by John Kaverman, PadPrintPros While the polymer cliché-making process is pretty straightforward, there are several little things that can go wrong, with the end result being poor image quality. Film Orientation Film orientation for cliché making should always be emulsion down. That means that when you've got the film in front of your and the image is in the horizontal and … [Read more...] about Polymer Cliché Exposure and Development Hints
Cliches
Q&A: Cliché Choices
Not long ago, the only real choice for creating a pad printing cliché was to chemically etch a steel plate. However, advancements with photopolymer technology and laser-based CTP systems have created more choices for pad printing operations to consider. What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel Clichés? Steel clichés for pad printing continue to be the mainstay for … [Read more...] about Q&A: Cliché Choices
Polymer Clichés for Pad Printing
by John Kaverman, Tampoprint Q: What purpose does the line screen serve in cliché making? The line screen serves three purposes: to support the ink cup's doctor ring, to control the volume of ink and to give the ink some resistance. To support the ink cup's doctor ring so that it doesn't "dip" ink out as it passes over the image area. Most manufacturers use magnets to … [Read more...] about Polymer Clichés for Pad Printing
Cliché Choices Not So Cut and Dried
by Jeff Peterson Not long ago, the only real choice for creating a pad printing cliché was to chemically etch a steel plate. However, new innovations and advancements with photopolymer technology and laser-based CTP systems have created more choices for pad printing operations to consider. Steel Clichés Steel clichés for pad printing continue to be the mainstay for very … [Read more...] about Cliché Choices Not So Cut and Dried
Troubleshooting the Polymer Cliché Making Process
by John Kaverman The manufacturing of polymer clichés has become more and more popular for pad printers of all types. Shorter lead times and the need to control costs are two big reasons the market has seen this increase. As with everything else, polymer cliché making has its challenges. However, if the right preparation and equipment are used, it can be a very successful … [Read more...] about Troubleshooting the Polymer Cliché Making Process