AGFA N91V Plates

[tuff_gong]

The last few weeks we have been getting inconsistent results on plate density. We are CTP using an Esko Plate Driver Compact, nexus workflow. We can run 2 plates from the same box, same file, one after the other and results don't match. A few boxes have looked as if moisure had gotten in. Agfa people say we're the only ones having this kind of trouble. Anyone one seen this?

It shouldn't matter if you are the only one having this trouble. If the plates are getting to you in "bad shape" someone needs to see that it doesn't continue to happen.

I get my plates from Heidleberg, if they come in damaged the least bit - my rep will always take care of me. Luckily, I haven't had too much of that happen.
Good luck Scott.

Vee

[Eoghan]

Scott, I realise this is a little belated, but perhaps it can help...

We're running Agfa N91V plates through an Agfa Palladio, and we've seen the same problem from time to time. Usually it comes from the plates not being "conditioned" prior to use (ie. we always bring a new box of plates in from storage into the plateroom as soon as we put the previous box into the Palladio) as the temperature change from storage to the plateroom can cause condensation on the plates. Of course, all the efforts in the world won't help you, if delivery of these plates from the distributor is not controlled... if they sit in the truck for a while, then when delivered they get put straight into air-conditioning, then you can be sure they'll have some troubles.

Anyway, I don't know if this is where your problem might lie, but hopefully it might be of help to you.

eoghan.

[SebastianCote]

Hi

Eoghan is right, those N91V are very fragile, storing them in the same room your platesetter is. They need to be pre-conditionned, it might solve your problem.

Sebastian

[JimC]

Also, do a plate-exposure test with each new batch (Lot No.) of plates.

[tuff_gong]

Originally Posted by JimC

Also, do a plate-exposure test with each new batch (Lot No.) of plates.

Yeah we have been - no 2 boxes alike. In any event, by the end of the month we're going thermal, using azura plates. Have heard pretty good things about them.

[rgbpress]

We're running Agfa N91V plates through an Agfa Gallileo VS, as per advise we store our plates in 24hrs air conditional room which is the same room with the CTP machine, Occasionally we're facing plate blinding problem (the plate could not pick up the ink), we had check the exposure, calibration bar and the image on the plate, everything seem OK. Does any one of you guys facing the same problem?

[ColinG]

Hi all

What are your overall experiences of the N91V, in particular the batch-to-batch consistency? Scott, I'm particular interested in your experiences with the PlateDriver compact as we have a PlateDriver 4 fully-auto.

We currently use Fuji LP-NV plate. A very stable plate, excellent batch-to-batch consistency and it does the biz in the pressroom too - most of our runs are sub 15,000 imp but we get the odd one between 50-100,000 with no problem. It's in the chemistry that we get the most issues, usually when there's a re-circulation issue.

Thanks in advance

Colin Gilham
Prepress Manager
Vertec Printing Services Ltd
London, UK
Phone: +44 (0) 20 8319 5200
coling@vertec-print.co.uk
www.vertec-print.co.uk

[Nick_Robinson]

I think that a plate-to-plate variation is unlikely to be chemistry related. Plates that have be exposed to damp can vary alarmingly. New packs of plates should always be conditioned overnight before use. I would verify that the processor preheat is operating correctly as this can cause significant density variations.

[ColinG]

Nick,

Welcome aboard. Have you joined to bless us with your considerable knowledge or just to stalk me? :lol: