Posts Tagged ‘Laser Plates’

The printing industry has undergone tremendous advancements since the last few decades, with the introduction of digital imaging technology, desktop publishing, offset lithography, and so on. There is no better alternative to computer-generated imaging, and the demand on technology has led to the development of computer-to-plate or CTP systems. Offset lithography is used to in the mass production of posters, maps, books or newspapers which contain print and graphics. It is based on photographic processes involving cameras, negatives, stripping and photosensitive plate-making. In the older technology, the image is output on photographic films, which is processed to make the printing plate. Today, CTP imaging technology allows you to output the image from your desktop publishing directly to the printing plate, such as an inkjet plate, or the more advanced laser plates.  The printing plates are taken to the press, and attached to a cylinder to transfer images to the required substratum, such as paper. The images
have a better resolution as they are free from potential losses associated with film processing.

The offset printing technique involves the application of ink on to a printing plate which is then pressed against a rubber blanket. This in turn presses against the substratum to transfer the image, which was originally on the plate.  The offset principle is based on the property that oil and water are immiscible. The image areas on the plate attract ink, but the clear areas attract water. Printing plates have a central role in offset printing and they are made from several materials.  Aluminum is the most commonly used material as it is light and can be anodized or coated, apart from its favorable reaction with inks and printing chemicals. Traditional plate-making involves photosensitive plates with film positives and chemicals. With the advent of computer-to-plate methods, press-ready offset plates like inkjet plates and laser plates have revolutionized the technique. An inkjet plate serves as an economical alternative to laser plates.

Laser plates are becoming a much sought-after CTP solution in the printing press because of their high-end features and enhanced productivity. Speed and accuracy are the strengths of laser technology, which is evident from the capability of laser plates to print fine details and small fonts with remarkable precision. The use of laser or inkjet plate depends on the printing method, kind of press and the amount of print in run. Inkjet CTP systems are available with highly specialized and multi-layered top coating. They are pre-sensitized and positive-working with the capability to produce high-resolution formats based on the pigments. Manufacturers of CTP-based offset plates guarantee zero-defect plates owing to the latest computerized inspection system. Apart from appreciable dot resolution and resistance to press chemicals, they come with good damping latitude that enables higher ink density.