Top CTP Operator Interview Questions & Answers:

1. What have you learned from mistakes on the previous Computer-to-plate (CTP) job?

If you have never made a mistake on a job, then you do not seem credible. However, the example that you give to the interviewer should be fairly inconsequential and a learned lesson should arise from it.

Mistakes can be anything from wrong packaging on a product or simply not completing jobs within the time frame. This could be from lack of communication, so not always your fault.

2. What are your aspirations behind this Computer-to-plate (CTP) job?

Don't fall into the trap of specifying job titles. Stick to natural progression. If you don't seem too interested in what lies beyond this job, the interviewer will fear that you wont stick around for long.

A sample answer could be that you are aware that there are several skills required for the job that you need to develop on, but you believe that your own motivation for self improvements, will be developed by the time an opportunity arises. That is why you are determined to learn.

3. Why should we hire you as Computer-to-plate (CTP) Operator?

This is the part where you link your skills, experience, education and your personality to the job itself. This is why you need to be familiar with the kob description as well as the company you will be working for.

It is possible that you may not have as much skills, experience and qualifications as the other candidates.

So what will set you apart from the other candidates? Energy and passion will.

Clients are attracted to someone who will show immense and can show that they love what they do. Be sure to portray yourself as motivated, confident and ready to commit to the company.

4. Explain disadvantages of Computer-to-plate (CTP)?

CTP is restricted to digital format. CTP productions require that the basis for the printed matter as well as the imposition be digital.

In CTP, if for some reason a plate is damaged, if an error occurs when it's ripped or if something has to be corrected after the plate is exposed, a completely new, imposed plate must be created

5. Tell me what challenges are you looking for in this Computer-to-plate (CTP) job?

A typical interview question to determine what you are looking for in your next job, would be to ask what challenges you are looking for.

The best way to answer questions about the challenges you are seeking is to discuss how you would like to effectively utilise your skills and experience if you were hired for the position. You can also mention that you are motivated by challenges and have the ability to effectively meet deadlines to handle a challenging job.

6. Explain advantages of Computer-to-plate (CTP)?

CTP has several advantages over conventional platemaking. In CTP, one generation (transfer of film image to the printing plate) is removed from the printing process (eliminating the need for film and related developer chemicals), increasing sharpness and detail. CTP avoids potential losses in quality that may occur during film processing, including scratches in the film, and variations in the exposure. An imagesetter usually has an accuracy rate of ±2%. Plates are produced in less time, are more consistent, and at a lower cost. CTP can also improve registration and image-to-edge repeatability over traditional methods.

In CTP, the media is registered (held in precise position) in the platesetter during imaging, and does not rely on a separately-aligned pin grid, as is the case with film. Defects due to dust, scratches or other artifacts are minimized.

CTP systems can significantly increase plate production outputs. Platesetters for newspaper production can output up to 300 12-inch (300 mm) plates per hour at 1,270 dpi (dots per inch), whilst for commercial applications a CTP system could output 60 B1 plates at 2,400 dpi for higher screen rulings.

Small portrait presses that typically create 1 or 2 color output can use anything from a standard laser printer, for low quality/low volume, up to a higher-end dedicated platesetter for higher quality and volume.

7. Explain me how do you handle a stressful situations?

You may be someone who can handle pressure and that's great. If you cant handle pressure that well, don't panic. You can say something like:

“I'm sufficiently experienced to appreciate that there is only so much you can reasonably be expected to be capable of and the solution is not to panic but to remain focused on delivering your very best.”

Working in a warehouse environment especially on the run up to christmas can be stressful.

The key to formulating your answer to this question is to seize this as an opportunity to talk about a situation or an occasion where you were under pressure – and you how rose to the challenge. Try to avoid talking about an occasion when you were totally stressed out – but do acknowledge that you understand stress and are able to deal with it appropriately.

8. Why do you want this job as Computer-to-plate (CTP) Operator?

Companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job. So you need to have a great answer prepared about why you want the position.

First, identify a couple of key factors that you make fit the job description, then state why you like the company. For example:

“I love the customer support because I love the human interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping people solve problems. I have always been passionate about working in a busy, hands-on environment, so I want to be a part of this job.”

9. What are thermal plates?

☛ Photosensitivity between 830 nm and 1.070 nm;
☛ high laser energy of up to 500 µJ/cm2 needed for exposure;
☛ run lengths of up to 100,000–500,000 prints;
☛ resolution to 200 LPI–400 LPI possible;
☛ dot reproduction 1–99%;
☛ high process stability;
☛ many providers;
☛ processing in the daylight possible.

10. What are silverhalogen plates?

☛ Silverhalogen aluminium printing plates;
☛ photosensitivity between 400 nm and 700 nm;
☛ low laser energy of 1 to 2 µJ/cm2 needed for exposure;
☛ run lengths of up to 150,000 prints;
☛ resolution to 250 LPI possible;
☛ dot reproduction 1–99%;
☛ positive plate.