Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The invention provides an improved method of imaging analogue flexographic liquid and sheet printing plates. Specifically it involves adding colour or greyscale to some of the clear parts of negatives used to make flexographic plates. This colour moderates the light allowed through the clear areas, keeping reverses open to the maximum depth possible, preventing the widening or overexposure of relief and reverse whilst allowing the maximum amount of light through the small clear areas making the fine relief. It does this by calculating the correct amount of light for each part of the negative according to the predicted amount of light that will be transmitted through it, adjusting the intensity of colour accordingly. It provides a technical advantage of using a negative over the digital process, widening the amount of information available to create the printing plate from just black and white. It enables the plate maker to achieve an optimal printing plate independent of design. The incorporation of a half tone screen over the selective colour enhances total ink delivered. The screen can also level out intensity irregularities in intensities in the exposure units.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim