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Presstuk · #1 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 09:05 AM

We are just starting to experiment with the Azura plates in our shop, and they seem to run fine, when cleaned properly. The problem we are having is that I converted and old analog plate processor to Azura, and the plates are scumming on press. The processor is the kind with rotating scrub brushes/rollers. Basically the Azura plates are 'scrubbed' clean, and then go through a water wash and dry cycle. The plates come out 'looking' clean, but the pressman encounters various degrees of scumming, in some cases, the plates won't even hold water.

I'm wondering if the heating rods in the old processor need to be turned off. Also, perhaps the final water rinse is not needed, since it may be taking off the Azura Gum. How important is it to keep these plates gummed until press time?

On the Agfa processors, how much pressure is needed to clean out the plate - I'm just worried that I might scratch the plate if I go too far.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

30YearsandCounting · #2 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 09:49 AM

WHY is Agfa not in there helping you set this up? If they want you to use their plates they should be there.

Presstuk · #3 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 10:05 AM

Haven't made the comittment yet - we want to be certain this is the way to go first.

30YearsandCounting · #4 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 10:23 AM

It shouldn't matter if you made the commitment. I am testing plates right now from 2 different manufacturers. I have not made a commitment to either. Both of them brought in processors and technicians to set them up. They don't want us to have results on press... due to the equipment not being set up with the right pressures, temperatures, dwell time etc.

Presstuk · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 11:29 AM

Yes, 30YearsandCounting, I realize that most of these major manufacturers are willing to bend over backwards to get their product in the shop, and that is certainly in the works, but in the meantime, I wanted to get some feedback from the trenches to see what some of you have been experiencing.

BTW, what are the two plates you are currently testing?

30YearsandCounting · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 11:43 AM

We are considering Fuji LH-PJ and Agfa's Amigo plates.

steveagfa · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 05:41 PM

Presstuk...

Oh my gawd...

It would be better to just wash the plates in a sink,
rather than using a conventional processor to clean
this plate. You might be baking the residual plastic
into the grain of the plate, thereby toning, due to the
oleophilic residue.

I believe we now have over 2500 users of this technology.

It works. (when used correctly!)

Regards,

steveagfa · #8 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 05:43 PM

30 years....

40% of the chemistry consumption;
one sixth the processor cleaning frequency...

What's your application; what's to consider?

Regahds,

beermonster · #9 (**permalink**) 05-11-2007, 02:40 AM

i went to a local printers yesterday - they had a b2 set up with azura

their repro chap said the press loved em, he's real happy he never has to have a hand in dev again.

was impressed - nice and clean, fairly quick, seems the only downside is an increase in dot gain

getting some trial b1's made and will report back

oh - as for the gummer - haggle with your supplier - they'll do a deal if pushed a bit - i'm going through a dealer, and even they were pushing the agfa guy for the gummer for me - it can be done - they WANT your business

steveagfa · #10 (**permalink**) 05-11-2007, 04:35 AM

Beer...

Thanks for the kind words.

I wouldn't call it dot gain, but rather,
the plate needs a curve to adjust for
exposure response. This is common
with most negative plates. With our
Amigo plate, the pull-back curve is
similar to Kodak Gold.

Regards,