Computer-to-plate (CTP) printing proves its value to printers every day. The latest refinements in CTP let you spend less for pre-press and plate-making and get your plates on press faster.
At the same time, printers often face problems with runnability and compatibility. Most involve incompatibility between the new, "unbaked" CTP plates and the fountain solutions, plate cleaners and press washes developed for "baked" plates.
Suppliers of pressroom chemicals need to find innovative ways to make their products work more effectively with your CTP plates, finding ingredients and combinations of ingredients that do the job effectively and economically without interacting negatively with plates. The answers can make a huge difference in helping you get more from CTP technology.
Most CTP plate runnability and compatibility problems fit into one of three categories:
In most cases, image loss is caused by aggressive polar-type solvents, especially glycol ethers and isopropyl alcohol. Reducing or eliminating them in your fountain solutions, plate cleaners and press washes will probably be the most important thing you can do to prevent or improve image loss.
Conventional press washes that don’t use these solvents cause fewer problems and are usually just as effective in every area except removing paper coatings. In those cases, it will take a little more elbow grease to do the job, but the end result will be the same. Adding a small amount of water to the wash will usually make it more effective in removing paper coatings.
This is an area where constant vigilance and routine maintenance play a big role. Monitor pH and conductivity at least daily and maintain fresh chemistry.
CTP plates are more sensitive than other types. Using new-age desensitizers and polymer film formers will help keep your non-image areas clean and desensitized.
Changes in CTP plate technology will continue for a long time to come. With those changes come opportunities and problems. Today’s solutions probably won’t work forever, but if your suppliers of pressroom chemicals are on their toes, they’ll keep finding new ways to help you optimize the printing performance of your CTP plates.
This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience.
Looking to outsource your chemical manufacturing or blending? Catch up on latest webinar.
|
Privacy settings
Privacy Settings
This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. You may change your settings at any time. Your choices will not impact your visit.
NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using.
Call Tracking
Tracking the traffic source of calls placed from the website.
Email Marketing
Email marketing system and database that adds information provided in forms submitted through the website.
Customer Relationship Management
User database management systems that adds information provided in forms submitted through the website.
Digital Advertising
Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a web analytics service offered by Google that tracks and reports website traffic.