One of the most difficult questions to answer in our industry is, “How long should my plate last?” Or, in other words, “How many feet should I expect to get out of my photopolymer plates?” Considering the number of factors that must be taken into consideration, certainly anyone faced with this question should hesitate at … Read More...
Technical Articles
Learn how expanded gamut technology raises your productivity and makes printing more profitable. A lot of companies are still not sure whether or not fixed palette printing is a good idea. This document from Esko demystifies a number of common recurring beliefs about extended gamut technology that keep printing companies from reaching their full potential. … Read More...
Post updated 25 August 2025 Platemaking is a science, not an art. While there is a bit of flexibility in specifications for different processes, there are defined parameters that must be followed if high quality plates are to be made consistently. In this article, we’ll discuss six important factors for making high quality plates. 1. … Read More...
Exploring Today’s Plate Imaging Options A common fear among those still using film imagesetters to produce photopolymer plates is that their device is on its last days–barely hanging on to operational status. Replacement parts are few and far between, leaving little choice but to scour the Internet for parts and redundant equipment to keep the … Read More...
Flexo End Seals 1.) When ordering your flexo end seals, make sure they are made of a material that is compatible with the type of ink or coating being used, the length of the run, and the press speed. Today there are a number of end seal material options for all types of inks that … Read More...
HandheldColor MeasurementInstruments 1.) A handheld color measurement instrument is only as good as its last calibration/certification. These instruments need to be calibrated regularly. A Spectrophotometer should be calibrated at least once a day to its White reference tile. Most manufacturers recommend having your unit re-certified to factory settings once a year or every other year. … Read More...
We have recently introduced G7 Master Printer certification program for flexographic operations allowing us to assist in profiling flexo presses and confirm for printers that they're printing consistently based on G7 specifications. G7 is a process that helps printers print consistent color, with less preparation and less waste, and reliably produce high quality printing that … Read More...
lo For those of us in printing, especially package printing, understanding and keeping up with government regulations can be a thorn in the side. Now don't roll your eyes or start huffing at the thought just yet. If we choose to look at the glass as half full, we can embrace these changes as "opportunities"! … Read More...
Setting Deck Impressions Purpose: There are two impression settings discussed in this procedure – anilox-to-plate impression and plate-to-substrate impression. Each setting can be adjusted by very small increments. The process may be fairly automated or it may be more manual and require the operator to use tools such as a feeler gauge. This procedure does … Read More...
You probably have used the Stamp Clone Tool (S) to repair flaws in an image; however, Photoshop CS has two tools that do much better to help you repair a damaged image, the Healing Brush Tool (J) and Patch Tool (J). When touching up dust specks, scratches and other blemishes these two tools are far … Read More...