The term computer-to-plate (CTP) is used within the printing industry to refer to devices, technologies, and work flow related to imaging aluminum or polyester printing plates without the use of film. In the 1990s, computer-to-plate matured rapidly from a concept of questionable validity to a well-established, practical manufacturing method. Although the current number of users represents only a small fraction of the total number of printing firms worldwide, it is expected that computer-to-plate will become the predominant method of imaging printing plates in the next decade.