of comparison | CTcP plate | Thermal CTP plate |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging source | UV light, or 405 nm violet laser | Infrared laser, 830 nm |
| Platesetter needed | CTcP / UV-CTP machine, or 405 nm violet platesetter | Thermal platesetter |
| Handling before processing | Yellow safelight | Normal room light |
| Developer | Standard PS-type developer | Thermal plate developer |
| Best fit | Shops with existing UV or violet equipment | New installations, processless options |
Exposure and processing
Typical values from our current CTcP plate TDS: exposure around 50–80 mJ/cm² in the UV range, dot reproduction of 2–98% at 200 lpi, development with standard PS-type developer at about 23 ± 2 °C. Handle unprocessed plates under yellow safelight. Exact values are confirmed per batch in the TDS; see the compatibility matrix for settings by machine model.
When you first switch to our plate, run a short calibration: image a step wedge and a dot-gain target, check the 2% and 98% patches after development, and adjust exposure energy before linearising the RIP. Keep developer temperature stable and replenishment active — most CTcP complaints about lost highlights trace back to tired developer rather than to the plate. Our CTcP plate making process guide covers each step and a fault table. Store plates flat in their cartons, dry and away from heat; for storage life, see the grade TDS and its test conditions.
One clarification we make to every CTcP buyer: UV imaging compatibility is not the same as UV-ink compatibility. Our CTcP plate can be baked for longer conventional-ink runs but is not UV-ink resistant, so for UV-curing inks we recommend a double-layer thermal or processless plate instead. For trial plates use sample request; pricing via request a quote — send your platesetter model, plate sizes and gauge, monthly volume and ink type. MOQ and lead time are confirmed in the quotation.
CTcP plates are our main grade for dealers in Nigeria, where the 650 × 550 mm size is known locally as the Kord plate. See all export markets we ship to.
FAQ
Will CTcP plate run in my UV platesetter?
Yes — that is what it is made for. It can also be imaged on a 405 nm violet laser platesetter. Send the machine model and we confirm exposure energy.
Do you make a double-layer CTcP plate?
Not currently. If you need longer runs on UV equipment, tell us your volume and we will recommend the best fit.
Is CTcP plate compatible with UV ink?
No. UV imaging and UV ink are separate questions: our CTcP plate is imaged with UV light, but its coating is not UV-ink resistant, even though it can be baked. For UV-ink work choose a double-layer thermal plate or our processless plate.
Is CTcP a dead-end technology?
No. CTcP is the practical film-free route for shops with UV platesetters; it lets them go digital while their equipment still has useful life.
Disclaimer: exposure and processing figures are typical values for reference only; final specifications are subject to the batch TDS and order confirmation.
