Non-toxic gravure plate making (1) - Introduction of gravure engraving
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table of Contents:
How to use ImageOn version?
Photographic plate making with ImageOn
Quick start guide
Basic requirements for basic gravure engraving materials
Photo source using ImageOn film
Gravure engraving plate
Plate preparation
ImageOn preparation before moving to the plate
ImageOn transfer solution
Transfer ImageOn to the plate
Exposure to ImageOn
Exposure time
Removing the polyester film layer from the ImageOn coated plate
ImageOn development method
Development on ImageOn
Light hardening ImageOn plate
Final edge correction for ImageOn plates
Printing plates
ImageOn film movement
Use Dove's] concave copper plate etching plate method screen
Use halftone screen
Here is a brief introduction to the 12 techniques of gravure engraving.
How to use ImageOn
Gravure images can be produced by 11 separate non-etching techniques or by a special anti-etching method to prevent corrosion agents such as FeCl2 from corroding metal plates.
In the non-etching technique, the line or halftone draft is exposed on a ImageOn coated plate and then developed in a 1% aqueous solution of sodium carbonate to remove the unexposed ImageOn film. After photohardening, protrusions of different heights are formed on the surface of the printing plate, and then printing can be performed by gravure printing.
For non-etching techniques, the developed ImageOn photopolymerization emulsion layer on the surface of the plate is very strong and can print up to 30 impressions. Because ImageOn is very stable and predictable, it can be accurately copied in minutes if the number of prints exceeds 30 marks. For larger versions, the use of ImageOn as an anti-etching plate making method is a viable option.
Photographic plate making with ImageOn
ImageOn plates can be used for high-quality halftone photoengraving, gravure engraving, computer-to-plate and simple photocopying. If the photographic copy is used as a stencil, the vegetable oil is rubbed into the photographic copy paper to make it translucent and then exposed on the ImageOn plate. There are other ways to use ImageOn, giving the plate-makers the full choice of image types and ultimately producing the highest quality gravure plates.
Quick start guide
Basic gravure plate material required
1.ImageOn gravure plate film.
2. Soda ash (sodium carbonate).
3. The balance can also be approximated with a spoon.
4. Measuring beaker in liters.
5. Caustic soda (NaOH), which can be purchased in the form of a lye.
6. Rubber gloves and pay attention to protect your eyes.
7. Bottled industrial sprays.
8. Corrode platesetters and presses.
9. Traditional etching inks and paper.
10. Gravure printing plate. The plate material can be plastic, wood or metal.
11. Two photographic developing tanks that can accommodate the printing plates.
12. Disc-shaped cleaning sponge.
Studio lighting when using ImageOn film
ImageOn film is very sensitive to high-intensity UV light and must be prevented to ensure that ImageOn film is not exposed to UV light when cutting film and preparing plates.
When non-etching techniques are used, the light conditions are very flexible. In fact, almost any operating environment can be used without worrying about ImageOn film exposure during the 30 minute preparation process. The most important thing is to prevent ImageOn from being directly exposed to the sun. If there is a window in your studio that can shoot a lot of sunlight, then it is recommended to cover the window with red or yellow plastic translucent grid curtains. One of the best ways to block the window is to prepare ImageOn film for the plate under incandescent light. The prepared plate can then be covered with a red Reese film or an opaque cover and transferred to an etching machine for lamination. After placing the adhesive etched liner on the plate and ImageOn film, remove the Rubylith film before loading the machine. After lamination, further similar photoprotection prevention is required for the plate making process.
Gravure plate
Since the non-etching nature of the gravure plate is nearly perfect, the oil-free surface of the ImageOn film can be used to make the plate. For all materials or plates that can be used, the order is as follows: Roofing copper, flat plated metal, nickel, zinc, copper, laminated wood or wooden block, aluminum, Plexiglas, Lexan , stainless steel and low carbon steel, polyester board, offset or linen varnish.
Plate preparation
Match your image size to your plate size. If you know the size of the image you want, it is best to cut the plate to the right size before pasting the ImageOn film. The plate can be trimmed with ImageOn developed on the plate, but the trimmed edges will have a burr compared to the edges of other plates. This fact will become more apparent in the final printing.
If the ImageOn film is laminated to a copper or stainless steel plate, the copper and stainless steel plates must be thoroughly cleaned with 320 grit wet glass and dry sandpaper. This process effectively degreases the plate and gives the plate a slight grain of sand for better adhesion to the ImageOn film. Once the plate has been sanded, it is not necessary to repeat the process when reusing the plate. However, some plate-making personnel polish the plates every time the ImageOn application is used, because the "degreasing" technique is straightforward and effective. It is sufficient to clean the plate with Ajax or Comet cleaner and nylon tank cleaner.
Finishing is done before the plate is laminated with the ImageOn film. The surface of the plate is then wiped with a dry, clean cloth to remove the residue from the abrasive. If it is not possible to complete the dry grinding process in a well ventilated environment, it is recommended to use a wet sanding method that prevents sand from spreading in the air. Be sure not to transfer fingerprints to the surface of the copper plate.
If you are using an electroplated metal or aluminum version, it is not necessary to polish these plates, but use Comet or Ajax cleaners and kitchen cleaners for thorough cleaning.
ImagOn will be applied to the surface of Plexiglas, Polycarbonate and Polyester without the need for sanding, and there will be no greasy finger prints on the surface of the plate. A 50% aqueous solution of alcohol is sufficient to clean the surface of these plates.