How to diffrentiate between Thermal Plates?

[ahmedali]

Hi everybody,
I have tried more than thermal plate vendor like Lastra, Kodak, Ipagsa, and also chinees one.
nearly there is no diffrent in the recording quality.
We tried them on Screen PRT 8600, Luescher Xpose160.
What is the factors that we can decide the quality of a plate type?

Thanks

Ahmed Ali

[pmkprog]

Durability in the pressroom and tolerance to the press chemistry.
That combined with the consistency of the image.

[tbJAMMIN]

Originally Posted by pmkprog

Durability in the pressroom and tolerance to the press chemistry.
That combined with the consistency of the image.

also, the amount of chicken wings the vendor brings every month.

[TigerPress]

I don't think you will find a big difference in the specifications of thermal plates. I would suggest looking for the following:

1. Bake vs. No Bake - if you don't have to bake the plates, you will save big on electric bills and have one less piece of equipment to break.

2. Availability - be sure your dealer/manufacturer has been around and will stock all the sizes you need (and chemistry) so you won't have any supply problems.

3. Consistancy/Quality/Latitude - this I would say is the most important issue. The only was to judge is to ask for references from your dealer of other users of the plate. Good quality plates depend on a consistant coating and a consistant chemistry strength/temp. If the plates are a new design, it may take a while for the manufacturer to get its production facility to produce consistant plates. When you check references, also ask about any problems with spots or holes in the plates. Most thermal plates are positive working which make them very suseptable to spots.

Good luck ! ...Wayne

[Nasser]

Hi,

I think people already told you the main.

The durability and press chemistry tolerance is i guess the main....because if doesn`t work there what`s the point...hehehe....
we are using the Kodak Sword Excel and i think this plate follow the first rule quite well because in our press room they some time dont check too much ther variables like fountain solution Temp. and pH and even with that tha plate works great and they love it.

We are starting with Lastra as a backup in case something happen so far works ok.

Good Luck!!!

Nasser