Pittsburgh, Pa., November 22, 2002 — To assist printers in choosing the correct computer-to-plate (CTP) solution for their business, the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) released a new study. The GATF Computer-to-Plate Performance Study provides printers with objective information about the current plate options available for computer-to-plate workflows. Fourteen different CTP plates were evaluated in this study. Participating companies were given an EPS file and information on plate size and image setback for a Komori L628 sheetfed press. They were then asked for two sets of plates: one to print for this study and another for use in a parallel plate reader study (Plate Reading Technologies and Their Performance on CTP Plates). The plates were then printed at GATF under documented printing conditions. The study gives an overview of the current market-ready plate technology and examines the variability of a printing system as a result of plates only. It compares print attributes, plate curves, and plate roll-ups. A history of GATF plate studies is also provided to put the current report in context and encapsulate past findings. The results and recommendations within this report are summarized. While preliminary results of the study were reported at GATF’s Tech Alert conference in January 2002, the full study is now available in this published form. GATF Computer-to-Plate Performance Study is the latest study in a series of Research and Technology Reports (RTR) published by the Foundation. As an independent, third-party organization, GATF reports are objective and original research studies designed to help printers evaluate technologies on their own by guiding consumers to ask the right questions. Potential users can then make educated decisions about these products based on their workflow and resources. Methodology is described in all reports. With six tables, GATF Computer-to-Plate Performance Study (ISBN 0-88362-429-X) is a 16-page soft cover booklet available for $40 ($20 for GATF/PIA members), not including shipping. Orders may be placed by contacting GATF by phone at 800/662-3916 (U.S. and Canada) or 412/741-5733 (all other countries); fax at 412/741-0609; or online from the GAIN Store. Mail orders to GATF Products, P.O. Box 1020, Sewickley, PA 15143-1020. Indicate Order No. 1631.