The title of this article is meant to address a common mistake platemakers make when performing both a main exposure and back exposure step test. We see this happen more frequently on main exposure tests because the lamp cycle is much longer than a back exposure step test. With conventional bank light exposure systems, we … Read More...
Category Archives: Pressroom
The Resins Remain Behind We have hand cleaned anilox rolls using stainless steel brushes and primarily caustic chemicals, ultrasonic, and media blasting [which can limits some line counts on anilox rolls based on the particulate size of the media]. Most recently we have seen high-pressure solution wash systems that use detergents, chemicals, and water. The … Read More...
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...
A Bent Journal Translates to Poor Registration The above statement is what many of us simplify that TIR has an adverse effect on print registration. However, many of today's flexographic printing presses don't even use print cylinders with journals. TIR can be the root cause of different print defects based on where that compromised surface … Read More...
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...
Time is Money An often-overused phrase but still accurate none-the-less. Typically, a converter’s inventory management process for such items as stickybacks, tapes, doctor blades, and similar supplies are not done within their ERP/MRP systems but rather managed “off-line” via spreadsheets or similar processes. Although these methods are fine, they can be time consuming for those … Read More...
Why is this important? If rotational speed does have an effect on outward force, then one could surmise that with increased press speed we will see more force between the photopolymer printing plate and the impression cylinder or drum. The answer to the question is "yes." So why is this important to consider? Well consider … 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...