Computer-to-Plate (CTP) plates are an important plate making technology in the printing industry, mainly used in the plate making process for high quality printing. The history of the development of the positive thermal CTP plate can be traced back to the end of the 20th century to the beginning of the 21st century, the following is its main development history:

1. Origin and Early Development

- Time background: CTP (Computer-to-Plate) technology as early as the 1970s began to study, but not until the drupa exhibition in 1995, CTP technology was the first large-scale comprehensive display.

- Technical characteristics: in the composition of CTP technology, the most critical technology is CTP equipment, laser technology, CTP plate material three major parts. Thermal CTP dominates, its printing plate is the use of heat to image, so it can be processed in yellow light or filtered ultraviolet daylight. At the same time, the thermal CTP system of good plate quality, both thermal negative image plate or positive image plate, can provide excellent level of reduction and printing performance.

2. The introduction and commercialization of the positive thermal CTP plate

- 2002: Printing technology experts began to participate in the development of the positive image thermal CTP plate.

- In 2003: the commercial production of the first generation of positive thermal CTP plates (such as JPT-1) was realized. This breakthrough alleviated the pressure of relying on imports for the main body of domestic plates and promoted the development of CTP technology in China.

- 2006: With the continuous advancement of technology, the second generation of thermal CTP plates (e.g. Fit) were commercialized, followed by the successful introduction of Fit-Xtra plates to the market. These new plates compared to JPT-1 in the performance of a significant improvement, from the technical solution to the increase in plate-making speed and other printing applicability of the contradiction.

3. Technical innovation and the emergence of processing-free plates

In 2011, the printing industry continued to usher in technological innovation, adopting the interface performance transformation technology for the first time and launching Fit-ECO treatment-free thermal CTP plates. This innovation set a precedent in the domestic printing plate market and further enhanced the convenience and environmental protection of CTP technology.

4. Industry standards and standardization

July 1, 2006: The industry standard of “Thermal CTP Plate” (HG/T 3804-2006) was implemented, which was drafted by the Second Film Factory of China Luckys Film Group Corporation and other units, and approved by the National Development and Reform Commission for release. The implementation of this standard helps to standardize the production and quality of positive thermal CTP plate and promote its wide application in the printing industry.

5. Market application and impact

With the continuous maturity and accelerated commercialization of the technology of the positive thermal CTP plate, more and more printing enterprises have begun to adopt this highly efficient and environmentally friendly plate making method. The application of positive thermal CTP plate not only improves the printing quality and efficiency, but also reduces the production cost and environmental pollution.

At the same time, the development of the positive thermal CTP plate also promotes the development of the related industry chain, including CTP equipment, laser technology, plate manufacturing and other areas of continuous innovation and progress.

To summarize, the development history of positive thermal CTP plate is a process of continuous innovation and breakthrough. From the early R&D and commercial production, to the technological innovation and the emergence of processing-free plates, to the implementation of industry standards and the widespread promotion of market applications, the positive thermal CTP plate has become one of the indispensable and important technologies in the printing industry.