Lohmann Plate Mounting Techniques - All Printing Resources

Cylinder / Sleeve Preparation

Inspect the surface of the cylinder for cut marks, nicks, and other uneven surfaces. Remove all imperfections with fine-grit sandpaper. Clean the cylinder surface from dried ink, tape residue, etc., with an approved cleaner. Use an approved solvent/degreaser to remove any residue from the cleaner.
When mounting on sleeves, follow the same instructions.

Plate Mounting Tape Application

The size of tape used will be determined on several conditions:
- Plate width: If the plate's width is less than the standard plate mounting tape width, cut the tape to the length of the cylinder repeat, plus 1".
- Web width: If the web width can be divided by the plate mounting tape width, cut the tape to the length of the cylinder repeat, plus 1".
- Cylinder repeat length: If the cylinder repeat length is close to the plate mounting tape width, cut the tape to the same width as the web width, plus 1", and apply the tape across the cylinder. If the cylinder repeat length is longer, apply two or more pieces of tape across the width of the cylinder.
Unwind the roll on a work table and, using a straightedge, cut a length of tape. Roll the cut tape into a useable size. Avoid holding the entire roll while applying the tape, as this can cause difficulties in application and create excess tension on the foam.
If a score line is on the cylinder, use it as a guide and apply the tape horizontally until the edge is secured. Smooth out the tape across and around the cylinder, using constant and steady pressure to secure the tape to the cylinder. (If applying across the width of the cylinder, begin applying the tape about 1"-2" from the top of the tape, making sure the tape hanging at a 90° angle from the top edge of the cylinder. This will reduce wrinkles and make the tape application easier.) Trim excess tape and continue applying tape until entire plate area is covered. Avoid gaps between sheets of tape, as this can cause low spots in the printing area.

Plate Mounting

Find the center point on the plate, or the registration marks or microdots closest to the center. Remove a 1/2"-3/4" strip of the liner from the tape at that position. Mount the plate in the correct position on the cylinder, starting at one of the marks or microdots. Then place the mark or microdot on the other side of the plate in the correct position. Make sure the original side of the plate is still in the correct position, as the mark may move when applying the other side of the plate. Apply some pressure across the plate, to secure it to the tape. (If the printed copy position allows, make sure the leading and trailing edges of the plate are offset from the leading and trailing edges of the tape. This will create a good seal between the tape edges and the cylinder.)
If mounting the plates optically, rotate the cylinder while keeping a hand on the plate, to preview the print image, making sure the image is in registration with the package layout and/or the previously mounted cylinders. If mounting with a video system.
At the leading or trailing edge of the plate, remove the release liner from the tape, to expose the adhesive. Making sure the plate is parallel to the cylinder surface, begin applying the plate to the tape, using constant and steady pressure in order to secure the plate to the tape. Inspect the position and registration of the printed image. If the plate is not in register, carefully lift one corner of the plate, then the other. Then, lift the plate to the desire location, then repeat the procedure, making any necessary position adjustments.
After final plate position is approved, use a roller across the plate, in order to gain optimum adhesion to the tape. Rotate the cylinder to the opposite end of the plate and repeat the procedure.
Seal the edges of the plates, in order to prohibit any cleaners or ink from getting under the plates, causing edge lifting.
Die sealers, tapes, permanent markers, or other edge sealers are suitable. It is advisable to test various products prior to securing the plate edges, to find the best product for your application.
If proofing is required, follow proofing procedures and clean plates after proof is approved.
For optimum bonding of the cylinder, tape and plate, wrap the cylinder with a plastic wrap, using constant, but not excessive pressure while rotating cylinder. Allow cylinder to remain wrapped until press run.

Plate Removal

Remove any tape or plate edge sealer.
Using a flat edge, separate one corner of the plate from the tape. Repeat process on the other side of the plate.
Slowly pull the plate away from the tape, being careful to keep even tension across the plate, to avoid wrinkling the plate. Also, inspect the plate during removal for cuts and knife marks in the plate, which could cause the plate to tear.

Tape Removal

Separate one corner of the tape from the cylinder. Repeat process on the other side of the tape.
Slowly remove the tape from the cylinder, being careful to keep even pressure on the tape, to reduce the possibility of the foam separating.