Can digital plates and proofing raise the quality of postprint corrugated?, Corrugating International, April 2000, Vol. 2(2)
The print quality attainable on postprint has improved dramatically over the past several years. Many advancements have contributed to the improvements. Modern "high-graphics" print stations now have laser-engraved ceramic anilox rolls and chamber- bladed ink delivery,which can deliver a consistent film of ink to the printing plate. The postprint industry has also realized that "thinner is better" when it comes to print quality.Thinner ink films are now being delivered by finer-screen,lower-volume anilox rolls. It has been proven that the thinner the flexo plate,the less distortion - and therefore the better the print quality. High-graphics plates have evolved from 0.250-in.plates being the norm to today’s 0.125-in.-thick plates.The trend continues to go thinner. We are now beginning to see plates as thin as 0.067 in. being used on direct print, even on B flute! Plate cylinders now have much closer tolerances than in the past. All these factors have contributed to the ability to print with less pressure. Regardless of the printing process - flexo, letterpress, offset, or gravure - using the minimum pressure to get the plate to the substrate gives the best-quality print results.