Prepressforums.com

Joe · #1 (**permalink**) 08-03-2007, 07:36 AM

Considering a new CTP/Processor/Plate offer and these are the plates our supplier is recommending. Kodak claims there is no need for pre or post bake with a run count of 500,000. Opinions? Confirm? Deny?

John1234 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2007, 07:48 AM

FWIW - we have ran the sword excel for almost three years with no issues.

That said we are changing plates due to the several price increases from Kodak

Also there has been supply issues as well

john

UncleSam · #3 (**permalink**) 08-03-2007, 07:57 AM

If you only do the regular 175 lpi AM screening, the Sword Excel are good enough. But if you want to print any high end screening like FM or Concentric Screening, you better look for the Fuji LH-PJ which is also no bake! Sword Excel can't hold any dot under 20 micron at all! And their plate quality control is not good, I got some boxes contain thicker plates. Also, the processor involve too many physical variables! I doubted they can go up to 500,000. In my experience, they only go up to 200,000, then, we need a new set of plates!

Dub · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2007, 02:48 PM

The Kodak Sword Excel plate comes in two different flavors. Original Kodak Sword Excel (G33 Grain) and the Kodak Sword Excel w/Ultragrain. The Original is a much tougher plate in terms of run length, resolution and durability. I have run both for about 5 years and will only use the G33 grain original because we run UV ink at times and it can be tough on the plate.

If you are going to be doing short runs (under 200K impressions) then you will probably be fine like Uncle Sam says. That is still pretty impressive for a non-bake plate. The Original will go for probably 300K impressions pretty consistently and can hold 20 micron dot structures using the 980 developer and 980 regenerator with upped replenishment rates.

Ultimately it comes down to cost. The LHPJ is a great plate as a comparison. It is similar to the Original Sword Excel in terms of durability and offers the foutain solution stability of the Sword Excel Ultragrain.

The biggest thing to look at is chemistry costs, depending on the deal you are getting.. Kodak will kill you in chem costs vs. Fuji.. something big to consider, don't get hung up on plate price and look at the whole picture including chemistry per plate costs.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

-Dub

UncleSam · #5 (**permalink**) 08-20-2007, 11:21 AM

Yes, I forgot to mention the chemistry cost too. They really charge you premium price! And also the maintainence for the processor is another expenses. Since it brush the plate physically rather than chemically, it really brush off the dots below 20 micron. Can't use it for 10-15 micron FM screen at all.

pwydler · #6 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 06:30 PM

Do you know the speed it should develop thes plates cause It looks like it need to scrub them more because It won´t take all the emulsion in some places or do I need to adjust the pressure
Can the fuji plates be develped with sword processor

UncleSam · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 10:48 PM

Make sure your chemical didn't go over 800 plates. If you have new chemical and still doing that, then, you may need to change your brushes, the kodak sales rep said they recommand to change it every 6 months. Also, you need to re-adjust your pressure. Or it may be because your platemaker's laser is getting weak, check that also!

If you use Fuji plate, you have to use Fuji Processor too. They are totally different method to process their plate!