AMK NEGATIVE PLATE

click to enlarge ...AMK Negative Offset plates are designed to meet the highest expectations in printing quality and reproduction. Our modern production facilities, in conjunction with extensive raw material tests and strict quality control assure the well known characteristics of AMK Offset plates. AMK Negcolor Offset plate is a negative working pre-sensitized offset plate, which is electro-chemically grained and anodized in our state of the art production line. The reproduction properties of this plate make it especially suitable for Sheet-Fed and Web-Offset printing, from long to very long runs.


QUALITY STANDARDS

  • Heavy duty press plate from long to very long runs.
  • Strong color change after exposure.
  • Very short exposure time.
  • Dark coating color for high contrast after development and easy plate scanner reading.
  • Trouble free water balance and good coating adhesion.
  • Resolution of 2% - 98%.
  • Constant high fidelity of printed images with very good tone reproduction, even with fine screens.

Negcolor’s shallow grain requires up to 20% less water to establish proper ink/water balance. This results in up to 40% faster roll-up and substantial water savings. Clean-up is also much faster because the shallow grain allows more complete development and less retention of the sensitized coating. The bottom line is that the Negcolor holds higher dot fidelity for the full run length to reproduce crisp highlights, rich mid-tones and superb shadow details. Run lengths range from 250.000 to 300.000 impressions depending on the pressroom and paper conditions.

EXPOSURE

  • AMK negative plates can be exposed with all commonly used metal halide or UV lamps emitting light in the wavelength range of 350 – 450nm.
  • In order to determine the correct exposure time, it is recommended to use plate control wedges such as, UGRA 1982, STOUFFER 21 Step or similar.
  • Recommended reproduction results using UGRA 1982 wedge are as follows: Gray scale-continuous tone with steps no. 4-5 clear. Microlines: 8 -10 microns.

A special photosensitive surface coating technique provides the layer with an anti-halation dye that holds exposure light in a tighter pattern to create a consistently sharper dot and at the same time dramatically reducing vacuum contact time.

DEVELOPMENT

  • For optimal results and plate room economy pollution free, clear, aqueous based and odorless AMK Negative Developer is highly recommended.
       
    Developer Temperature: Manual: 20-22ºC
      Machine: 20-24ºC
    Development Time: Manual: 40-50 sec.
      Machine: 20-30 sec.
       

DELETION

  • Deletion pens, pastes, or gels can be used to eliminate unwanted images on the plate.
  • Apply AMK Image Remover Paste or Image Remover Pen on to the unwanted image of the dry plate and leave for about 10sec. before rinsing and wiping the plate thoroughly with a damp sponge.

GUMMING

  • It is recommended that the plates are protected with AMK Genuine Gum Arabic or AMK Synthetic Gum. All gums should be removed before starting to print in order to ensure rapid ink-water balance.


PRINTING

  • Negcolor plates usually need no special handling on the press and can be used with isopropyl alcohol or conventional dampening systems.
  • Although excessive use of the solvent base of plate cleaners can damage the image and reduce print capacity, AMK 2000 Plate Cleaner can be used as a preparation for the background areas prior to starting the print.
  • AMK powder or liquid Fountain Solution is recommended for all sheet-fed and web-offsets. Compatible fountain solution of competitors can be used as a replacement. Recommended pH range is 4 - 4,5.

AVAILABLE THICKNESSES

  • 0,15 / 0,20 / 0,25 / 0,30mm.