More than just dot %... or is it dot area? So often when we are speaking of dot quality and measurement we default to dot %. But is there more we can measure to understand what aspects of the printed dot are affecting dot size, quality, and even longevity? Even if we focus only on … Read More...
Category Archives: Prepress
The Continued Evolution of Solvent Photopolymer Plate Processing APR prides itself in not just quoting equipment and providing solution based consumables, but making it a point to thoroughly understand a customer’s needs and goals. As water wash plate technologies continue to evolve into a viable competitor to solvent and thermal processing through improved print quality … Read More...
There are essentially 3 methods of processing or washing out photopolymer plates. These processes include solvent wash, thermal removal, and water wash processing. The water wash plates of the past were not known necessary to be the best printing plate but they were known to resist ink swell and last a long time. In the … Read More...
Our industry experience a huge leap forward when direct imaging of photopolymer platemaking was introduced. Elimination of films and chemistry along with the many other benefits CDI has to offer is arguably the most significant advancement in plate quality over the past 3 decades. One not so good thing about this very positive move to … Read More...
What is the point? In a recent BLOG, reference was made to some flexographic printers using the patented Clean Plate Technology experienced such great ink transfer from plate to the substrate it often leaves the plate looking clean after the press run. Therefore, some have asked the question, "If Clean Plate Technology is so effective, … Read More...
You are not alone! I don't believe there are many flexographic printers that have not experienced dirty print at one time or another. As a matter of fact, more printers report that dirty print is an ongoing issue. Part of the reason this issue is so widespread in our industry is because of the number … Read More...
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 … Read More...
When we see expiration dates or “best if used by…” on products, many of us ask ourselves if this is merely a suggestion or could there be some unwanted consequences by not using a product by this posted date. When it comes to food product dating a "Best if Used By/Before" date indicates when a product will … Read More...
You may have heard the APR Team use the word "differentiator" when speaking of why customers choose All Printing Resources. All Printing Resources offers the most advanced plate and print analysis available in our industry today. Our analysis procedures ensure that we have quantitative data for every aspect of flexographic printability. TYPICAL ANALYSIS When performing a … Read More...
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 … Read More...