Manufacturing of photopolymer plate by using Computer-to-Plate technology involves data transfer from the Raster Image Processor (RIP) directly to the black mask layer (LAMS) of a photopolymer plate by means of IR laser beam that leads to evaporation of the mask layer, forming an integral mask on the plate’s surface. Oxygen abundance during the main-exposure reacts faster with radicals, which were liberated in response to UV-radiation and thus inhibits the polymerisation. This boosts image sharpness as the data transfer occurs without dot gain.
Computer-to-Plate (CtP)
1. Pre-exposure of the reverse side of a photopolymer plate.
Polymerisation of the photopolymer layer on a reverse side and formation of the substrate for the plate printed elements.
2. Image recording to the mask layer of a photopolymer plate.
The image is recorded at a resolution of 2540 ppi.
3. Main-exposure.
Main-exposure of the working side of a photopolymer plate in the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere. Relief formation.
4. Washout process.
Removal of photopolymer plate’s areas which were not exposed to polymerisation.
5. Drying.
Evaporation of washout solvent which was absorbed in the relief layer.
6. Post-exposure.
Post-exposure causes complete polymerisation and gives the plate optimum hardness.
7. Finishing.
Eliminates the stickiness of the plate by exposing with UVC-light. Resistance to ink solvents is obtained.
Advantages of plates manufactured by means of Computer-to-Plate technology:
- Excellent print quality with high resolution and contrast;
- Extension of tonal values gradation due to stable reproduction of dots from 1% to 99%;
- Excellent design of reverse elements;
- Low dot gain;
- Increased capacity, less corrections due to digital data recording;
- Reproducibility upon repeated print output;
- Cost savings and environmental friendliness due to the absence of film material;
- Possibility of image printing with the screen ruling up to 180 lpi and higher.
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