Flat-Top Dots
Let’s start by stating what is meant by the term flat-top dot. A flat-top dot on a photopolymer plate is one that accepts the transfer of data from an imaging device to the finished plate at a 1:1 ratio. The 1:1 imaging ratio is measured in the file, post-CDI imaging, and ultimately on the final plate.
Now, let's dive into the details of what we have identified as the most frequent questions people ask about flat-top dots. We have released one question and answer over the past 10-week timeframe. This is the final installation of this series.
Week #10. Over the past nine weeks, we have shed light on the many positive qualities of flat-top plates. So enough of the lovefest... What are cynics saying about flat-top plate technology?
The advantages flat-top technology offers are tough to debate. Cynics typically take the conversation in one of two directions.
Are you currently printing the kind of work that warrants a flat-top polymer? In other words, are you printing solids and not struggling with opacity, SID, and see no reason to think you will ever expand upon what you are already doing? Are your current vignette fades and dot impression consistency sufficient for your job portfolio and production efficiencies? Let’s face it, in some situations “good enough is good enough," and I'm not saying that with sarcasm. Years ago, the first generation of thermal technology was introduced with LPI limitations of 120 -133 LPI, but guess what? …It took off like crazy because two decades ago it was "good enough."
- The above argument is likely the most common among cynics. It's hard to argue this logic because no one knows their better business and has a vision of their future better than they do. However, when I personally have worked with individuals with this mindset, when they actually trial a flat-top photopolymer plate they are taken back by the improved printability. This is the "you don't know what you don't know" scenario.
- The best analogy I can think of is when I had a television with 480p standard resolution I was happy as I could be. I had nothing better to compare my picture to so for me good enough was good enough. But then as I strolled through Best Buy one day I saw TVs at 720p HD and soon thereafter 1080p HD. The eye-opener was that they still had standard resolution 480p TVs right alongside of the newer technology. I was blown away.
Is it worth paying a premium in raw polymer material cost? It is not uncommon for these premium products to cost 15% more than their conventional digital counterparts. While not always the case, this does apply to some flat-top products. Some flat-top technology solutions require specialized equipment, while others do not. Sometimes plate cost remains because it is not the plate material that changes. In the last scenario, an equipment investment may be required to achieve flat-top plates. An example of this would be Esko's XPS.
What we can say about these arguments is that nearly every area of improvement we have identified in weeks 1 through 9 can easily be measured to determine an ROI for any scenario. Unless a convertor has a business model where what is being done today is good enough and always will be, the potential increase in cost sq./in. is quickly offset by the benefits.
If you haven't seen the previous nine weeks of "10 Things You Should Know about Flat-top Dots" please circle around and read the previous nine articles.
Click here to read: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10.
If you want to learn more about this subject, please feel free to reach out to us by calling 1-800-445-4017, or by e-mail at [email protected].
All Printing Resources has formed our Technical Solutions Group (TSG) to encompass our full range of expertise in all critical areas of the flexo process. This team is made up of industry professionals dedicated to being up-to-date on new technologies along with best practices. They are armed with the latest in diagnostic tools and are experienced in problem-solving that can achieve sustainable results. The TSG has walked in your shoes, and have felt your pain.