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 will release one question and answer over this 10-week timeframe.
Part 4. You achieve better Quality Control when manufacturing and verifying the flat-top photopolymer plate. How?
- Imagine this… you are asked to measure the surface of the tip of a rounded bullet. It doesn't sound so easy, does it? Measuring the size of dots on a conventional digital plate is also tricky. You may say, "well, my plate measuring device quickly measures the dot surface of my traditional plate"…but does it?
- If we measured the plate with one device and then we took a secondary plate measuring device, would it give us the same result? It likely would not. Each plate measuring device can yield widely different results because each device uses a threshold percentage in which it stops calling the radius the surface and begins to designate the radius as the shoulder. As the threshold percentage varies between devices, [currently there is no international ISO standard for what that threshold percentage should be], measured dot % results of conventional plates will vary.
- The difference between the shoulder and dot face on a flat-top plate is easily defined and, therefore, far easier to verify and maintain. It is really that simple.
Check us out next week when we explain why, “Are all flat-top photopolymer plates created equal, or do they differ?
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.
Click here to read: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10.