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...
Tag Archives: plates
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...
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...
In my brief 12-year Flexo career (yes, I started in the dark side of printing — Litho! 😉 ), I have never seen a technology have such a dramatic impact on Flexo print quality as Flat; Top Dot plates. Way back in 2010, I co-chaired the FTA Fall Conference in Louisville, KY along with Chair … Read More...
APR's Technical Solutions Group (TSG) prides ourselves 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 and longevity; chemists developing … Read More...
Struggling with printing pleasing highlights? Using these tips, your highlight issues can fade to zero! Prepress & Software Your press can only print as good as the artwork it’s given, so it’s only fitting that prepress plays a key role in improving highlight quality. While there are some tricks to provide an illusion of smooth … Read More...
As noted in Part One of this technical discussion, bringing prepress and platemaking in-house may offer many financial and productivity advantages. Of course there is also the simple appeal of having control of changes and turn-around times that can drive a desire for change. Working with your suppliers, it is important to carefully consider key … Read More...
Print geeks, dot worshippers, nerds... call us what you will, but APR's Technical Solutions Group (TSG) is asking questions and finding answers to bring new ideas to current flexo processes. You'll see some our recent blog posts are centered around these research projects. During the week of June 5th, the TSG gathered at APR's Glendale … Read More...
Plates are an essential part of the flexographic printing process. The plate delivers a precise amount of ink to the substrate exactly where it is needed. Such a critical piece of the printing process must be measured and controlled to deliver consistent results. Selecting the correct plate measurement tool and implementing plate QC is essential to success in the pressroom. … Read More...
Happy 2014 everyone! What better time than the new year to start thinking about what we can do to improve daily life in the workplace? Here are a few small things you can do to improve accuracy and quality for 2014... 1. Participate in an Education Opportunity: There are many suppliers and universities that offer training … Read More...