The CTP system and computer can operate from a single,
dedicated circuit. In North America and other 120 volt markets,
it should be a 120 volt, 15 amp circuit using a NEMA 5-15 outlet
— this is a normal business/household outlet. In Europe and
other 220-240 volt markets, the circuit should have 10 amps
capacity, using the standard outlet type for the region.
The plate processor requires a 208-260 volt, 30 amp circuit.
If the voltage is lower than 220 volts, it may take longer for the
heaters to come up to temperature. If you install 208 volt service
for the plate processor (from two legs of three phase service),
it is especially important that the voltage does not sag sub-
stantially under load. To connect the processor to the outlet,
we recommend a NEMA L6-30R twist-lock connector. You are
responsible for both the circuit/outlet, and the matching plug; the
processor does not ship with a plug connected to the line cord.
PlumbInG requIremenTS
The plate processor requires a cold water supply which can
provide a pressure of at least 20 psi (130k Pa), and flow of 3.5
gpm (13 liters per minute). It takes approximately three gallons
(11 liters) of water to process each plate. The water is supplied
to the processor from a faucet with a normal garden hose
connection. You should also provide a garden hose which is
long enough to reach from the faucet to the processor.
The processor also requires a drain, which must be no more than
6 inches (15 cm) above the floor, or 24 inches (60 cm) below the
processor, and no more than 4 feet (120 cm) away. Water is used
for both the pre-wash and rinse stages, so the waste stream will
contain some amount of chemicals which were part of the plate,
and some developer chemistry. Consult the material safety data
sheets for the plate material and chemicals you plan to use,
and verify with your municipality that you are allowed to dispose
of these chemicals in the drain. There can be serious personal
and corporate penalties for disposing of chemicals in violation
of local, state, or national laws. If you cannot place a drain close
enough to the processor, then you may alternately allow the
waste water to drain into a 5 gallon (20 liter) bucket, and use a
sump pump to pump the water to a nearby drain. Be sure that
the sump has higher than 5 gpm of capacity.
If it is not possible to provide a fresh water supply or drain
for the processor, or if local regulations prevent draining the
processor’s wastewater into the sewer, the plate processor
can be configured to recirculate water. We only recommend
recirculation if there is no other way available to operate the
processor — it is by far preferable to use fresh water and a
drain. If you must use recirculation, it is best to equip the plate
processor for it at the factory rather than modifying it on site.
The recirculation option adds two pumps and two filters to
the system. The filters are a maintenance item, and all water
(6 gallons or 23 liters) must be replaced daily. Water which is
replaced daily may have a higher concentration of contaminants
than water which is continually replaced during normal operation
of the machine using a fresh water supply.
You will need to supply two 5 gallon (20 liter) containers: one for
the developer waste, and one for a gum recirculation container.
For both of these containers, it is best if they have a small neck
or are closed; this limits evaporation and odor, simplifies removal
and transportation, and (for the gum reservoir) makes it less likely
that the contents will be contaminated by airborne dust and
other material.
neTworkInG requIremenTS
Install an Ethernet connection close to the CTP area, and ensure
that it is working prior to the arrival of the installer. It should
be accessible to the computers which comprise your prepress
department so that they are able to print to the RIP — or if the
RIP is in a separate location, so that the RIP can communicate
with the computer which drives the VM CTP system. While a
10baseT (10 megabit) network will work, we recommend a
100baseT network at minimum. Some RIP systems are equipped
with gigabit Ethernet connections, and gigabit switches have
become inexpensive enough to merit serious consideration for
a typical prepress department.
deSIGnInG Your CTP workSPaCe
There are three components of the CTP system which should be
in close proximity to one another: the computer which controls
the VM CTP system, the VM CTP system itself, and the entry
end of the plate processor. You should design your workspace
so that these three areas are as close to one another as pos-
sible, so that plate handling can be performed with a minimum of
movement. The VM CTP system plus stand are 46" wide by 25"
deep (116 x 64 cm), and the plate processor is 36" wide by 96"
long (91 x 255 cm) with the racks installed. Allow for 12" (45 cm)
on both sides of the VM CTP system, and 4" (10cm) behind it.
There should be 24" (60 cm) on both sides of the plate proces-
sor. There should be 24" (60 cm) of working space in front of the
entrance to the plate processor, part of which is occupied by the
entrance rack; the plate exit rack can be very close to a wall.
The computer which is controlling the VM CTP system does not
need to be in the yellowroom with the VM CTP system, but it
must be nearby because the VM CTP system is connected to
the computer via a 15' (4.5 m) cable. If the computer which is
controlling the VM CTP system is also the one which is running
the RIP software, then there is a distinct disadvantage to having
it in the yellowroom: you cannot proof on screen in full color,
since the monitor must be covered by a yellow filter.
The computer does not ship with a table or stand — you must
supply that. If you ordered the VM CTP system without the
optional stand, then you should supply a sturdy table or cabinet
without wheels which can support the full 180 lb. (80 kg.) weight
of the VM CTP system. There should be a place on the floor
under or directly behind the VM CTP system position where the
vacuum pump can sit. The stand has two light safe drawers to
be used for plate storage. If you did not order the stand, be sure
that you have light-safe drawers nearby for plate storage.
CTP Site Preparation Guide
page 2
