Developer-free vs conventional UV CtCP plates
Why water-developable coatings are gaining ground in commercial print.
Compare developer-free Orion Next CtCP plates against conventional alkaline-developed UV CtCP systems — chemistry, pressroom safety, effluent, running cost, and when each approach fits.
Conventional UV CtCP — how it works today
Most commercial UV CtCP plates are negative-working coatings on anodised aluminium. After imaging on a UV laser plate setter, the unexposed diazo-based coating is removed in an alkaline developer, then the plate is gummed and dried before press.
The developer is typically a corrosive alkaline solution that must be purchased, mixed to strength, monitored daily, and disposed of as chemical effluent. Worker handling risk and sewer discharge are ongoing operational concerns for pressrooms.
Developer-free CtCP — the Orion Next approach
Orion Next is a multi-polymer, ready-to-use coating that produces negative-working UV CtCP plates developed entirely in plain tap water. No alkaline developer is purchased, mixed, or discharged. The coating is sensitive at 360–375 nm, coats at 1.7–1.8 g/m² on anodised aluminium, and runs through a standard positive-CtCP processor with the developer tank filled with water at 23–27 °C.
- No corrosive alkaline chemistry in the pressroom
- Safer operator handling — water instead of caustic developer
- Cleaner effluent — no spent alkaline developer to sewer
- Lower recurring chemistry cost per plate
Side-by-side comparison
- Developer: alkaline solution vs plain tap water
- Daily maintenance: developer strength monitoring vs none
- Worker safety: caustic handling risk vs water-based process
- Effluent: alkaline discharge vs water with removed coating only
- Sensitivity: both operate in the 360–375 nm UV CtCP range
- Plate mode: both negative-working on standard laser setters
When to evaluate developer-free plates
Developer-free CtCP is strongest where pressrooms want to reduce chemical handling, simplify effluent compliance, or cut recurring developer costs without changing exposure equipment. Orion Next is suited to commercial and packaging print on standard UV CtCP lines.
Request a sample with our method-of-use document to qualify Orion Next against your substrate, coating weight, and processor parameters.