Prepressforums.com

jimking · #1 (**permalink**) 08-24-2007, 01:35 PM

Can someone tell me what the film would look (images) like when developed if the laser was dying on Avatra film setter. My pages are coming out simitransparent and its not weak developer. This filmsetter is very old.

MarkTonk · #2 (**permalink**) 08-24-2007, 02:32 PM

jimking,

Weak film can be caused by weak exposure if the chemistry is right. Can you increase exposure to get a better D-max? If not, then perhaps the optics can be cleaned to allow more light to pass. If still weak, may be the laser.

Regards,

Mark

jimking · #3 (**permalink**) 08-24-2007, 03:01 PM

I exposed both ends of the film with room light and protected the image from light. The film ends developed nicely, very black, no see through, the image however is transparent and it happened suddenly. Yesterday it worked fine today no good. I was told when the laser goes it goes quickly. Just to add, this imagesetter goes back to 1998 and I'm amazed it has lasted this long. Thanks Mark.

jimking · #4 (**permalink**) 08-29-2007, 12:29 PM

Increasing exposure worked, never had to adjust the exposure before. This machine will never die! Thanks again Mark.

MarkTonk · #5 (**permalink**) 08-29-2007, 03:07 PM

jimking,

Glad it worked. Keep an eye on it and read the solid film for the D-max, it needs to stay at the film manufacturers recommendation. If you see it slipping, you may need to adjust again, the ole laser may be going or you just ran into one of those prepress mysteries that pop up and then go away. Damn, I hate when those happen. Good luck!

Regards,

Mark

steve2112 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 05:42 AM

Our laser on on Agfa 5000 died last year. It was pretty darn old and the tech said you should get about 5-7 years out of the laser and towards the end you have to keep increasing the intensity of it. You can find laser and have them replaced and it was to bad a price hit.

Steve

jimking · #7 (**permalink**) 08-30-2007, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve2112

Our laser on on Agfa 5000 died last year. It was pretty darn old and the tech said you should get about 5-7 years out of the laser and towards the end you have to keep increasing the intensity of it. You can find laser and have them replaced and it was to bad a price hit.

Steve

The price I heard was $18,000. Heck you can pickup a refurbished machine for that price. It's not worth fixing.