BOCICA Offset Plate Selection Guide

Overview of BOCICA's Plate Portfolio

*Exact specifications for the new Processless Plate will be announced soon; the range shown reflects current industry benchmarks.

1. CTCP (Single Layer) – The Budget‑Friendly Entry Point

Ideal for: Small print shops, short‑run jobs, and businesses transitioning from conventional PS plates.

Technology Highlights

CTCP (Computer‑to‑Conventional‑Plate) uses UV light (360–450nm) to image traditional PS plates — a proven, cost‑effective approach that bridges the gap between conventional and digital workflows. BOCICA's single‑layer CTCP plate is chemistry‑free, eliminating the need for developers, fixers, and water rinsing.

Key Advantages

• Lowest plate cost – comparable to conventional PS plates, at roughly half the price of thermal CTP plates.
• No equipment replacement – works with your existing UV plate‑setters; no expensive laser CTP investment required.
• Chemistry‑free processing – reduces waste, simplifies operation, and lowers chemical handling costs.
• Reliable run length – delivers 50,000+ impressions, sufficient for most short to medium runs.

Perfect For

• Small commercial printers and quick‑print shops
• Short‑run jobs: flyers, business cards, letterheads, and brochures
• Printers looking to adopt digital workflows without capital expenditure
• Price‑sensitive projects where quality requirements are moderate

2. CTCP‑S (Double Layer) – The Balanced Performer

Ideal for: Mid‑sized print houses that demand both quality and cost‑efficiency.

Technology Highlights

CTCP‑S builds on the same UV‑CTCP foundation but adds a dual‑layer coating – a top imaging layer for sharp dot reproduction and a bottom durable layer for extended press life. Like its single‑layer sibling, it remains chemistry‑free and works with UV plate‑setters.

Key Advantages

• Enhanced durability – the double layer improves scratch resistance and wear tolerance, reducing press‑stop defects.
• Sharper dot reproduction – delivers cleaner halftones and smoother gradients, elevating overall print quality.
• Chemistry‑free operation – maintains environmental and operational simplicity.
• Increased run length – achieves 80,000+ impressions, a 60% improvement over the single‑layer version.

Perfect For

• Mid‑sized commercial printers seeking a sweet spot between price and performance
• Magazine, catalog, and brochure production
• Packaging applications: cartons, labels, and flexible packaging
• Printers who want better durability without upgrading to thermal CTP

3. CTP‑S (Double Layer) – The Premium Quality Benchmark

Ideal for: High‑end commercial and packaging printers who demand the very best in image fidelity and run length.

Technology Highlights

CTP‑S is BOCICA's flagship thermal CTP plate, imaged with 830nm infrared lasers. The double‑layer construction separates the imaging and functional layers, allowing each to be independently optimised for precision and robustness. This is the only plate in our range that requires chemical processing – a trade‑off that unlocks superior performance.

Key Advantages

• Exceptional resolution – supports 1–99% dot at 2400+ dpi, and up to 400 lpi for AM/FM hybrid screening.
• Industry‑leading run length – rated at 100,000+ impressions (and up to 200,000 with baking), making it ideal for long press runs.
• Daylight handling – 830nm laser is outside the visible spectrum, so plates can be handled under yellow safelight or even room light.
• Stable, consistent imaging – thermal technology delivers highly predictable dot gain and contrast, run after run.
• Broad compatibility – works seamlessly with major thermal CTP systems from Screen, Kodak, Heidelberg, and others.

Perfect For

• High‑end commercial printing: art books, luxury catalogues, fine‑art reproductions
• Premium packaging: cosmetic boxes, premium labels, and folding cartons
• Long‑run jobs: books, directories, and mass‑market publications
• Clients who prioritise absolute colour fidelity and cannot tolerate dot loss

4. Processless Plate (New) – The Eco‑Innovation Leader

Ideal for: Forward‑thinking printers embracing sustainability and looking to simplify their prepress workflow.

Technology Highlights

The Processless Plate is BOCICA's newest addition, built on thermal CTP technology (830nm). After laser exposure, the plate requires no chemical development, no washing, and no gumming – it goes straight from the platesetter to the press. This eliminates the entire processing line, saving space, labour, and consumables.

Key Advantages

• Zero chemistry, zero effluent – completely eliminates developer waste and water usage, significantly reducing your environmental footprint.
• Simplified workflow – no processor maintenance, no chemical mixing, no daily cleanup. Operators can focus on printing, not processing.
• Consistent quality – removes process variability caused by chemical concentration, temperature, or age, ensuring uniform plate performance.
• Space and cost savings – reclaim the floor area used by processors and reduce utility costs.
• Competitive run length – estimated at 20,000–100,000 impressions (final specs pending), covering a wide range of short‑to‑medium runs.

Perfect For

• Environmentally conscious printers seeking green certification or meeting eco‑regulations
• Medium‑run commercial and packaging work
• Shops aiming to reduce overhead and streamline prepress operations
• Tenders and projects that require sustainable supply chains

Quick Comparison Table

*Final specifications for the Processless Plate pending.

How to Choose – A Decision Framework

By Priority

By Technology Path

BOCICA offers two clear pathways, each with two eco‑options:

Final Recommendations

Why Choose BOCICA?

• Proven expertise – With over 15 years in the plate manufacturing industry, we understand the real‑world challenges printers face.
• Complete portfolio – We offer solutions for every budget, quality level, and environmental requirement.
• Global support – Our technical team provides fast, reliable service and application advice.
• Continuous innovation – The new Processless Plate is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.