to the substrate using a printing pad (printing tampon). Photopolymer plate on any fabrics, cushion covers, scarves or jeans with washable inks. Put the nozzle through the hole, run the hair dryer for the desired time. The film will have a shiny side and a dull side. Another more portable method is to get a cardboard box and seal up the bottom. Print All S.A. de C.V. to distribute Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc pad printing and screen inks in Mexico. The mesh count usually ranges from 17 to about 500 per inch. Here are the requirements for materials needed for exposing your own plates, including some other options if you want to experiment with some more primitive equipment: UV light bulbs (think tanning) usually work best in a light box. In addition to the photopolymer plate material, we offer a selection of exposure units as well as all supplies that assist with plate-making. Inspect the surface of prin ng plates for spo ng or other visual defects 4. Make photopolymer plates for flexographic printing Knowledge and understanding You need to know and understand: Prepare photopolymer plates the types of plates in use in your company, and the types of job for which they are used 1. Making photopolymer plates. We offer a complete line of traditional photosensitive alcohol and waterwash photopolymer plates for pad printing. We’ll discuss this on this article. There are many processing stages and takes up much time. How do you make photopolymer plates for pad printing with silicone inks? For example 80L90% vs 120L90%. Peel that off when you're ready and flip your negative face down on top of the freshly peeled side. Washout brushes are very soft and supple. Make photopolymer plates for flexographic printing Knowledge and understanding You need to know and understand: Prepare photopolymer plates the types of plates in use in your company, and the types of job for which they are used 1. One side has colored strips on it; place your negative artwork face up in the middle. I just made my first plate at home yesterday using a small UV exposure unit. Plates are best stored flat in a drawer away from humidity, moisture, and sunlight. Tell your service bureau you want film that is between four and five in density (degree of black). Further, it comes with exposure unit that provides for instant light up … ‘Direct To Plate’ Photopolymer Photogravure. If necessary, cut a plate to fit the size of your negative – it can be smaller but make sure all your art is on top of the plate. Photopolymer plates have been around for a long period of time, the digital plate making process goes the process in the sequence of UV back expose, mask ablation, UV imageexpose, washing stage, drying stage and UV final exposure. Exposure unit: This is the traditional method of making plates. The smaller the holes of the sponge, the better you can get moisture off. The box should warm up enough to dry the plate. Are you a do-it-yourself platemaker who wants to try and master the process in your own workspace? Projects measuring up to 12” x 18:” minimum of ten (10) 40 watt bulbs spaced next to each other. There are many processing stages and takes up much time. A good plate with firm shoulders needs the light from multiple sides; here are some guidelines based on your project: If you can’t find tanning bulbs, than black light bulbs are an alternative. Where films were previously used to contact expose the plates, the industry advanced towards the ‘computer-to-plate… While you are washing out your plate and removing the excess polymer, you’ll need something to hold the plate immobile in the washout tray, like rigid mounting rubber. The printing plate holds the etch (image). Outsourcing plate making: This option is ideal for startups and companies using thick steel plates with same image. Updated: 4/11/17. Use on metal clay, polymer clay, scrapbooking or any moldable surface. Expose the developed plate after drying again to UV light in order to get stability. Letterpress Plate Making Equipment offered are available under Jumbo line for flexography model 2002 EDT and feature plate making.The unit comprises exposing, drying and treatment provisions. The film positive blocks the UV light. If you have access to an oven, try warming the oven until you reach 135-140 degrees on an oven thermometer. What isn’t exposed because it’s blocked by the black part of the film negative will be washed out by water; what is is exposed to the uv light hardens and will not wash away, leaving a relief surface from which to print. All the photopolymer plates I've worked with have a side with a protective cover on it. Previously, flat screens were made essentially using bichromated compositions. Film output is included in the price of photopolymer plates. If there are any bubbles, quickly but careful pop them with a needle tool. Please make a note in your order if you would like us to include your film when we ship. Request Promotional Price Quote. Platemaking by hand is a straightforward process. 2nd wash photopolymer plate After exposure, the exposed parts on the plate are visible by the change in colour.Depending on the equipment used for washout, the exposed plates are then mounted in the washer or in a flowline washer, attached to the flowline carrier (adhesive or magnetic plate) and washed out for the specified time. Center the plate under the glass platen metal side down 5. I just made my first plate at home yesterday using a small UV exposure unit. Alternatively, try taking your your sealed cardboard box outside placing it in direct sunlight. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. The image can be created with great detail for clear/sharp looking prints. Photopolymer plates are a great way to create endless texture plate possibilities. Washout the exposed plate with water or alcohol (depending on your plate type). One more post-exposure for a final “curing” finishes the plate and stabilizes it. Generally, screens are made of polyester, nylon or stainless steel filaments. Washout the exposed plate with water or alcohol (depending on your plate type). The CDI Crystal XPS flexo plate maker integrates the CDI Crystal imager with the XPS Crystal exposure unit. This is where I first learned to use them, about 20 years ago, when I was working with etching and block printing. Place your wet plate on a dry towel on a flat surface and, using a sponge with small holes, sponge off the excess moisture. After exposure, the plates are washed out with water. Car wash sponges are good for this. This method might not yield fine details or lines. Ms. Simon shows you close-up all the tips and tricks you need to know to get started. This is a untested source and will need a lot of patience and experimentation. Final wiping is done with tissue. Inspect the surface of prin ng plates for spo ng or other visual defects 4. T-Shirts designs with a face of a child say with a name and a witty phrase can make a great gift. The CDI Crystal XPS turns flexo plate making finally into a coordinated, linear process. Use these bags for long term storage. 2. why it is important to … You will want to order Right Reading Emulsion Side Up film or RREU. A polymer plate is type of printing plate with a photosensitive coating. The image can be created with great detail for clear/sharp looking prints. Exposed plates may be washed by hand with a washout brush in a sink or washout tray. Place the film posi ve (emulsion side down) centered on the plate 6. If your file(s) require editing, we will assess a small pre-flight charge (price dependent on the time required for revisions). Film is going to be expensive either way though. liquid photopolymer packet photopolymer plates can be used to make a photopolymer plate wherever it would be impossible to Be careful not to block the vents of the hair dryer. They have also been used by Artist Printmakers for many years. Request catalog. It’s a good idea to have additional black bags on hand to store full plates and cut or scrap plates separately. Polymer plate making is much more time consuming than laser engraving by about 20-30 minutes, however, it is a much more cost-effective process. The 80L90% screen will etch deeper than the 120L90%. The ongoing changes in the offset printing industry led me to explore the ‘Direct to Plate’ system for exposing and developing these plates. Set the timer for 2 minutes. The drying temperature should be approximately 125-140 degrees F (20-30 degrees celsius). You can control your exposure times using bulbs that will give consistent results for each exposure. 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